Tuesday Tasting: Almanac Beer Co. Summer 2010 Vintage

On any given day of the week locally grown food is easily found at farmers markets statewide.  It is only logical that breweries in the state also take advantage of the plethora of fresh ingredients readily available to them.  Almanac Beer Co., based out of San Francisco, is doing just this.  Each beer they release is brewed in collaboration with a local farm using hand selected ingredients.  Their Summer 2010 Vintage takes a Belgian Golden Strong Ale and blends it with a barrel aged blackberry infused beer.

Appearance
Golden yellow in color with a slight orange tint.  A finger and a half of off white head is made of tightly packed tiny bubbles.  Retention and lacing are both satisfactory.

Aroma
Initial aroma mirrors that of a weaker West Coast IPA.  Notes of grapefruit reflect the usage of Citra hops.  The nuances of the beer reveal themselves with hits of blackberry, ripe grapes, and the tell-tale oak and vanilla of barrel aging. 

Taste
The beer nods to its Belgian roots with notes of green apple and pear.  Slightly tart with a bit of yeasty earthiness and peppery phenols.  The complexities produced by blending and barrel aging add layers of flavor and impart an oaky red wine-like character to the beer.

Mouthfeel
Medium to light bodied and somewhat plucky in the mouth due to a high level of carbonation.  At 8% ABV it is warming.  Finish is slightly dry and tannic.

Drinkability
All the complexities and depth of flavor one would expect from a Belgian style beer that is brewed with West Coast hops, fresh berries, blended, and barrel aged.  The nose and mouth will not get bored with this beer.  A very good change of pace to keep the palate on its toes.  Overall grade for Almanac Beer Co. Summer 2010 Vintage: B

Almanac Beer Co. Summer 2010 Vintage