Judge’s Review: 90 Rating – Bretta V by pFriem Family Brewers

Brett Beer | Limited Release | USA

By Rick Franckhauser

Judges Rating: 90
Aroma: 20
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 37
Mouthfeel: 9
Overall Impression: 18

Bretta V by pFriem Family Brewers was judged as a Specialty Fruit Beer, Category 29C, with the base beer being Category 28A, Brett Beer, per the 2021 BJCP Style Guidelines.
The aroma opens with a moderately high level of citrus, not as pungent as lemon or grapefruit zest but a little more of a combined zest. Overall, it’s fresh and bright. There is a light underlying bready malt character noted. The Brett is very subtle, just a hint leaning toward the funky side, but it reads as a little more earthy. Some low-level floral aspects come through, a little lavender, which adds some additional interest. The aroma leans into the citrus but it is by no means one-dimensional. I was expecting, and wanting, a little more of the Brett qualities to come through, but I can’t be disappointed with the fresh, bright zesty aromatics that are all very enticing. The beer is a light-golden yellow with a slight haze that’s topped with a creamy white head that held up throughout. A nice lacing was left behind. Overall, this was surely appealing to the eye.
The flavor followed through with a greater degree of the bright citrus found in the aroma. More of the Brett funkiness is also found, adding the earthy notes with a touch of spice (white pepper), along with some floral quality to soften and complement the citrus. The Brett is still at low levels but notable. The flavor is more reminiscent of what you would expect from a Belgian yeast. The malt is more neutral in the flavor as it is just supporting the citrus with a little sweetness and adding some body. The citrus also seems to be playing a role in aiding the hop bitterness and rounding the beer out. The finish is medium-dry and refreshing. The citrus lingers into the aftertaste and asks you to follow up with another sip. Medium-light bodied with moderate carbonation levels. There is a slight creaminess to the mouthfeel but just enough prickling from the carbonation to help clean it off the palate. However, I did want more carbonation to brighten things up a bit.  
Overall, a very nice and refreshing yet interesting beer to experience. The use of yuzo is an excellent choice to bring in citrus without the pithiness or impression acidity often accompanying other citrus fruits. Nice supporting malt and bitterness help to balance the beer. While I wanted more Brett character, it still played an important role in bringing some interest with the earthy, spicy and lavender notes. The beer was an easy-drinking beer but maintained interest and some subtle complexities. This is a beer that I would love to have multiple bottles of for sampling every few months to experience the evolution of the Brett over the next year or two, maybe even more.