Abrikoos – 2022

Abrikoos – 2022 by pFriem Family Brewers was judged as a Specialty Wood-Aged Beer (33B BJCP 2021) with a base Fruit Beer (29A). Apricot notes are abundant providing a floral and fruity aroma that comes across as very fresh. Yeast notes are a little funky (perhaps some wild yeast from the wood barrel), which provide a nice balance to the fruit. Malt and hops are not obvious in the aroma with these other characteristics in play. The color is straw with some moderate haziness. A firm, off-white head lingers on the surface, piling up a little more on the glass edge. The flavor is distinctly fruity and acidic. It bears a resemblance to a Berliner weisse with some tartness, but more like a traditional version served with fruit syrup. In this case, the apricot seems to be contributing some of the sweet and tart qualities, though yeast may be a factor in the latter. The finish is somewhat minerally with a lingering mild acidity that is refreshing. The mouthfeel is medium-light, with a slight carbonic bite. Overall, this is a very enjoyable and satisfying fruited beer that delivers the subtlety of apricot with enough complexity from the yeast and wood aging to make this much more than a typical fruit beer.