Sauv Blanc Barrel Aged Golden Ale

Sauv Blanc Barrel Aged Golden Ale by pFriem Family Brewers was judged as a BJCP style 33A Wood-Aged Beer with the underlying style of 25A Belgian Blond Ale (since the beer smells Belgian). The type of wood (required to be specified by the 33A style) is a Sauvignon Blanc barrel. The beer when poured is very expressive with billowing white foam of small bubbles that fades fairly quickly but leaves some Belgian lace on the glass. Color is yellowish deep gold and quite hazy. The initial aroma is medium grainy with moderate spicy black pepper and grains of paradise notes. The flavor echoes the grainy malt notes and white pepper, but also some fresh hay and a bit of lemon zest, low floral hops and low bittering – interesting and complex. Medium body, very high carbonation, and a fairly dry finish that has lingering grainy/lemony/black pepper. The barrel adds a hint of vanilla and a bit of an earthy character. Moderately funky – leaning toward a Saison character. Lots of complexity and character, this beer would go with about any food – it’s very universal, but I’d like it with a crispy salad with candied walnuts.