Apricot Orchard Brett Golden Ale
The Virginia Beer Co.
Story by:
Bev Blackwood
Wild Specialty Beer
Limited Release
Virginia
United States
Judges Ratings 94
Aroma: 23 / 24
Flavor: 39 / 40
Appearance: 5 / 6
Mouthfeel: 9 / 10
Overall Impression: 18 / 20
Description
Brettanomyces is a species of wild yeast normally seen as a threat in the brewery, but we love the fruity and funky flavors it can produce when used with intention. Our house blend of Brettanomyces strains, one Belgian in origin and the other isolated from a Virginia orchard, is sourced from RVA Yeast Labs in Richmond, VA. Re-fermented on 200 pounds of pureed apricots, Apricot Orchard features a fruity and slightly funky fermentation character that blends with the acidity of the fruit to create a lightly tart, fruit-forward beer. The lone hop addition of Azacca in the whirlpool adds soft bitterness and a layer of tropical fruit complexity to an already pleasing flavor and aroma.
Beverage Profile
ABV: 5.90%
IBUs: 25
Served at: (45º)
Hops: Azacca
Malts: Bohemian Pilsner, Wheat, Flaked Oats
Judges Review
By Pat Mulloy
Judges Ratings 94
Aroma: 23 / 24 / 24
Flavor: 39 / 40 / 40
Appearance: 5 / 6 / 6
Mouthfeel: 9 / 10 / 10
Overall Impression: 18 / 20 / 20
This is a fruity Brett strain with stone fruit – especially apricot – aromas out front supported by traces of pineapple, citrus and overripe fruit with light bread crumb and a hint of bubble gum. The pour produces a big, boisterous 3” cap perched atop a hazy gold column permeated with streams of rapidly rising bubbles. The brewer adds just enough fruit to complement and not overwhelm the yeast. Ripe to overripe Brett-produced fruit flavors (berry, citrus and pineapple) and added fruit flavors (stone fruit) play off and enhance one another giving the beer a delightful complexity. A light and very airy yet creamy texture massages the mouth and gives the flavors an added dimension. The result is an elegant, well balanced beer you can drink for both its texture and flavor.
Share options
Share a link that only Beer Connoisseur subscribers can access