Judge's Review: 94 Rating - Timely Surrender by Archetype Brewing

Timely Surrender by Archetype Brewing is being evaluated as an American Wild Ale – Brett Beer (28A).

This beer pours a dark gold color with hazy clarity. A copious, frothy, and sturdy white head persists as the beer is imbibed and leaves a light lacing on the glass. Overall, this beer has an very typical aroma found in traditional French Wallonia-produced Saisons with a low earthy-funk, which is suggestive of the use of Brettanomyces. There is a general grainy low malt sweetness and moderate-low citrus esters and low notes of spice and wet hay. There are subdued note of dry hop useage and white wine notes as the beer warms. A medium-low bitter orange flavor is quickly followed by earthy, Brettanomyces funk with slight leather notes. There is a very low malt sweetness with a low and neutral grainy malt flavor. As the Brett character fades, a medium bitterness manifests itself and lingers into the finish. A low floral hop flavor is very fleeting in this beer. The finish is dry and the aftertaste consists of bitter orange and leather. This beer is thin bodied with high carbonation. This beer has no alcohol warmth, astringency or creaminess. Overall, this is a very well-done Saison which hits the hallmarks of the style. Extremely drinkable, though the malt character seems one-dimensional, the Brettanomyces adds a flavor complexity to keep it interesting. I would really enjoy pairing this beer with a creamy, funky cheese such as Taleggio where the carbonation would help cleanse the palate and the yeasty funk of the cheese would pair well with the Brettanomyces character.