Reinaert Flemish Wild Ale

It's hard to pour a glass of this beer -- a very big ivory-colored poofy head appears after pouring and a fairly big 'pffft' sound is heard when opened. The initial aromas are of freshly baked bread, earthy, a slight note of apricot, with wet hay and other funky notes -- very Brett-like -- like the Bruxellensis strain. The beer is very hazy gold, and the tiny-bubbled head sticks around for a long time, leaving behind a little Belgian lace. Although the aroma is a bit more subdued, the flavor brings out all the earthy and barnyard funk, along with a slight dirty-socks note, horse blanket, a bit of apple skin and a somewhat sulfury bready finish that is tart, fairly acidic and very dry. This beer features a medium-low body with high carbonation, a medium level of clean ethanol warmth, and (surprisingly) a somewhat creamy mouthfeel. This is not a beer for everyone -- it's got the Brett funk that is usually an acquired taste. The extreme dryness and funky character would pair very nicely with strong Bleu cheese and apricot preserves on crostini bread crusts. Also, try it with a well-marbled steak like a ribeye -- the beer will cleanse the fatty meat yumminess after each bite.