Judge's Review: 93 Rating - Wine Barrel Aged Magic Trait by Speciation Artisan Ales

Wine Barrel Aged Magic Trait by Speciation Artisan Ales was reviewed as a BJCP category 28C Wild Specialty Beer. This beer is brewed with blackberries and black currants and aged in red wine barrels. Red wine berry smells with a trace of vanilla and oak rise from the glass. Mild funk joins low hop and malt aromas. It fills the glass like a NE IPA on acid – cloudy red under a 2” pink cap with poor retention. This is a carnival of flavor. Berries and wine combined with the yeast produce a lemonade level of tartness. The berries also join with the oak to provide dimension to the tannins – astringent but not puckering. The berries roll around in your mouth and leave a lingering, slightly astringent, dry as a bone berry wine aftertaste. The beer is a sensual delight with a delightfully soft creamy texture that is reason enough to drink this beer. This beer is rustic, yet elegant and a pleasure to drink.