Judge’s Review: 94 Rating – Golden Raspberry Barrel Aged Belgian Ale by pFriem Family Brewers

Specialty Fruit Beer | Limited Release | United States

By Michael Heniff

Judges Rating: 94
Aroma: 22
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 38
Mouthfeel: 10
Overall Impression: 18

Golden Raspberry Barrel Aged Belgian Ale by pFriem Family Brewers is being evaluated as a Mixed-Style Beer (category 34B from the 2021 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines). Belgian Blond Ales (category 25A in the 2021 BJCP Beer Style Guidelines) are noted for their light color, simple malt bill and a prominent yeast-derived citrusy ester and peppery phenolic profile. Fruit Beers and Specialty Wood Aged Beers should have a harmonious balance with the base style. Golden Raspberry Barrel Aged Belgian-Style Ale was fermented with golden raspberries and was aged in Sauvignon Blanc barrels.
Golden Raspberry Barrel Aged Belgian-Style Ale pours straw in color with a moderate haze and a huge mousse-like white head. The aroma is prominent raspberries with moderate leathery and barnyard funkiness and a light citrusy ester. The flavor is more restrained with a moderate raspberry complemented by white grape, a light funky barnyard (with virtually no sourness) and a light peppery phenolic provide contrast to the fruit flavors. The finish is moderately bitter in a drying finish with notes of barnyard, raspberry and white grape.
Golden Raspberry Barrel Aged Belgian-Style Ale is an excellent example of a light-colored barrel aged beer. The base style is not very showy but the golden raspberries are delicious while the white grape and restrained funkiness add character. Definitely seek this complex, easy drinker out!