Appearance:
Pours nice, perfect carbonation. First thing I'm struck by is the purple-pink head. The body is black to blood-red purple in color. Very wine-like, almost like a pinot noir.
Aroma:
Blackberry, cabernet, even sherry-like notes, dry, some funkiness from that Belgian strain.
Taste:
Smooth and silky, with tart blackberry right up front. Nice dryness. Some tangyness, some funk, but overall very slight. But the blackberry is the real star here. As I said, perfect carbonation, which keeps the flavors effervescent.
Verdict:
Totally unlike anything I've brewed thus far. At first, the blackberry was so forward that it threw me. But, as the beer warmed and after a few more sips, I found myself really liking the departure. Dry and tart, but with enough subtle sweetness and warm flavor to bring balance. I would definitely brew this one again.
