Russian River Temptation (Batch 004)

From Russian River Brewing Co. – “Aged in French oak wine barrels for twelve months with distinct characteristics of fruit and subtle oak” sounds more like a description of wine than beer. However, Temptation is indeed beer. Temptation is a Blonde Ale aged in French oak chardonnay barrels with Brettanomyces. Flavors of wine and oak absorb into the brew throughout its aging. Temptation is re-fermented in the bottle to create its carbonation–a process commonly used to make fine champagne and sparkling wine. Spent yeast forms a thin layer of sediment to remain in the bottle.

Russian River Brewing Co. – Temptation Batch 004×4 – 750 ml. bottle poured into a goblet. 7.25% abv. Purchased at Whole Foods Market Arroyo- Pasadena, CA.

Appearance: Pours a bright cloudy yellow  with a tight sudsy head. When I hold it up to the light, I see swirls and bursts of yeast.

Aroma: Lemon and wood (oak and cork), Brett whiffs and old clothes.

Taste: Woody, oaky astringency, tart citrus fruit, unripe berry. Some real nice funk in the aftertaste.

Mouthfeel: Medium body. The head never goes away completely, and gives a little creamy texture before sipping the body, which isn’t creamy at all.

Overall: A really excellent beer, with a great woody presence.