Hillfarmstead Barrel-aged What is Enlightenment?

LOC: Greensboro Bend, Vermont ABV: N/A | IBUS: N/A | SRM: N/A

What the brewer says

“This is an American pale ale crafted with Simcoe and Amarillo hops. We aged a small portion of freshly brewed beer in French oak barrels for more than 8 months, dry hopped with Simcoe and Amarillo, and then bottle conditioned. The result: a bright, enlivening, and aromatic beer.”

What our panel thought

Aroma: “Lemon, grapefruit, peach, tangerine, lime, and lemongrass. Brett character adds great complexity and the touch of acidity makes all of the citrus notes pop.” Flavor: “Rich and fruity with just enough tartness to bring everything together. Same list of fruit as on the aroma and really nice Brett character. Light hops flavor in the middle of the sip. This has a soft malt body—bready and a bit of oat. Light sweetness throughout with a nice dry, crisp finish.” Overall: “Really nice beer—complex yet easy drinking. Bold citrusy hops flavor throughout, like a super-juicy pale ale shot through with pineapple notes from Brett Clausenii. It’s everything that’s good about new school hops and Brettanomyces.”

AROMA: 12 APPEARANCE: 3 FLAVOR: 20 MOUTHFEEL: 5 OVERALL: 10 98