Beer of the Day - Elderberry 2011
Elderberry 2011
| Category | Style | ABV | IBU |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hybrid/mixed Beer | Wood- and Barrel-Aged Sour Beer | 8.2 | 15 |
Our Thoughts
Today we have "Elderberry 2011" which is a Wood- and Barrel-Aged Sour Beer that could be compared to a Very strong Scottish Ale. Looking to get drunk on one to two beers? With an ABV of 8.2 this beer will get you there. This is a beer for those who are tired of light lagers and want something with a little bit of a kick. You will still find a nice crisp taste but a higher IBU profile makes for a great drink.
Wood- and Barrel-Aged Sour Beer
A wood- or barrel-aged sour beer is any lager, ale or hybrid beer, either a traditional style or a unique experimental beer that has been aged for a period of time in a wooden barrel or in contact with wood and has developed a bacterial induced natural acidity. This beer is aged in wood with the intention of introducing the micro flora present in the wood. Sometimes wood aging is intended to impart the particularly unique character of the wood, but wood-aged is not necessarily synonymous with imparting wood-flavors. Wood character can be characterized as a complex blend of vanillin and unique wood character. Wood-derived character can also be characterized by flavors of the product that was in the barrel during prior use. These wood-derived flavors, if present in this style, can be very low in character and barely perceived or evident or assertive as wood-derived flavors. Any degree of woodderived flavors should be in balance with other beer character. Fruit and herbspiced versions may take on the hue, flavors and aromas of added ingredients. Usually bacteria and wild yeasts fermentation contributes complex esters and results in a dry to very dry beer. Ultimately a balance of flavor, aroma and mouthfeel are sought with the marriage of acidity, complex esters, and new beer with wood andor barrel flavors. Beers in this style may or may not have Brettanomyces character. Brewers when entering this category should specify type of barrel used and any other special treatment or ingredients used. Competition managers may create style subcategories to differentiate between high alcohol and low alcohol beers and very dark and lighter colored beer as well as for fruit beers and non-fruit beers. Competitions may develop guidelines requesting brewers to specify what kind of wood new or used oak, other wood varieties. The brewer may be asked to explain the special nature wood used, base beer styles and achieved character of the beer.
What does ABV/IBU mean?
ABV
ABV stands for Alcohol By Volume and is listed as a percentage and lets you know how much of your beer is alcohol and how much is other stuff.
IBU
stands for International Bitterness Units measures the bitterness from hops in a beer on a scale of 0 to 100.
Beer Fact of the Day
As a rule of thumb, darker and bitter beers have higher alcohol content.
