This past Sunday I made the trip up to Boulder to visit Avery Brewing Company for their latest one-off barrel release. NO.12 Oud Floris.
From The Brewery:
Boulder, CO
– Expanding their one-and-done series of experimental barrel-aged beers, Avery Brewing Company sets the date to release Oud Floris, a sour brown ale blended from thirteen wine and liquor barrels. With a very limited release of 252 cases, the brew spends between 1-3 years maturing in 13 different barrels. It presents what the brewers describe as a “Flanders-esque” flavor profile, both sweet and sour with notes of fruitiness.
While the beer pays tribute to the sours and brewing tradition of Belgium’s Flanders region, the name is a dedication to Avery’s brewery engineering consultant Floris Delée. Formerly the brewmaster of Dogfish Head Craft Brewery, Delée has been the chief consultant for the design of Avery’s new facility in Boulder, CO, and has become an indelible part of the Avery Brewing Co. team and family. As the designs and planning continue, the initial size of the building will be 72,000 sq ft with overall costs of the project estimated at $27 million. It includes state of the art brewing systems, an aerial brewery tour walkway, full service Tap Room and retail store. Owner Adam Avery plans for the brewery to be a homage to America’s craft brewing tradition.
Appearance - Rich brown through the center fading into shades of red and tan as it stretches to the edges of the glass. Slight haziness appears as the color lightens. Head does not last long, just enough to accentuate the tartness of the beer.
Smell - Pronounced oak leading with a hint of vanilla coming through in the back. Notes of bourbon and rum dominate throughout.
Taste - Light drinking, funky tartness dries the back of your tongue. Oakyness comes through in the first sips. You can pick up the Bourbon and Rum. The majority of the aging taking place in the Cabernet Sauvignon barrels dominates the other flavors but does not overpower the other subtle notes. As the beer warms, the sweetness intensifies, picking up a very pleasant molasses but still leaving a crisp dry finish.
Mouth feel - Dry finish leaves you wanting to take another drink. Just enough carbonation to kick up the sour and funk.
Deep thoughts - Avery nailed this beer on the head! Having had many of their latest barrel releases, this one definitely shines through as one of the better sours I’ve had and not just from Avery. I only wish I had more of them. It strongly reminds me of New Belgium’s La Folie but with more character from the blend of different style barrels that went into making it. I think this beer is incredible now and will stand the test of time in the cellar. Well done Avery, keep bringing the funk!
