Wild Beer Company Somerset Wild
Style: Wild Ale
Style: Wild Ale
Alcohol Content: 5%
From: Westcombe, Somerset, United Kingdom
Purchased from: Sante Wine Imports, Wells, Somerset
"And now for something completely different" Monty Python
The subject of this review is Wild Beer Company’s Somerset Wild. A self styled wild ale, which is not too dissimilar to the more commonly know Lambic beer style. Personally, I have an extremely chequered past with this style. Every single time I have tried one of these beers I have instantly regretted my decision. My last encounter was in 2013's Great British Beer Festival. After a few sips I had to pour the rest away. The vinegar like taste was far too sour for me to enjoy. However, being a glutton for punishment and a lover of the Wild Beer Company, I decided to this this beer a chance. Can i become a convert? Lets find out.
The idea for Wild Beer came to the founders Andrew and Brett during the Great British Beer festival. Disappointed by the lack of breweries producing ales with natural flavourings, the duo approached Arbor Ales to help them realise their vision. A few months later, a dark, barrel-aged beer cultivated with wild yeasts appeared under the name Modus Operandi (a Latin phrase, approximately translated as "method of operation"). Due to the beers success, they moved to their own brewery based on Lower Westcombe Farm in Somerset to continue their metamorphic rise. And it’s paid off, with the brewery winning the New Business of the Year Award at the Somerset Business Awards. Well done guys!
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| Let's get wild! |
Aroma: As soon as you pop the cap you are overloaded with notes of tart lemon and delicate hints of yeast. After a few minutes in the glass, the lemon sensation begins to subside and notes of apple begin to take over. Pure bliss! These aromas really remind me of my idyllic summer holidays down in somerset, where i would often walk through field upon field of crab apple trees with the hot summer sun beating down on my neck. Ah how i miss those simple days of my youth!
Body: For a beer that appears rather dense, this drink is actually rather thin in the mouth. I actually thought that the bucket load of yeast used in this beer would help the beer feel thicker (rather like a Saison) but unfortunately this is not the case. The sour edge to this beer actually reminds me of an alcopop called Hooch (remember that!). Very thirst quenching and yet devilishly tart!
Taste: Blimey this drink is so, so sour! It takes quite awhile to get use to. The tart lemons dominate the palate from beginning to the end. As the drink warms, notes of apple begin to come to the fore and the beer begins to resemble a somerset scrumpy (cloudy cider). If you have ever tasted a cider called Old Rosie you will know what I'm getting at here. The wild yeast helps to add a subtle hint of straw or hay. The finish is mouth watering dry and tart with not a hint of bitterness at all. This is actually the first Lambic style beer that i have actually enjoyed and would want to revisit. Yet another winner from Wild Beer Company!
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