Firestone Walker Agrestic
Firestone Walker has been killing it lately with these small batch releases of barrel-aged beers that have been hitting shelves lately. Agrestic starts its life as the company’s flagship DBA before spending several months in barrels (both French and American oak) with a variety of microflora. The result is a beer that is appropriately named as this wild ale is both aggressively tart with a rustic overall flavor profile. It’s a combination that I particularly enjoyed.
The surge of sour tartness hits quickly and pretty hard as soon as Agrestic hits your lips. It’s peaks swiftly and fades excruciatingly slowly as that earthy, rustic character arrives with woody notes and distant fruits. A touch of lemony citrus and cherries both hang out in the background while wild yeast and a touch of sweetness hang around for a bit in the lasting and drying finish. The beer’s assertive acidity will certainly not be for everyone.
I’m a big fan of this beer. It’s one that I should have bought more of when the opportunity was available as I believe that it will continue to develop nicely in the bottle for a few years to come. The surge of tartness, wild flavors and woodiness all combine for an experience that may not be for everyone, but I thoroughly enjoyed the rustic character and sour acidity.