Wicked Weed Bombadile
Wicked Weed just started shipping some of its tasty products to Virginia as of mid-October, at least that’s when I started seeing bottles appear on shelves. The brewery, known for their wild/sour ales, has been on my radar for quite some time, but the availability of bottles has been pretty darn limited. In fact, the only time that I’ve personally encountered the company’s beers is through its collaboration with Stone Brewing, Points Unknown IPA. That beer was good, but it was not in the same realm as Bombadile, a 4.2% ABV farmhouse ale.
This tasty little brew isn’t your standard saison or farmhouse ale. It’s got a healthy helping of brettanomyces and is brewed with a half pound per gallon of strawberries — all before resting for a while in a French oak foeder. The result is a beer that presents a classy and refined character that steers clear of pretentious, all the while allowing its delicate flavors to shine. The beer has a solid amount of wild tartness, earthy funk and a smooth strawberry flavor.
As far as wild ales go, Bombadile is an outstanding example of the style. It’s wonderfully tart, earthy and well rounded. The level of strawberry isn’t overwhelming and provides just the right amount of fruitiness. The lower alcohol content and refined flavors make for one hell of a drinking experience. More, please.