Firestone Walker Brewing Company Barrelworks Lil Opal Barrel-Aged Saison Farmhouse Ale

Hello beer lovers and welcome to another edition of the NorCal Beer Blog’s brew review.

Tonight’s featured beer is Firestone Walker Brewing Company Barrelworks Lil Opal Barrel-Aged Saison Farmhouse Ale.

From the Firestone Walker Brewing Company website: “Our first 2013 blend from masterblender Jim Crooks! Lil’ Opal is a cunning blend of two-year-old American oak and eight-month-old French oak saisons. Both go through a secondary fermentation and maturation in barrels.  This traditional Belgian farmhouse saison has notes of citrus and tropical fruit, a smooth mouthfeel, and tangy crisp finish. Round this all out with a little earthy funk and we have one refreshingly complex offering.”

Let’s get started!

Appearance: Pours a clear golden color with a tall white head and nice lacing.

Aroma: Citrus, sweet dried and tart fruits, oak, vanilla, funk and light grains.

Taste: Tart and sour – citrus and grapes, oak, vanilla, light grains, Brett funk, some wheat and slight hop bitterness.

Overall: Crisp