Beer Reviews

Quadrafunk (Hoppy Wild Ale)

Reviews are done by Jim Matt, our Chief Science Officer, who is also a veteran FoBAB judge, GABF judge, and BJCP Master judge.

Quadrafunk (6.5% | IBU: 45) is a Hoppy Wild Ale brewed in celebration of our 4th Anniversary! Fermented with Brettanomyces and dry-hopped with a duo of Southern Hemisphere hops, Quadrafunk is a delicious exhibition of yeast's mystical powers.

Malts: 2-row, Munich, Wheat Malt, Acid Malt, Flaked Barley

Hops: Galaxy, Nelson Sauvin

Quadrafunk is a Hoppy Wild Ale. Talk about that style.

It is a little non-specific, but we threw some Brettanomyces (Brett) yeast into the fermenter for primary fermentation. "Wild" would mainly encompass anything that wasn’t fermented with a Saccharomyces yeast strain.

What effect does the yeast strain Brettanomyces have on the beer?

In general, Brettanomyces offers a more diverse set of spicy and fruity flavors than Saccharomyces yeast strains. Also, Brettanomyces generally chews through a wider variety of sugars than Saccharomyces yeast strains are able to, which tends to dry out Brett beers.

Quadrafunk uses Galaxy hops from Australia and Nelson Sauvin hops from New Zealand. Describe the flavors and aromas that result from these hops.

Galaxy is this great fruit bomb, some tangerine, melon, but definitely tropical and stone fruit-forward (e.g. peach, mango). Nelson Sauvin is a rare hop from New Zealand that offers up notes of gooseberry.

What are the notable characteristics of this beer?

Complex, hoppy, dry and just a little weird.

What excites you about this beer?

It is quite different from any other beer we have done.

Appearance: Gold color, fairly hazy. Medium carbonation. Thin head that does not persist.

Aroma: Medium hop aroma with notes of white wine, tropical fruit, and peach. Medium high fruity esters, moderate amounts of barnyard, funk, and spice character. Low malt aroma.

Taste: Medium bitterness, quite dry. Medium hop flavor (gooseberries, guava, peach). Low malt flavor. Slight, lingering bitterness.

Mouthfeel: Light body, medium carbonation.

Overall: A good “gateway” beer into the world of Brett beers, this is an easy one to drink and doesn’t get too funked up!

What foods would pair well with Quadrafunk?

Strong cheese (Stilton or Brie) or cured meats (e.g. Iberico ham from Spain).

Ideal glassware for Quadrafunk?

Tulip glass.