Beer Reviews

Season 7 (Brett IPA with Passionfruit)

Previously on Rhinegeist…
The first six have been a wild and hoppy passion-fueled ride, so we brewed this Brett IPA with Passionfruit to commemorate our seventh season. Aromas of pineapple and passionfruit set the stage for lengthy cameos of ripe tropical fruit and citrus, ending in a crisply hopped finale. Join us next time…

Reviews are done by our Sensory Specialist Travis Houston, a Certified Cicerone and FoBAB judge.

Malts: Origin Pilsner (OH), German Pilsner, White Wheat, Spelt, Flaked Oats

Hops: Sabro, Azacca, Ekuanot

Season 7 is fermented with Brettanomyces bruxellensis. What does this culture bring to the beer, and how does it play with Passionfruit? 

Brettanomyces, often called “wild” yeast, or shortened just to “Brett”, creates a unique set of flavors and attributes that standard brewer’s yeast doesn’t. Brett can ferment more types of sugar than the yeast typically used, creating a thinner, drier product. It also creates flavors that you won’t find in standard beer that are more reminiscent of wine. The word “funk” is often used to describe the rustic, hay-filled barn aromas Brett imparts on beer, along with hints of leather and dried leaves. Phenolic hints of spice are also created, but are fairly subdued in Season 7. Passionfruit is a very aromatic fruit, with a bright, ripe character that melds beautifully with the Brett funk I just described.  The acid contributed by the fruit addition enhances the dry, crisp aspect of the beer.

What are the notable characteristics of this beer?

Brettanomyces adds it’s unique, funky, leathery character, while also drying out the beer to a level comparable to Muscadet. Passionfruit compliments this funk with fresh, ripe, tropical notes, and also brings some acidity that livens up the body. The hops chosen for this beer are known for their tropical fruit character, especially Sabro, which can even add slight hints of coconut, though it sticks to pineapple in Season 7.

bottles on the line getting cleaned

What makes you want to drink this beer?

This beer is extremely complex, offering layers of flavor that change continuously from start to finish. It’s funky, fruity, hoppy, crisp, and delicious.

Are there any other IPAs you dig that feature less-than-traditional fermentation? 

Allagash Brewing Brett IPA, Stone Enjoy After Brett IPA, and Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project Hop Savant.

Appearance: Light gold and hazy

Aroma: Brettanomyces funk, leather, tropical fruit, passionfruit, citrus peel

Taste: Brettanomyces funk instantly fades to hints of bright acidity and passionfruit, followed by medium bitterness, leaving a slightly lingering but pleasant fruit character

Mouthfeel: Thin and crisp with medium-high carbonation

Overall: Dry, funky, tropical fruit forward, with a thin, crisp body and lingering passionfruit.

What foods would pair well with Season 7? 

I think Brett beers pair best with blue cheese. Some Roquefort or Stilton, along with your meat of choice, would go great with this beer.

Ideal glassware for Season 7?

A snifter

bottle of Rhinegeist Season 7