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Judge’s Review: 94 Rating Mierka by Väsen Brewing Co.

October, 2020

Mierka

Mierka

Virginia
United States
Mierka, Väsen Brewing Co.
Description 

We created this slightly hoppy farmhouse ale using traditional Belgian Brettanomyces and saison yeast with aged Saaz hops to produce flavors of stone fruit and spice together with classic funky Brett character. After months of fermentation in white wine barrels, this beer was dry-hopped with Citra and Amarillo hops to add subtle floral and citrus notes. A classic funky farmhouse ale.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
6.0%
Served at: 
45 - 50ºF
Malts: 
Belgian Pilsner, German Wheat, German Spelt, German Rye, Raw Wheat
Hops: 
Aged Saaz, Citra, Amarillo

 

 


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Judges Rating: 
94
Aroma: 
23 / 24
Appearance: 
6 / 6
Flavor: 
37 / 40
Mouthfeel: 
10 / 10
Overall Impression: 
18 / 20

Mierka by Väsen Brewing Co. is being evaluated as a Mixed-Fermentation Sour Beer(Category 28B) from the 2015 BJCP guidelines. 

This beer poured straw in color with a hazy clarity and a very thin white foam stand. Seems highly carbonated judging from the small bubbles rising fast to the top.

Welcoming aromas of honey, herbal notes and yeast-derived spiciness, followed by grainy malt. A fresh oak barrel is discerned with white wine characteristic of green pears and sour apples with a whisper of vanilla.

Grainy malt flavor with a small amount of honey (suggesting sweetness) and herbal notes deliver on the spiciness attributed to the yeast character. Not too wild or sour, but balanced with an agreeable acidity. Hay and wet straw, along with sour qualities, are here as well. The bitterness is mostly malt-derived. The finish, while dry, is not overly sour or tart. The saison character is more American than Belgian meaning that it's subtle and not as dry in the finish or full-bodied as a Dupont.

Medium-light bodied with very high carbonation. This is slightly astringent, and there are no warming alcohols in the mouthfeel.

A refreshing beer. Mild in the way of sour ales, with the added mixed fermentation character the yeast and barrel condition provide. This beer can be aimed at introducing new drinkers to the sour/wild ale style of beers without coming across as too acidic, tart or funky. Delicately balanced to please the seasoned sour beer fan along with new ones. The subtle qualities work in harmony to deliver an excellent beer experience on the palate. Pair this beer with acidic foods like salads, fish dishes, pickled vegetables and tomato sauces.

 

 

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