From the moment you pop the cork* of Running Ashore, there’s the feeling of celebration. That only amps up with the champagne-like pour: the fluffy foam is super active, frothing up and up like it’s alive** before settling down and leaving the liquid to speak for itself.
Soft hay and mashed banana rise from the glass, and in the mouth it’s like fresh banana bread cut through with Brett*** with a glass of chardy on the side; that South Australian chardonnay influence (it spent nine months in ex-Koerner Slavonian barrels) is quite strong. I have to imagine the Mandarina Bavaria hops are tying in with the citric notes to some degree, but this is much more a study of oak than of hops. The liquid’s almost creamy as it rolls over the tongue, there’s winey acidity all the way through, and a staunch bitterness that makes itself known in the finish. The Felons crew deserve to celebrate this.
It's one of two releases from their barrel program with roots in the beers of Northern Europe; the second looks to Scotland before combining one of that country's boozier, maltier offerings with four months in ex-whiskey barrels from The Gospel in Melbourne. Wee Heavier presents – as a few of the bigger, traditional British beers do – with elements reminiscent of Belgian dubbels: fruit spices, plums and raisins. And, as the murky chestnut liquid warms, its blend of half a dozen specialty malts morphs into a toffee pudding as rich as any of the Scots' famed sweet treats.
Mick & James
* Even if it took you 90 seconds of straining and grunting to get there...
** I really want to compare it to The Blob, but it’s probably more akin to champagne frothing up.
*** Banana Brett!
Published November 8, 2024 2024-11-08 00:00:00
