Little Bang’s third barrel-aged blend has been let loose, but this time bearing a new name. The first two editions were released under the Rabbit Hole banner; now they'll go by Tangent after a name clash with another beverage company. Leaving aside naming, #3 is a complex beast: they started with a sour blonde co-fermented on shiraz skins, then aged it in three ex-wine barrels (French oak that once housed grenache, chardonnay and pinot noir) for nine months before blending.
The barrels and their former tenants contribute to the striking, incredibly bold and vibrant bright ruby red colour, as well as some woody oak and vinous characteristics in a beer registering 9.2 percent ABV. The aromas take you on a wild tangent through dark berries, oak and a sour funk, while the sourness awaiting on the first sip brings the saliva glands into instant action. To taste, there's a jammy, sticky, fruit forward mouthfeel featuring blackberries, cherries, plum and an almost savoury hit. The French oak is muted by the sweetness from the fruit while the sour lingers and dances across the entire palate.
Taken together, it makes Tangent #3 an absolute flavourgasm, melding the beer and wine worlds into one with finesse and style. It was produced in a super small batch so, if this sounds like your jam, don't hesitate when you spot one.
Matt King
Published December 10, 2020 2020-12-10 00:00:00
