Americas Flemish Scotsman

FoBAB 2008. Pours brown with off white head. The nose is chocolatey and tart fruit. A little bit sweet and a little bit sour. Full body with a bit of sweetness cut by oak.

FoBAB 2008 - pours amber with off white head. nose of smoke, musty, vanilla, peetty, lacto. flavor has some smoke, lacto, meaty, peety, really interesting brew.

FoBAB 2008 - The Scottish Ale or "Old ale aged with souring bacteria for 14 months in a 12 year old Heaven Hill barrel", the bottles are actually handbottled by brewer for the festival, was on limited tap at brewery. The appearance is a alightly hazy mahogany hue with a small but lasting head, some spotty lace. The aroma has a weird nose of vanilla, oak, peat moss, maple syrup, lacto and brett yeast strains, vinous and a massive phenolic character, very inviting... The flavor profile develops a complex palate of peaty and smoky Scotch ale, oaky and sweet bourbon cask, and a wonderful acidic and barnyard yeast twang. A dry woody finish cleans the palate for the next sip. The mouth feel is oily and lush with soft carbonation. Overall this is the surprise of the fest without a doubt, I was telling everyone I knew to try this before it ran out. A happy mistake by America’s brewer Mike. Do it again if you can! Will change everything you think you know about wild brews and Scottish Ales.

FoBAB 2008, Chicago: I’m not sure why Mike Rybinski, the brewer, listed this as an Old Ale. My understanding is that it was one of his sturdy Scotch Ales that was subjected to souring bacteria that created this brew. Regardless, I think Mike should have been more daring and named this "Scottish Flem." Not much to look at, a headless reddish amber brew. The aroma was somewhat vinegary, yet managed to blend that with a fruity sweetness and a touch of toffee. The flavor was much like the aroma, perhaps a bit more sour, with a hint of earthy woddiness. A real interesting treat.

FoBAB 2008. ruby colored, no head, slight lacing. aroma has sour notes, smooth, sweet fruits. medicinal notes in the flavor, sour fruit notes, but smoothly blended together. medium bodied, dry finish. a touch too sour for my tastes, but an interesting brew.