You can always trust Sobremesa Fermentary & Blendery to approach winter a little differently and High Tea is no exception. The beer was brewed as part of Carwyn Cellars’ Black Box, with the dark mild inspired by British pub ales and given a Sobremesa spin thanks to it being barrel-fermented with two strains of Brettanomyces, alongside an English ale yeast.
Given Brettanomyces means "British yeast", surely plenty of dark milds have enjoyed a touch of Brett in years gone by and if the flavours then were as precise and nuanced as in High Tea, then infection doesn't sound all that bad at all. That Brett’s inclusion is at first quite distinct and obvious, bringing a touch of funk and soft floral flavours but as those disappear, you'll also find a mix of dried figs, chocolate, toast and freshly-roasted coffee. With a dry finish and an ABV of a mere 3.6 percent, it's the kind of beer where you'd order a second one without hesitation and hopefully, you'd be sitting by a crackling pub fireplace when you do.
Will Ziebell
Published August 22, 2022 2022-08-22 00:00:00
