A wheat wine, Ashnan displays great depth of character and complexity. It features bold tannic notes that integrate very well with the tropical fruit flavours. Aging in white wine barrels contributes wood and wine character to the noticeable alcohol presence, and enhances a dry finish. A beer with a wine-imposed identity crisis, Ashnan sits comfortably between, offering the best qualities of both.
Beau’s LCBO Barrel Aged Beer Feature for spring 2014 is inspired by the art and mythology of ancient Mesopotamia. Ashnan was the Mesopotamian goddess of grain, an apt symbol for this barrel aged wheat wine. This rare and relatively new beer style is similar in strength to a barley wine, but with a higher ratio of wheat to barley for a more subtle, less malty flavour.
Ashnan wheat wine pours a light gold colour, and is moderately hopped. This lively, effervescent golden ale abounds in tropical fruit flavours, notably pineapple. The wine-like character is pronounced, with buttery chardonnay aromas giving way to oakiness. The finish is gently warming. 600 ml, 9.8% alc./vol.
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