Wildflower Distinctly Perceived (2021)
STYLE: WILD
REGION: Marrickville, NSW
SIZE: 750ml
ABV: 5.8%
I'm really happy with this second release of Distinctly Perceived, a barrel aged ale made with white wine grape pomace. First made in 2019 using Chardonnay pomace from Murray Smith, this was an extremely well received beer marrying the tannins and fruit character of direct press white wine skins with the acid and texture of our barrel aged beer. This 2021 release is a blend of ales fermented separately on Riesling and Viognier pomace organically grown by Bryan Martin at Ravensworth as well as organic Semillon pomace from M&J Becker. And lastly, a hint of Zibibbo pomace from Ricca Terra via Sam Leyshon at Mallaluka in Murrumbateman. Tasting notes are below but I believe the blend of what these skins had to offer has lended to a more harmonious drink in the end... with the macerated Riesling and Viognier characters taking centre stage.
This release has a huge fruit nose, melon, musk sticks, ginger with a noticeable skinsy element of herbaceous, dry spice that plays wonderfully amongst the fruit. Nicely structured palate with the phenolic element present but in balance. Pear and cider, cooked citrus and stone fruit carry the palate, a woody spice gives length while the finish is clean and flavorsome.
It's difficult to overstate the impact of Wildflower since its inception only a few years ago in 2017. Hailing from Texas, Topher Boehm has an impressive resume - from Brasserie Thiriez to Jester King to his background in astrophysics - not to mention his unique house yeast. Cultivated from foraged wildflowers native to NSW, think wattle blossoms and banksia, blended with a Belgian saison strain, creating something truly individual which speaks of place. Topher even sprayed the entire brewery with inoculated wort when he moved in, just to make sure everything was literally covered in the house culture.