Up my Street

After a series of not-very-well-received (by me) "normal" beers, Wide Street makes a triumphant return to the sour game with Wildwood, a 5-year bourbon-aged affair, and a surprise find on the taps at The Porterhouse last month. It pours a gorgeous rose-gold shade and smells decadently of fine sherry: unmistakably oaked though without the honking vanilla of fresh bourbon. The body is fuller than I would expect for a highly attenuated beer of just 5.5% ABV, and that gives it a pleasing slickness, helping accentuate the taste. The vinous theme continues, here more Burgundy than sherry, with notes of cherry, raspberry and redcurrant. And while it's plenty sharp, it's not harshly vinegary. The whole is mature, balanced and refined, reminding me somewhat of Rodenbach Classic. Excellent work, and a welcome return to form. I hope there's more like this waiting in the vessels at Ballymahon.The brewery has, however, also produced another more mainstream offering, if you can call something…