lambic solera update
ten months have passed since I brewed and racked over sixty gallons of lambic into a neutral french oak barrel. this weekend curiosity got the better of me and I decided to sneak a sample.
- after contemplating multiple sampling techniques, I decided to avoid unnecessary oxygenation by pulling a my sample from a small hole drilled into the barrel head. from what I have read, vinnie cilurzo of russian river pioneered this method, and his advice proved to be right on the money. you can check out funk factory’s tutorial as well (however, I would drill the hole about halfway up to reduce the force of the sample stream). also, be sure to be ready with a glass and stainless nail at hand before drilling (mise en place!).
- my sample came in at a gravity of 1.005 (5.45% abv). I took the following notes:
- lambic solera
- appearance: pale gold with sediment in suspension
- aroma: assertive barnyard with lots of funk
- taste: tannic with a complex funk up front and a lemony, acidic finish
- overall: I’m very happy where this is headed at 10 months, and am excited to see further development (increased intensity in flavors/aroma?)
- It’s going to be hard to hold out for another couple of months with this one, but I have a good feeling it will be worth the wait…
Tags: drill, lambic, sample port, solera, stainless nail