Interlude is the beer that launched Allagash Brewing’s acclaimed experimental barrel-aging program over a decade ago -- an immaculate blend of their award-winning Belgian-style influence and American Sour sensibility, they age this fruity zinger in Red Wine barrels to add an oaky cherry-on-top flourish.

With this year’s vintage earning a 4.21 on BeerAdvocate for its vanilla stone fruit flavors and extra boozy 10.6% ABV twist, each sip is a window into Allagash’s layered tart catalog. They use Saison yeast to impart classic Belgian-style spice and Brett to bring notes of a pear and apricot pie with a graham cracker crust. By aging it in wine barrels, Allagash dials in vinous plums that burst with a jammy yet dry mouthfeel. They blend in a dose of their 20-month-old vintaged Interlude for even more oaky depth and tangy funk.

What first began as a voyage into uncharted waters has only become more refined and balanced each year. This latest Interlude delivers a fruity jolt of tart acidity and signature Saison spice that’ll send you into palate-tingling bliss.

Rated 4.21 on BeerAdvocate