Give your buddy a bottle of today’s Terroir Project: Vidal Blanc 2018 from Missouri’s Side Project, and they might think you’re actually Santa Claus. How else could you know what they really, REALLY wanted?

This Wild Ale from the #2 Rated Brewery in the World on Untappd will be the best present they open all year! And you should definitely try to be there when they pop the top, so you can get a taste, too.

If you do gift this bottle, make sure to explain just how much time and care went into it.

To create it, Side Project worked with their friends at the local Noboleis Vineyards, adding their Vidal Blanc grapes to the Wild Ale base. The brewers let the bright, crisp Ale ferment with both the natural yeasts on the fruit and their own Missouri mixed culture for 6 months in oak.

Next, they transferred it to French oak barrels for 4 more months, bottle conditioned it, and finally released it just weeks ago. 

Inhale, and it’s all white grape, golden raisins, and green apple. Take a sip, and a rush of effervescence cascades across the tongue, carrying flavors of light lemon sorbet and hints of oaky chardonnay. On the finish, the mildest touch of funk reminds you that it’s a Wild Ale. 

Any craft fan on your list would be eternally grateful to find this bottle wrapped up with ribbons. But of course, it’s important to treat yourself to a little something special now and then.

So maybe stuff a bottle of today’s Vidal Blanc in your own stocking, too.

This beer is too new for ratings!

Tavour strictly supports independent beer. Side Project Brewing is certified independent by the Brewers Association