Black Donkey Brewing Hive Mind

Name: Black Donkey Brewing Hive Mind
Brand: Beer
SKU: 64a6e2b81603da294c82121e
Availability: OutOfStock

Hive Mind is a sophisticated Brett Beer, blending barrel-aged saisons with the eighteen-month-matured Underworld Rua as its foundation. This wild ale radiates a nuanced sensory profile where rustic malt meets the delicate, floral aromatics of local wildflower honey. The maturation in wood introduces subtle oak tannins and a gentle tartness that balances the complex Brettanomyces character—ranging from dried hay to soft leather. Effervescent and refreshing, it showcases a multi-layered palate of stone fruits and toasted bread, culminating in a dry, floral-bitter finish that highlights the unique contributions of the wildflower honey and seasoned barrels.

Appearance. Deep copper to reddish-amber (12–16 SRM) with a slight, natural haze from barrel conditioning and unfiltered honey. Pours with a moderate, off-white, creamy head that exhibits fair retention and light lacing.

Aroma. Moderate to high intensity featuring floral wildflower honey and spicy, peppery saison yeast. Distinctive Brettanomyces notes of hay, leather, and mild barnyard funk are well-integrated. Subtle vanilla and toasted oak from the barrel complement a bready, slightly toasted malt base with hints of caramel.

Taste. The initial impression is a balance of soft malt and bright, light acidity. Malt flavors of toasted crust and honeyed biscuit lead into a complex mid-palate of dried stone fruit and spicy phenols. Oak tannins provide structure, while the wildflower honey adds a distinctive floral lift. The finish is notably dry and effervescent, ending with a delicate, floral bitterness and lingering earthy funk.

Mouthfeel. Medium-light body with a refreshing, high carbonation that creates a prickly, lively sensation on the tongue. A light, well-integrated alcohol warmth is present. Low astringency with a clean, crisp mouthfeel despite the oak maturation.

Sensory Profile.

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Ireland Black Donkey Brewing

Black Donkey Hive Mind 375ml Bottle

Description And then there were four. Hive Mind is release number four from our 2023 single barre ...saisons, with 18 month aged Underworld Rua as its major component. A little maltier than its three predecessors, as you have probably guessed from its name, local wildflower honey was added to th ...

Out of Stock

Black Donkey Hive Mind 375ml Bottle - Black Donkey Brewing

Out of Stock

Out of Stock - Black Donkey Brewing

Description

And then there were four.
Hive Mind is release number four from our 2023 single barrel program. Limited to approx 700 individually numbered bottles, Hive Mind is a blend of barrel aged saisons, with 18 month aged Underworld Rua as its major component. A little maltier than its three predecessors, as you have probably guessed from its name, local wildflower honey was added to the barrel prior to packaging.

Supplies are limited, grab one when you can. Flavour

Lightly sour with notes of malt and oak, with a delicately bitter floral finish from the addition of the wildflower honey. Effervescent and refreshing. Serve 10-14℃. Food Pairing

Pairs with soft bloomy cheeses, Dunbarra, Cooleeney, St Killian. Also great with sauteed mushrooms, and rich and savory, braised and stewed meats; oxtails, cheeks, shanks etc.

STYLE Barrel Conditioned Wild Ale with Honey ABV 7.0% COLOUR Bright Copper BODY Medium

Where Do We Deliver?

We offer 32 county shipping across the whole island of Ireland (ROI & NI) We also ship to a selection of European destinations within the EU. For more info on our EU shipping rates please visit our shipping information page.

Handmade, real Irish Beer from Roscommon.

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