Yazoo’s Foudre Noire is a complex Wild Specialty Beer that marries the robust depth of a dark strong ale with the vibrant tartness of sun-ripened fruit. Fermented with a unique blend of Belgian and Norwegian yeasts alongside a funky house culture, it offers a sophisticated profile of leather, earth, and dark spice. Extensive aging in French Oak foudres introduces structured tannins and subtle wood vanillins. Two months of conditioning on Blackberries and Raspberries yields deep berry flavors and a sharp, refreshing acidity. The result is a high-gravity, barrel-aged sour that balances malt richness with wild fermentation complexity and intense berry character.
Appearance.Deep ruby-topped mahogany (SRM 35-40). The head is a dense, pinkish-tan foam with moderate retention, leaving fine lacing. Clarity is slightly hazy due to the heavy fruit addition and mixed culture.
Aroma.High intensity. Upfront aromas of jammy blackberry and tart raspberry dominate, supported by complex wild notes of leather and earthy barnyard. The malt provides backdrops of toasted bread and dark chocolate. Subtle spicy phenols from the Belgian and Norwegian yeasts mingle with the delicate vanilla notes of French Oak.
Taste.Initial impression is a sharp but well-integrated lactic sourness and bright berry tartness. Rich flavors of dark fruit skins follow, complemented by a sturdy malt base of caramel and cocoa. The fermentation character is diverse, featuring funky house culture notes and mild spicy esters. French Oak contributes a dry, woody tannin structure. The finish is lingering and dry, with a pleasant acidic snap.
Mouthfeel.Medium-full body, unusually substantial for a wild ale due to the high ABV. Carbonation is moderate to high, providing a prickly scrub to the palate. A noticeable alcohol warmth is present but smooth. Light wood-derived astringency adds to the drying sensation.