One of my bigger disappointments from the GABF this year was that Jester King ran out of beer before I got to try any. Happily enough, even though Jester King sells 80% of its production at its tasting room in Austin, Texas, Romero’s K9Club & Tap House in Lafayette scored a keg of Nocturn Chrysalis.
Jester King is known for its wild ales and spontaneously fermented beers. Nocturn Chrysalis fits right into that niche. It is a sour beer refermented with blackberries. Despite what you might think, Nocturn Chrysalis is not overly sweet. Jester King referments the blackberry/beer mix in oak barrels until the final version of Nocturn Chrysalis is pleasingly dry and crisp.
The resulting beer is truly outstanding. The flavor starts sour, as you would imagine, but balances quickly with the malts, hops, and a hint of blackberries. The blackberries and oak help the taste finish off with a nice touch of earthiness at the end. If you are anywhere near Lafayette, go snag some Nocturn Chrysalis before it’s gone. I know I’m not making that mistake with Jester King again.