Cascade The Vine

Brewed by Cascade Brewing @ Raccoon Lodge
Style: Sour Ale/Wild Ale
Portland, Oregon USA

Serve in Snifter, Tulip, Tumbler

Opening up this beer was kind of a pain in the ass. Their corks are so in there I felt like I was in a strongman competition. Finally after a minute or so of fighting the beast a loud pop roared out of the bottle. It I was to aim this cork at a wall I might of put a hole in it. I had heard stories that this beer was a total gusher and people lost half the bottle to the floor. So with glass in hand I was ready but luckily it acted like a good little sour and didn’t gush over. What pours was a golden colored ale with bubbles shooting everywhere. Fizzy head like soda quickly disappears to a small lacing around the glass. Up front this is one of the most sour beers I’ve ever laid my nose on. But as you let it warm up the sourness calms down a bit and the other aromas shine through. The grapes come through nicely with a small hint of funk and the presence of oak. The taste on this is very juicy and full of grape. The taste starts out very sweet with the grapes but is quickly taken over by a deep oak taste, sourness, funk, and earthiness. The ending is nice. It finishes dry and the oak sits on the palette. One of the most drinkable sours I’ve ever had. Didn’t even taste like a beer. Oak aged grape juice anyone? The mouthfeel was pretty well done too. Full bodied and like I said above, dry. It was carbonated from start to finish.

nose is heavy gold, thin bubbles frothy white head, thick and constant. Nose is horse radish and cocktail sauce, very pungent oak, little Chardonnay. Flavor is lightly acetic, white grape, very spritzy carb soda, light vegetal bitterness through finish.

Tap at the Barrel House - moderately hazy gold - thick lace of tight bubbles - nose of white wine, oak, vanilla, grape skins, apple - medium dry, with strong but not overpowering white wine and oak tannins - medium-low acidity - grape skin and dry apple cider - dry, oaky finish, with some touches of vanilla far in the back - well-done.

Gold little to no white head. Smells of tart grape candy. Flavor is tart wine-like, more grape flavor than even wine has. Light malt flavor, beer contributes neutrality and twang. Minimal bitterness as well. Hugely enjoyable and unique.

Bottle:   Nearing the end of the bottle, it appears to be dark straw, almost caramel in color.   Thick and hazy, dirty, moderate rocky off-white head, dies quickly leaving spotty lacing.   Very interesting nose, slightly candyish, some caramel, oak, gooseberries, and grape skin.   This actually reminds me of the first time I had Bells Eccentric Ale.   Amazingly similar, yet softer.   Rather tart on the tongue, sharp tangy sweetness.   Not overly sour, in fact to me its not sour at all.   Tart and puckering, but it doesn’t generate that mouth watering aspect that Sours often exhibit.   This is rather pleasant.   Also has a bit of mustiness on the nose, slight basement.   Very smooth, not over the top.   Strong grape skin like presense, along with this powdery candy aspect.   Body and mouthfeel are spritzy, a little bubbley.   So funny that the nose reminds me somewhat of an Olde Ale, but its completely different on the tongue.   This was an intriguing beer.   Happy to have had the opportunity to try it.   Lingering Oak.   Recommended.

(2010 release) On tap at Cascade Tasting Room with mcberko. Pours clear pale yellow with a small white head. Aroma of soured fruits, white wine and grapes. Flavour is the same. Dry and mouth watering.

On tap at Cascade Tasting Room, split with Matts_Property, pours a clear blonde with a white head. Aroma of white wine, grapes and some tartness. Flavour of white wine, lots of grapes and medium tartness that lingers. Nice depth and I like the grapes being most pronounced.

Bottle: Poured cloudy muddy light brown color ale with a small bubbly head with no retention. Aroma of funky barnyard notes with some tart notes with some vile unrefined grainy notes. Taste is also quite a mess with loads of harsh grainy notes with some vile barnyard notes. Body is full with no carbonation. Either this bottle was off or I clearly don’t get this beer.