 kepano (239), Meudon, France
Oct 28, 2005 Updated: Dec 17, 2005
I would be lying if I said this brew wasn’t one of the paramounts of my beer tasting experiences so far. It is not the best I’ve had, nor is it revolutionary in its style. However it has been long on my list, building anticipation and it did not disappoint. Since I’ve been in Colorado it has been one of my goals to get a hold of this precious elixir. It was not a cheap acquisition at $20 a bottle, but I can surely say it was worth it. My experience with sour ales is admittedly narrow, with Rodenbach’s Grand Cru as the only representative. Yet their mysterious flair has only furthered my curiosity and appreciation of the genre. The pour was exciting and truly a stressful experience, one only matched by fine wines. The hue is difficult to describe without remaining in the realm of clichés, but I would call it a dark Cognac orange. The liquid was clear yet deep and nearly opaque, a very mesmerizing effect. Like looking into a cedar abyss. A frothy custard-colored head rose above to slowly diminish leaving thick airy lacing. The aroma is sharp as a blade, I was almost afraid my nose would be sliced off if I got too close. Sour apples and cherries, Champagne, generous brown sugar and a slight metallic twang resonate in the nose. The fragrance is simply delectable. As I took my first sip, I noticed the carbonation was not as lively as I had expected - pleasantly so. This Flemish Sour is surprisingly smooth and creamy, a quality I wouldn’t expect to match the intense tartness. Vanilla, oak and light banana notes add to the effusive bouquet. Every sip is a wrapped gift that slowly unveils itself in your mouth. As it moves back in forth on your tongue, you uncover different parts of the flavor. When I finally swallowed, the acerbity left me grinning with pleasure and warm satisfying sensation ran through my veins. The finish seems to last forever and the light sour aftertaste lingers until your next sip. A remarkable brew by New Belgium which I hope to enjoy again some day.
Rotorhead87 (116), Temple, Texas, USA
Jul 4, 2009 On tap at the New Belgium tasting room -
A dark reddish-brown with a smallish head. This is a serious sour ale, fantastic.
GMCC2181 (755), Bear, Delaware, USA
Jul 2, 2009 750 bottle shared at SL by eaglefan538.. Caged and corked... 05 edition... Light red in color, nice little head. Good pop off the cork. Nice woody nose.Taste is tart and woody.... some serious sourness pulling through in the after-taste on this one. Texture is average... Overall a good sour that I enjoyed trying.. Thanks Brian!
Bullit (1055), Glasgow, Scotland
Jul 1, 2009 Bottle @ kloneo. Dark amber colour, some lacings. Aroma has fruits, sweet malts, phenoles. Flavour has sour fruits, vinegar, phenoles. Nice one.
nqualls (1200), Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Jun 30, 2009
Source:22 oz bottle for my 1200th rating.
Glass:New Belgium Stem Glass.
Appearance:Dark red/brown pour with a one finger off white head.
Aroma:Cherries, oak, vinegar and other vinous notes.
Flavor:Sour cherries and oak, with a solid lingering sour finish.
Palate:Medium body with solid carbonation.
Overall:Loved this one. Sweet components balance the sour. Wish I had more.
Beardface (772), Eugene, Oregon, USA
Jun 29, 2009 On tap at BIer Stein. Deep reddish brown, more red when held to the light. Light head and lacing. Aroma was full of cherries, vinous notes, light oak and some vinegar. Flavor was heavily full of cherries with a minor bit of oak and some light vinous notes. Very smooth and easy to drink and quite tasty.
timfoolery (464), California, USA
Jun 28, 2009 On tap at The Bier Stein. First off, this is a great place to get beer. Second, the brew smelled of sour cherries and was very clean in palate. Excellent taste.
TwoDudes (68), Louisville, Kentucky, USA
Jun 28, 2009 I loved this beer...nice malt backbone to balance the sourness....great beginner sour...I still prefer Rodenbach GC, but still fantastic....................................................................................................................
AtlAggie (89), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
Jun 24, 2009 On tap at the Brick Store. Murky read appearance, not much head with my pour. Aroma is funky, dark cherries, tart and sour. Flavor is refreshingly sour, but not overwhelmingly so--dark cherries, some tartness, and an underlying wood/earthy tone, almost tasting of dirt. Very light bitter on the finish. For my tastes could have been a bit more sour and a bit drier, but nice nonetheless.
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