 kepano (239), Meudon, France
Aug 31, 2007
As a beautiful dense cloud forms with the pour, the foam creams at the center progressing to a cobwebby state on the periphery. The clear apricot color is deceiving as Beatification’s aroma carries more weight than a traditional lambic-like ale, actually hybridizing with the Flemish sour style. Red cherries, vanilla extract and brown sugar are the distinct signature of a Flanders red, along with accessory fragrances of raisin, grape juice, bubble gum and cotton candy. However, the lighter oaking and subtle scents of clementine, sour apple, lilac and butter are closer to what one would expect of a gueuze. Progressing to the palate reveals an astonishing balancing act. The flavor begins with a dry barnyard sourness accompanied by clementine that soon evolves to involve Gruyère, cherries, brown sugar, vanilla and peaches. The creamy sweetness is in perfect equilibrium with parching sourness and light but vivid carbonation. The result is so refreshing and easy to drink that you forget how complex it really is. As the beer opens up, it reveals a sweet floral flavor of honeysuckle and soapy pineapple. Finishing with a short burst of apricot sourness, a touch of mineral water relieves the acidity leaving only a sticky light brown sugar aftertaste. Beatification is the epitome of Russian River’s efforts with wild fermentation and the outcome is on par with the very best examples of Belgium. It is safe to say that this is not a Flemish Sour, but the pioneering efforts of brewers like Vinnie Cilurzo should be applauded especially when they successfully exceed our current nomenclature of sour ales. (Batch 001)
MaltDawg (674), Richmond, Virginia, USA
Jun 5, 2009 (Sample Date: 3/14/2009 Source:Other) Batch 001-PH1. Blonde Ale aged in oak barrels. Slight sourness and graininess with a light fruit in the aroma. Cloudy light brown muddy water appearance. Quite sour and earthy with some caramel and oak like wine notes.
EricE (369), Beltsville, Maryland, USA
May 23, 2009 Orange yellow pour with a thin white head. Very nice sour fruit flavor with some vinegar and grape flavor. Absolutely amazing.
Kinz (2091), Glen Allen, Virginia, USA
Apr 3, 2009 Big thanks to Numenor for bringing this to the Richmond Gathering. PH1 bottling. Hazy yellow. Great horseblanket aroma, with lemon, cheddar, and pixie stick aroma. Flavor starts the same, and then finishes just a bit short with a faint honey note. Interesting stuff, and a great sniffer.
maniac (2523), Richmond, Virginia, USA
Mar 26, 2009 Bottle courtesy of Numenor on 03/14/2009. Batch 001-PH1. Somewhat hazy orange body with a small frothy off-white head. Huge sour aroma with vanilla, fruit, and some funk. Huge sour flavor, some faint vanilla with more light fruit, hints of oak and a touch of funk. Light body with moderately high carbonation.
beerandIT (150), Richmond, Virginia, USA
Mar 26, 2009 Brought by numenor to a ratebeer gathering at maniacs place in richmond, va. This is a newer style for me, but I have to say fantastic beer, too bad it is gone, but maybe the new one will be just as good? Anyway, A lot of tartness up front on this one, nice and sour a bit of apple as well. Goes down easily but not before you have to appreciate the flavors that are coming from a beer with such a low abv. Interesting style, also a bit of citrus in there as well. Just enjoyed how different this beer was from everything else I have ever had basically.
mpersinger (157), , California, USA
Mar 16, 2009 Batch 1 (thanks Guy) pours daffodil yellow and effervescent.
Aroma is tart, body very lean and prickly. Rich grapefruit dominates crisp flavors.
phukktifano (159), Richmond, Virginia, USA
Mar 14, 2009 Beautiful gold body. Very tart aroma very citrus. Wonderfully sour with smooth ending.
dkachur (1907), Charlottesville, Virginia, USA
Mar 14, 2009 Updated: Mar 24, 2009375 mL bottle courtesy of Numenor. Thanks! Rating #1500. Batch 001-PH1. Pours a lemon orange color with a medium head. Poor head retention and lacing. Fantastically tart aroma with funk, citrus, earthy, herbal. Taste is almost bitterly tart with notes of green apple, citrus (pithy grapefruit), tannins. Slight earthy and herbal notes. Soft carbonation. Medium bodied.
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