One of the best representations for a Flemish sour I’ve had! Vibrant, tart, crisp, and refreshing. Poured out of a small 12.7 oz corked and caged bottle this brew erupted with beads of bubbles pushing their way to the top of a reddish-brown elixir. The use of sour cherries produced an interesting hue in the head. Hints of red and pink contrasted against the tan base. Coming in at only 5% abv this would make a great beverage to serve at gatherings before a meal as an aperitif. I could maybe see it pairing well with a nice creamy cheese (goat) or brie.
Fresh bubbles create a new champagne-like head every time you do the “Hopry Swirl” which bring the aroma to the forefront. It is lively! I was first greeted by a fresh tart cherry nose with elements of wild/brett yeast. The oak seems to take the brown ale malt notes, cherries, and yeast and blends them into a wonderful grape aroma. I was just at a wine expo on 3/27/11 and the nose on this beer reminded me of a sparkling Shiraz I had sampled. On the malt side I did get a light chocolate/caramel combo. There was also a very minor smokey quality that paired with the cherries to make a velvety aroma.
The taste rivaled the likes of Petrus Oud Bruin, Rodenbach, and New Glarus Belgian Red. It has a joyous kind of persona to it. The carbonation w0ke me from my post work daze, the tart cherrie/yeast salvo surprised my senses, and the smooth unique finish made me happy. During the time I was drinking this beer I wanted to be nowhere else, but inside the glass literally drinking in all the complexities. Light bodied, and lively the flavors mirror that aromas described above. There was a pleasant fruity quality up front that seemed to mellow into the brown ale flavor (mild as they were). The finish consisted of a wonderful sour/tart (cherries) bready (yeast) goodness that quickly transitioned into a tannic dryness. The lingering aftertaste beckons you to indulge again and again.
If you are not a Flemish Sour fan I would recommend starting off with Petrus Oud Bruin. It is much more mellow and jammy. However, if you love sours…this one is a MUST try!