 arjoseph (554), Chicago, Illinois, USA
Aug 22, 2008 GABF 2007. This was a tricky beast. Even over the course of the fest, in the same keg, the flavor changed quite a bit from day to day. I had it early on, and it was awesome. I had it later on, and it wasn’t as awesome (but still pretty good). This rating is for the first tasting. Smell: vanilla bean white oak barrel, cherry sour, and yeast. Almost Rodenbach-ish in its cherry awesomeness. Woody. Sourness is perfect, Granny Smith apple with yeast hitting in the back of the throat; the fruit is so round and fully developed, surrounded by toffee caramel sweetness. Dry-ish in the finish. Brown sugar notes in the middle, too. Oakey overtones add a nicely proportioned accent. Really, at its best, this a fabulous beer. If only it could be fabulous all the time.
puzzl (1732), New York, New York, USA
Aug 4, 2008 Tap at BCTC. Nice stuff here. Aroma is a bit dull, some lightish cherry and brown ale notes. Rich, sour flavor with some sweet cherry and a sugary sour finish. Reminds me of sour patch kids. Not too complex, but awesome sourness. A solid brew.
Ungstrup (11136), Frederiksberg, Denmark
Jul 28, 2008 GABF 2007. A hazy amber-brown beer with a thin beige head. The aroma is sweet malty with notes of wood, brettanomyces, cherries, and over ripe fruits. The flavor has a lovely acidity, that draws out the mouthwater, on which is notes of wood, cherries, and over ripe fruits, as well as lighter notes of prunes, leading to a woody finish.
Oakes (6853), Miami Beach, Florida, USA
Jun 30, 2008 Dark red and opaque. Deep cherry aroma with bugs and wood and black currant. Bracing tartness and rich cherry. Heavy syrupy note as well. Burly sour brew, powerful with an acetic finish. Much more aggressive and less complex than it was at the ’05 GABF but still pretty fun.
djones (63), Michigan, USA
Jun 22, 2008 hazy dark/reddish brown. Very lively beer with a dominating tart flavor and feel. Makes your mouth pucker right up. Sour cherries and lemon juice take you for a ride.
|
