CooperSmiths Flanders Red

On tap at the brewpub. Pour of glowing ruddy cloud, with crisp ruddy froth, tinted. Aroma goes boldly with balsamic vinegars, before sliding into a more restrained cherry juice and apple cider acidity. Somewhere between a Red and a Brown. Flavor carries respective apple skins, sour cherry juice and parching pits. Luscious and parching, somehow at the same time. Seems slightly vapid in the sense of nuance and character, but to create a clean, well-duplicated sour in the states, I’m impressed. Finishes it biting and lemony, with a great sense of refreshment. Well done.

Cloudy dark brown. Soft, enticing aroma with hints of vinegar, cranberry, cherry and wood. Mellow tartness, which seems liked it was conceived from the wood and not achieved with wild yeast. Hints of cherry and a lingering sourness. I really enjoyed this beer, but I love Flemish Sours. Probably the best Coop’s beer I’ve had yet.

Very thin head, color is rusted brown, cloudy. Light sour cherry aroma. Taste starts sweet, moves into bitter and tart cherries. Dries out the mouth. Finish is tart, then turns astringent and chemically later.