Russian River Consecration

Brewed by Russian River Brewing
Style: Sour Ale
Santa Rosa, California USA

(DC Local Gathering, 750ml bottle, Major Thank You to CaptainCougar) - Dark ruby brown, fluffy white head. Huge vinous dark currant aromas ride swells of funked black cherry and peppered oak. Ultra complex sour berry, old wood, and currant flavors balance extremely well on a funky crisp red grape and cheese- like foundation. Medium bodied, medium carbonation, sour fruity finish. This was an absolute showstopper…

By far the best sour ale I’ve ever had, and I don’t even like sours... So this pours a deep mahogany, with a small head that lasted the entire glass. Aroma is funky, a little bit of malt and raisins, almost smells like a red wine. It has a mildly effervescent feel to it, then it turns a bit sweet and immediately turns sour. Really cool flavors. I think this may be the beer that turns me onto sours.

On tap at Toronado in San Francisco. Poured a deep garnet red with a tan head. Aroma is currants, rich red berries, and funk. Taste is the closest thing to a red wine I have had. Lots of dark berries, oaky cabernet flavors, currants, sour cherries, with a nice tannic finish that is very smooth and makes you want to take another sip. I think this beer just happened to hit all of my preferences for a sour. It is not over the top or super intense, but for me it was the height of enjoyment. After the first few sips, I was sad at the thought of probably never trying this beer again.

750ml. Cork in cage batch (001X1). Huge pop and lots of wispy vapors with the aroma oozing out from the get go. Has a ruddy red color with a huge fizzy head that quickly fades. The nose is musty with lots of aged oak, some barnyard funk and a bit of black currants. Tartness hits quickly and is followed by notes of sour cherries, currants and wood. Shows dry tannin flavors that remind me of an aged cabernet. Carbonation level is high and it could bed described as effervescent. Mouthfeel is a bit thin and maybe a little soft, but it works perfectly with this style. Goes out with a dry, acidic and tangy note. Another mighty sour from Vinny.

On tap @ Toronado: Pour is a dark brownish redish color. Quarter in of white head. Aroma is cherry warheads and alcohol. Taste is smooth and extremely tart. The first sip made my eyebrows quiver, but became easier after a few drinks. I’m not a sour guy, but this one is doable. Solid.

(on tap at Falling Rock Tap House in Denver). Dark brown color. Small tan head. Sour aroma with light pear. Sour, tart flavor. Avg duration. Thin/slick texture. Acidic finish. Soft carbonation. Spare lacing.

This was a fine sour though I’m somewhat surprised at just how highly this is rated. It was the first beer I ordered for the evening and I enjoyed the luscious and complex fruitiness. it has a silky texture and an excellent sour edge, but while this is nothing short of excellent, I didn’t think this stood out in the Kingdom of Beer. Just a matter of taste and the moment, I guess. (on tap at the Toronado)

Nice darkish red looking, thick and rich. Mild but rich oak aroma with pleasant sour notes. Very sophisticated. Mouthfeel is thick and rich with huge fruity and rather original flavours, pleasantly sour, complex and suprisingly fat. Hides the alcohol perfectly while leaving you just wanting more.