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Russian River Temptation

Russian River Temptation - Sour Ale

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 Percentile 
100
overall
Brewed by Russian River Brewing
Style: Sour Ale

Santa Rosa, California USA

bottled
common

on tap
common

Regional Distribution
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 Ratings  Average  Score  Seasonal  ABV  Style Pctl  Serve in 
5624.09/5.04.08/5.0Special7.25%96Snifter, Tulip, Tumbler
View Statistics  P 

Commercial Description:
Is it beer, or is it wine? "Aged in French oak wine barrels for twelve months with distinct characteristics of fruit and subtle oak" sounds more like a description of wine than beer. But, of course, Temptation is indeed beer. Actually, Temptation is a Blonde Ale Fermented with a special strain of yeast, then aged in French oak chardonnay barrels. Flavors of wine and oak absorb into the brew throughout twelve months of aging. During this aging process, a secondary fermentation occurs using a yeast strain disliked by most brewers and winemakers called Brettanomyces. The "Bret" gives Temptation intriguing characteristics and a pleasant sourness. Temptation is re-fermented in the bottle to create its carbonation--a process commonly used to make fine champagne and sparkling wine. Spent yeast forms a thin layer of sediment to remain in the bottle.
 Most Recent Top Raters Highest Ratings Who's Rated This?  
 DTM (541), Winters, California, USA
3.7 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
7/104/58/103/515/20
Jul 9, 2008  
Bottle from Monument Liqour in Concord, CA. Poured a murky yellow color with a good sized white head. On the first sip it reminded me of a dry champagne. Not quite as tart and some of the other sours I’ve had.


 timfoolery (482), California, USA
4 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
7/103/59/104/517/20
Jul 8, 2008  
Bottle from Monument Liq. in Concord, CA. Being a blonde and aged in oak, this one was a bit weaker than it’s counterparts. Still, with an excellent palate, this one tasted more of champagne than anything. It’s amazing what RR does with these brews. I would buy any of the three sours again if I had the chance.


 badbeer (432), Iowa, USA
4.3 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
8/104/59/105/517/20
Jul 6, 2008  
Batch 002. Bottle has tendency to foam over. Hazy yellow color with a white head, decent retention. Smell includes some lemon, soft sourness, oak, and there seemed to be a very light spice that I’m unable to name. Taste has sour oak, lemon, and some other citrus flavors, slightly acidic, with a fairly dry finish. Not as sour as others I have enjoyed, but still quite good. Mouthfeel had high carbonation with a light body. Light body and dry finish to this, paired with its excellent taste make this one highly drinkable. I wish I had plenty more; would be great for special occasions.


 golubj (1275), Sunnyvale, California, USA
3.9 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
8/104/58/103/516/20
Jul 6, 2008  
Bottle, batch 003. Gold / orange pour with nice white head. Aroma is woody, some white wine, mild funk / brett. Flavor is the same, tart overall, citrusy with some sweetness also. I like these sour beers when it’s hot out.


 PilsnerPeter (2585), Flushing, New York, USA
4.4 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
9/104/59/104/518/20
Jul 2, 2008  
Bottle Batch 003: Thanks golubj! Pours a lively cloudy golden with a creamy thick white head that leaves a spotty lace. Aroma is vinous, oaky, hints of aged swiss cheese, lemon, white pepper, apple cider, honey and vanilla wood. Amazingly complex. Frothy and crisp body. The flavor is a perfect marriage of sweet and tart. Very subtle honey notes, smooth oak presence, herbal subtleties, sharp citrus fruitiness, mild Gouda, sharp Parmigiano-Reggiano, acetic apple cider, and just a touch of vanilla in the back somewhere when it warms. A Sour Ale of vast complexity, superiority and drinkability.


 timmy300 (199), bloomington, Illinois, USA
4.2 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
7/104/59/105/517/20
Jul 2, 2008  
my first sour ale. the nose was intriguing, but didn’t prepare me for the taste explosion that was about to occur. amazing how after a beer is aged for 18 months in wood with various bugs it comes out so fresh and lively.


 BOLTZ7555 (1053), Phoenix, Arizona, USA
4.1 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
8/104/58/104/517/20
Jul 1, 2008  
Bottle acquired via Taverner...THANKS MARK!!! Hazy 24-karat pour with a massive white head that you could easily rest a quarter on. Citrus, sour apple, brett funk and lemon zest on the nose. Quite tart but surprisingly quite quenching. This is, without doubt, one of the best sours I’ve sampled. The pucker is short and sweet...earthy barnyard funk and lemon grass, partnered with grapefruit and a hint of oak. Really liked it.


 SkyinBrian (429), Collinsville, Illinois, USA
4.1 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
7/104/59/103/518/20
Jun 30, 2008  
To answer the question...It’s beer! wonderful beer! what is is hard to believe is that this is american. effervescent and tart, no make that just a bit sour, but in the best way. definately was sad when my glass was empty.



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