Russian River Temptation

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.