Russian River Temptation

The aroma was strongly fruity and vinous with a citrusy grapeskin and grapeseed character. A definite tartness was exhibited in the aroma which was acidic and a bit lactic as well. A light sweetness hid just behind the tart characteristics. The beer poured into the chalice clear yellow with a white low head which traced just enough to lace at the glass. The flavor was tart with a bit of a bready brett character and with a farmhouse presence. Despite the tart nature the beer was lightly sweet on the palate and had a peppery and citrusy character. The beer also exhibited a definite oak presence and even a hint of vanilla near the end of the flavor. The body was medium and with a decent level of carbonation the beer was creamy in the mouthfeel but the tartness quickly ended that impression. The finish was tart and citrusy with lasting tartness which lessened into the aftertaste. A very complex beer, I enjoyed the first batch (001)a bit more. 12.7 ounce corked and bailed bottle. Batch 002.

I found this one confusing. The bret yeast gives it a wonderful sourness. The nose is Belgian sour plus tart fruit. The appearance is hazy gold, almost opaque, with a white head ... what I callthe lemon merengue pie look. Taste confused me. Starts with a Belgian sour, adds notes of chardonnay and oak, finishes sour.

Batch 002. The Commercial Description is very accurate. I would add a description of additional sourness and tartness when it first hits the palate. This is also noticeable in the aroma. A very unique, very creative, and very well made Belgian Ale. I would have rated slightly higher if there was a higher alcohol content and a larger bottle (the 375ml bottle only made be jumpy for more).

Batch 001. 375ml bottle. Pours hazy golden amber with lively carbonation. Smooth frothy lingering head with soft delicate lacing. This one has a wonderfully complex aroma full of sweet fruits. I’m getting raisons, banana, citrus, along with some earthiness. The flavors are similarly complex ... the brett is apparent upfront as in some of other Russian River beers I’ve tried, along with very tart and sour apples, some sweetness, maybe some apricot, spices, and a very slight bitterness. All balanced to perfection. Palate is smooth with a champagne like texture. A very refreshing ale.

Holiday wine, Escondido 8/06. Batch 001 375 ml. Hazy copper colored with massive white head. Pleasant sour aroma. with balanced sour musty taste. Body a little thin. Alcohol well hidden. Better balanced than Le Woody.

sample at pub. The brett was a bit much for me on this one, but another solid beer. Nice complexity.

Bottle (batch 001) from Vinnie. Strong aroma with hints of vanilla and apricots soon overtaken by earthy brett-aromas. Murky dark yellow with small white head. Flavor is complex, slightly sour with a dry, bitter finish. Aftertaste is tart and fruity with marzipan kicking in. Smooth mouth feel and mellow carbonation. Tart, but balanced without the vinegar notes as many Belgian sour ales and with so many layers of complexity revealing itself up as at warms. *Very* nice! Enjoyed with aged Pie D’anglois and my homemade rye bread, which it complemented beautifully :-)

Pours with a slightly cloudy, light orange body topped by a medium thick, white head wtih a good amount of lacing. It’s sour and vinious wtih notes of sour apple and grapefruit with a slight oaky note. Light bodied, crisp and dry.