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Russian River Temptation 4.08 577

Russian River Temptation

Percentile
100
overall

bottled
common

on tap
common

Regional Distribution
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RatingsAverageScoreSeasonalABVStyle PctlServe in
5774.09/5.04.08/5.0Special7.25%95.9Snifter, Tulip, Tumbler
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?  
 GaltScat (195), Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA
4.5 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
9/104/59/105/518/20
Mar 7, 2007  
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).


 Rciesla (3810), Exit 15W, New Jersey, USA
4.5 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
9/105/59/104/518/20
Jun 10, 2008    Updated: Oct 7, 2009
My second time having this one, had batch 2 and 3. Pours alight off white yellow body. Aroma is bretty, oaky, woodiness. A dry woody refreshing light barnyard funkiness with low acidity is what i get. Not bad but it didnt stand up next to some of the others at Yeast Fest 08. 3.9 Wow what a difference batch 003 made to me. Pours a golden body with a white head. Aroma is brett all on more like what drifts through a meadow on a sunny afternoon. Really funky yeast notes. Brett and chardonnay notes green grapes and their skins. Vinous tart grapes and light oak. Lush effervescent notes with a mouth watering grape like finish. Slightly dry and yet lush. Phenomenal! 4.5


 awaisanen (1279), Irvine, California, USA
4.5 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
9/104/59/105/518/20
Mar 23, 2006    Updated: Sep 4, 2008
From Bottle, Batch 001 and Batch 002. Extremely difficult to pour because the amount of fermentation that erupted from the bottle upon opening it was ridiculous. When it finally settled in my glass, it was a transaparant apple juice color with a thick, tightly bubbled, borderline creamy looking, white head. Green apple rinds, pineapple, and lemon blend together in an acidic, farmhouse funky bouquet. A sublty sweet pear and apple toffee aroma also wafts from beneath. Very acidic initial burn on the tongue, but it then develops into the creamy, yogurty, vinous goodness that is a testament to this unique craftsmanship. Clean, oaky finish. Exceptionally dry, and brilliantly layered in oak, grape, and funky brett complexities.


 Rogueone (506), I F&ckin’ hate those guys from, Ohio, USA
4.5 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
8/105/58/105/519/20
May 12, 2008  
Batch 001 thanks to moejuck. This is a very sexy beer. Pours an alluring and effulgent tangerine. Sweet/tart aroma of citrus fruits and a musky oak funkiness. Initially sweet, followed by a refreshing - not biting - sourness, then fades gracefully off the palate.


 BDR (2168), Roseville, Minnesota, USA
4.5 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
8/105/59/105/518/20
Aug 14, 2008  
Damn. I really should be more careful on what I open when I get home from work. A huge foamy bone-white head three fingers tall forms atop this hazy orange beer. Citrus and sour brett on the aroma with a faint lactic character and a hint of wine earthiness. Intensly sour flavor with hints of lemon, grape, cheese, and barnyard funk. A satisfyingly drying mouthfeel yields a long sour aftertaste. Most excellent.


 padrefan98 (788), (San Diego) Santee, California, USA
4.5 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
9/104/59/104/519/20
Apr 18, 2007  
Bottle at O’Briens. This was a side by side comparrison with Suplication. Temptation wins. Sour apple, with pears, and apricotts. More acidic then RR Suplication, but it works for this style. Russian River does a good job creating strong tasting beers, that continues to impress.


 nightrider (383), encinitas, California, USA
4.5 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
8/104/59/105/519/20
Apr 12, 2008  
From a 75 ml. bottle. with a huge pop. Big robust white head on top of golden murkiness. Aromas of sweet and sour citrus and yeast. On the palate it is silky smooth. Flavors abound of lemon, pear, apple sourness and not overpowering. The flavors stay in your mouth for an extended amount of time. Incredibly tasty and yummy brew.


 malrubius (1004), Valley Stream, New York, USA
4.5 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
8/105/59/105/518/20
Aug 29, 2009  
Bottle shared by Chris at Ebenzer’s. Thanks! Pale hazy golden yellow with head and lace. Lemon pixie stix and hoseballs and hay aroma. Extremely dry sweaty horseballs hay mild leather throat-clinching tart dry finish. Soft warm efffervescence. Awesome.



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