Southampton Belgian Red Ale

Murky cedar. Scarce ring of dusty white foam. Firm, woody aroma of vinegar, tart cherries, must, iron, lemon zest, leather, caramel, fig, medicine, and minerals. Faint yeast tones, straw, and a dab of earthy hop. Gentle, fuzzy carbonation. Medium light body. Overripe plum flavors, abundant sour traits, and a soft crystal sweetness. Sharp lemon rind and tropical fruit aspects. Sourness rides its way well into the middle before being tempered by a late leathery quality and lightly astringent shade of iron. Very quenching. Long musty, woody finish alongside mild phenolic traits, medicine, earthiness, hop leaf, Styrianesque juiciness, and toasted bread. And unlike anything I’ve ever experienced in the style, on come a cunningly assertive array of strawish, pale malts. An extremely balanced, stylish, and complex example. So close to perfection. Kudos to Phil for his masterful effort at executing another rare and difficult style.