These beers are fermented out to normal FG with an ale yeast, then inoculated with bacteria (such as Wyeast Roselare Blend). The bacteria form a pellicle on top of the beer and convert much of the remaining sugar, and sour the beer up right nice. This process takes upwards of a year.
Actually the bugs are in the initial pitching but the sourness really comes on after about a year because the bugs take a long time. The reason Jamil uses the ale yeast first and then the bugs is so the beer isn't intensely sour and so he can get a consistent beer. The breweries get away with this by blending there beers. For example Rodenbach blends a combination of 3 month old non-oaked beer with 18 month oaked version to get a combination of sweetness and sourness. I personally love the sourness so I usually drink the Grand Cru which is unbended 18 month oaked version.
The back on the post I love the Dutchesse. After Rodenbach Grand Cru it is up on my list. I agree with the differences in the beer. The big bottles rocks comma the tap is still good and the small bottles are lacking.
For those of you who really like the Flanders red... Keep your eye out for a brewery named Panil. It is an Italian brewery with a very low production, but this is far and away the best sour red I have had. It has a purple label with an oak cask on it, and is pricey at 25-28 for a 750 mL, but worth every penny. It is rare to come by, but if you see one, pick it up. You can blame me if you don't agree!
For those of you who really like the Flanders red... Keep your eye out for a brewery named Panil. It is an Italian brewery with a very low production, but this is far and away the best sour red I have had. It has a purple label with an oak cask on it, and is pricey at 25-28 for a 750 mL, but worth every penny. It is rare to come by, but if you see one, pick it up. You can blame me if you don't agree!
Yes I was talking about Barrique. I need to find one of those, it has been too long.
The beer is backsweetened far too much in my opinion.
Get a few bottles and age them for a little while. I've had an older one that is significantly less sweet and very tart.
I recently did a side by side with the R. Grand Cru and traditional; surprisingly, I much preferred the Grand Cru counter to my normal preference.
I have never been inspired by Monk's Cafe.
I am going to buy some Duchesse tonight.
I don't get Russian River, but God do I wish I did. There stuff is righteous. Beautification was one of the better beers I have had.
I had the Duchesse on tap at a sour tasting event last summer. It was the most incredible beer I have ever tasted. Full and complex, it had a tail that would make the finest wines proud. I've never had a beer since that compares.
Unfortunately, this includes the bottled Duchesse. Still excellent, but not the same.
Sadly, I can't find the Russian River offerings anywhere in HB. We may be an hour away from San Diego on the freeway, but we're worlds away in beer.
Have you had Consecration yet? Beatification is a pretty fantastic beer for sure. but I think Consecration wins. They're all great. The Toronado 20th anniversary beer was perfect.
Sadly, I have not found Consecration yet. I only get these at beer fests or the random find or opportunity. I have had Beautification twice but none of the others.
Enigma for New Glarus Brewing
"Some people paint, some sing, others write ... I brew." - Daniel Carey
A few times a year, we will cut Dan loose to brew whatever he chooses, uncensored, uncut, unplugged. Always handcrafted, this beer is brewed for the adventurous soul. This is a very limited edition and we make no promises to ever brew this style again.
A complex and intriguing original. The mystery began with wild yeast spontaneously fermenting a rich treasure of malted barley and cherries. Unlined Oak casks breathe deep vanilla hues and chords of smoke into this sour brown ale. Our Master Brewer has forged a smooth garnet tapestry that defies description. Wander off the beaten path.
Style Sour Brown Ale
Flavor Defies description.
Alcohol 5.5% by volume
Available in 4-packs and cases
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