Sour ales are truly a beer style sui generis (however broad), containing virtually no hop flavor, and frequently incorporating fruits along with the intense fermentation character. These unique flavors occur due to not typical beer yeast, but rather wild yeasts and bacteria, in a process called ‘spontaneous fermentation’. Sour ales aren’t something you can find anywhere (and indeed, they are the style of beer with which I am perhaps least familiar), but their sharp tartness and low alcohol content make them a great beer for warm weather.

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‘CLASSIC ALE’ – RODENBACH – Flander Red Ale – 5.20% ABV (Eye Choir’s Choice)

Appearance: Poured a somewhat dark but still largely transparent vermillion-brown with a one finger, light tan head. There is quite a bit of carbonation, and though it is difficult to see clearly, there may be a slight fine haziness as well. 4.5/5

Smell: Primary aroma is fruit, especially dried fruit such as cherries, raisins, and red wine grapes. There is also a fairly strong apple cider vinegar note that blends nicely with an earthy, horse-blanket funk, which is distinctive but not overpowering. A slight toasted malt, perhaps with a suggestion of nuttiness provides support. Supple, complex, and even fairly unique without being overtly unusual. 5/5

Taste: A mild to moderate tartness hits the palate first, along with a mild sweetness which evokes sour cherry and green apple flavors. The sweetness quickly subsides, however, and these flavors are tempered and enriched by a musty yeast which helps bring out mild notes of oak and hay as well as a touch of vinegar. This acidity lasts into the finish, where a very mild bitterness comes in along with a touch of petrichor. Quite dynamic with regard to the initial aromas, with fantastic balance as well. 4.5/5

Mouthfeel: Light to moderate body, with a lick of carbonation which accentuates the fruity tartness, though this subsides into a smooth, fresh finish which hides only the slightest of alcoholic heat. 4/5

Overall: Quite subtle and intricate, weaving together contrasting flavors (funky and fresh, fruity and earthy) into a coherent, dynamic whole. Not overly intense either, being satisfyingly light and drinkable. 4.5/5

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‘BELLEGEMS BRUIN’ – BOCKOR – Flanders Oud Bruin – 5.50% ABV

Appearance: Pours a moderate reddish-brown with a one finger, light beige head. There is no sediment visible and very little carbonation as well. 4/5

Smell: Predominant fruit aroma features cherry, raspberry, and cranberry, presented in a manner reminiscent of a light red wine. There is also a funky yeast which displays hints of vinegar and leather, as well as a mild perfumy spiciness and a subtle malt background. Almost excessively fruit forward, but still interesting. 3.5/5

Taste: Moderate acidity drastically highlights the freshness of the fruit flavors, but a cider-y mild sweetness is able to conjure up some caramel character in the malt as well. There is a slight bitterness and lingering acidity in the finish which draws out an earthy wood note which, in combination with a notable dryness, nicely subdues the fruit. 4/5

Mouthfeel: Light to moderate body, with a mild carbonation which is amplified by the acidity, giving an effervescence similar to soda. Definitely fits the fruit characteristics, but otherwise isn’t particularly notable. 3/5

Overall: Complexity of the fruit character is really fascinating, but the complementary flavors are perhaps lacking a bit. Still, there is enough yeast in the balance to make this brew pretty enjoyable. 3.5/5

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‘BRUX’ – SIERRA NEVADA (feat. RUSSIAN RIVER) – American Wild Ale – 8.30% ABV

Appearance: Poured n vibrant orange-bronze with a two finger, eggshell head. There is some fine haziness, but moderate carbonation is still visible. 4/5

Smell: Lots of fruit, especially overripe green apple and sour cherries, as well as some pear and lemon. There is also a good amount of funky barnyard Brettanomyces yeast character, with slightly sharp notes of horse-blanket and soft, moldy hay. There are also more subtle undertones of black pepper as well as a solid but mild bready malt background. Interesting combination of fruit aromas with the funkiness of the yeast. 4/5

Taste: Moderate tartness integrates the yeast and fruit notes fairly well, with funky grass and dirt being supported by cleaner notes of citrus and pepper. There is a mild to moderate sweetness which brings out the cherries and cereal grain a bit more as well. The tartness lasts well into the finish, where there is also a mild bitterness, though no significant hop flavor. Good balance, but doesn’t elaborate a whole lot on the aroma. 3.5/5

Mouthfeel: Medium to light body, with a crisp carbonation which heightens the tartness, which amplifies the ‘rank’ character of the fruit and yeast flavors. There is a touch of alcoholic heat as well which aids in the ‘overripe’ interpretation. Aside from that, quite smooth. 4/5

Overall: Not the most dynamic or intense beer, but there is a reasonably complex assortment of flavors that is quite balanced and utilizes the dark flavors of the yeast quite well. Aging might increase this factor as well as the overall tartness. 4/5

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‘CASSIS LAMBIC’ – LINDEMANS – Fruit Lambic – 3.50% ABV

Appearance: Poured a deep, yet nearly transparent ruby red with a one finger, white head with traces of faint pink. No haziness, but mild to moderate carbonation can be seen. 4/5

Smell: Most immediately noticeable is a fairly strong yeast aroma with notes of barnyard horse-blanket and dirt with traces of cool eucalyptus. There is also a strong fruit component which is primarily cassis, with a berry flavor that reminds of concord grapes. This combination is a little strange, but quite fascinating, with the cool, sleek fruit playing counterpoint to the funky yeast. 4/5

Taste: There is a moderate tartness which borders on strong that serves to integrate the fruit and yeast well while also bringing out complex notes of cranberry, grape cider, and even leather. A moderate sweetness further accentuates the fruit while also hinting at light malt, while never becoming cloying. There is only the faintest lick of bitterness in the finish alongside notes of yeast and oak. Excellent balance. 4.5/5

Mouthfeel: Medium to light body, with a moderate carbonation which further enhances the acidity, though the prickly (though still reasonably smooth) mouthfeel is soda-like at times. No alcoholic heat to speak of. 3.5/5

Overall: Quite a dynamic drink, and though the yeast aromas are intense in the nose, the sour flavor helps bring the rest of the components into balance without sacrificing complexity. Can take focus to fully appreciate, but is very enjoyable nonetheless. 4/5