Russian River Supplication Sour Brown Ale

Russian River Supplication Sour Brown Ale, one of Russian River’s barrel aged beers, is just amazing.  I could write extended tasting notes, but it is hands down the best American wild ale I have tried.  It brings a tartness most sours only hint at, perfectly balances the malts, fruit, and oak, and is wine-like in complexity and wildness.  Seriously, why am I still writing… a rare, top in class beverage.

Russian River Sanctification Sour Blonde Ale

Russian River Sanctification Sour Blonde Ale was a heavily carbonated Chardonnay color with a thin white head.   There was visible sediment in the glass, and it had the sour aroma of apple, and a dry gewürztraminer.

Russian River Sanctification Sour Blonde Ale opened with funky sour lemon start, with hints of tart green apple and dry, spicy white wine.  The ale thickened and sweetened just a touch on the fade, giving rise to a subtle grain and spent yeast background.

As far as brett (brettanomyces) beers  go, Russian River Sanctification Sour Blonde Ale

is the one to beat.  It’s less sour than it is dry and tart, but that doesn’t take away from the singularly unique experience.