Wild Sour Series: Flanders Red

This is a world-class Flanders Red despite hailing from the American Midwest. Sours can be challenging, and the Flanders Red particularly so given the kind of balance drinkers expect between fruit, acid and malt, but this one nails it. The beer pours a brilliant amber color with a low tan head. The initial aromas are of dark cherry, blackcurrant and a low earthy background funk that accentuates the deep and dark fruit notes.

That same fruity character carries through to the aroma and pairs beautifully with the medium-high level of sourness. There’s a slightly jammy flavor in the aftertaste after a balanced finish, and a hint of smoke that lingers after all of the other flavors have fallen off. I went right back in for another sip, and once my palate had broken in a bit, it was even better and more complex, and I noticed a fairly delicate mouthfeel and a bit of warming from the alcohols.

The bottom line here is that this is one of the best beers I’ve ever tasted from a commercial brewery. Try one – I feel very confident that you’ll come away impressed.