Poive Raz is an American Wild Ale being judged in the Wild Specialty Beer category (2015 BJCP Guidelines 28C) as a golden sour lager aged on raspberries and pink peppercorns. The aroma features puréed raspberries in abundance with an underlying lactic presence. The strong fruit and bacteria initially limit the perception of malt, but a rich nutty aroma emerges as the beer warms in the glass.
The color is unique – amber with undertones of red and pink. The beer is relatively clear with a small, off-white head that settles quickly. The flavor is a lovely marriage of rich malt with notes of freshly baked bread crust, tart raspberry, and oak. The oak and acidity linger long after the dry finish. The body is medium with a slightly elevated level of carbonation. The high level of attenuation gives the impression of more effervescence and aids drinkability.
This beer drinks well by itself but could be a showstopper if paired with the right dish. A simple salad with tangy goat cheese and a red wine vinaigrette would pair beautifully. While no pink peppercorn presence was detected, it may have provided some intangible qualities that aided in this beer’s high complexity.
Poive Raz does an excellent job of showcasing the myriad flavors that can be found in a well-crafted beer.