Apricot Sour

Apricot Sour by Väsen Brewing Company is being evaluated as a Wild Specialty Beer (Category 28C) from the 2015 BJCP guidelines.

This beer poured light gold and very hazy with a thick white head. The head retention was customary for sour/wild ale styles in that it dropped fairly quickly.

Aromas of fruity esters of green fruit, not yet ripe, and other berry-type fruit. Light grainy malt, a mild degree of green apples resembling acetaldehyde was slightly unpleasant.

Fruit-forward flavors are present, however, it’s difficult to pick up the apricots, the fruit seems green and underripe at times. There’s a note of Jolly rancher sourness becoming more sour as you sip. The bitterness, although low, is overshadowed by the sourness that lingers and lingers. The acidity of the fruit also plays a big part in the overall flavor and perceived carbonation.

This beer’s mouthfeel is light bodied, with medium-high carbonation as it should have. Fruit tannins also add to the bulk of the mouthfeel. The astringency is high, given the acidity and remnants perceived.

A very good specialty beer in the American wild ale category. The fruit component seems detached and not in harmony with the base beer. This beer has lambic-like qualities that make it refreshing and fruity, but it seems to miss balance. Perhaps aging this beer in your cellar may help bring it more into harmony.