Currant Events by Monday Night Brewing is being evaluated as a Wild Specialty Beer (2015 BJCP Category 28C). It pours deep red that stops short of being burgundy with a vivid pink head that’s persistent for minutes and not seconds. Like many sours, this one has a bit of haze as well.
A moderate, clean funk nose of black currants and floral hibiscus greets you. It dominates over restrained grainy malt without additional complexity from hops. The subtle lactic acid tang is there but isn’t overbearing nor yogurt-like, which is a treat. There’s also some leather and hay in there which manifests as the beer warms.
The flavor picks right up where the aroma left off but with more intense characteristics. The black currant really sings when paired with leather and lacto. There’s also a strong hibiscus-like, floral, earthy flavor that blends with the other flavors. Despite all of this, the beer is well-balanced without too acidic of a finish.
Currant Events is a delicious, sessionable sour that clocks in at only 4.5 % ABV. Well balanced with tart fruit and funk, it should appeal to beer connoisseurs and newbies alike.