“Citrus and beer have made a great pair ever since the first lemon wedge was added to a frosty wheat beer. Here we expand on that tradition, melding a sour blond ale with the intensely aromatic zest of Buddha’s Hand citrons and meyer lemons along with the bracing tartness of Yuzu and Blood Oranges from Hamada Farms. Pair harmoniously with sushi or flakey white fish or contrast with earthy roasted root vegetables.”
Glassware: Snifter.
Appearance: Pale golden orange with two fingers of fizzy white head which quickly peels back to a ring. Leaving a wet lace drag as it ebbs.
Aroma: Dominant sour citrus overtones, barnyard funk, blood orange, grapefruit, oak and subtle vinegar notes. Definitely picking up the vinous characters – smells of sour grapes and chardonnay. The malt backing is quite dry and grainy, almost pilsner-ish with crackers and hay at the base. Very crisp and refreshing aroma.
Flavour: Dry, tart and citric. Much like the aroma we get the lemon citrus, lacto funk and vinous white wine tannins upfront. The lip puckering sourness hits a crescendo early in the mid as it brings vinegar and super tart flavours of yuzu and grapefruit. The grainy/crackery malts are introduced before it moves in to a mild finish with orange peel, funk and earthy oak tannins on the rear.
Mouthfeel: Crisp, mineraly texture. Light-medium body with good acidity. 7% ABV – well hidden.
Overall: It has been an unusually warm winters day in Sydney today so something light and refreshing was on the cards. It went down well enough but we’d have to admit we’ve had better sours recently. All in all it wasn’t too bad.