“Sang Noir is a blend of imperial red ales aged in bourbon and wine barrels for up to two years with Bing cherries. The darkest in our series of “Sang” projects, Sang Noir features notes of dark roast malts, bourbon, black cherries and port wine.”
Glassware: Stemmed Tulip.
Appearance: Deep mahogany to brown with a short cap which disappears quickly. It forms a collar and leaves fine lacing on its way down.
Aroma: Wow she’s super complex it’s pulling the olfactory’s in every which direction. The barrels play quite a strong role. Not so much in the way of bourbon but more in that damp sauna room kind of way. Lovely juicy and tart cherry notes, vinous tannins, port, clove, caramel fudge, blood plum and freshly cut green apple. A rather assertive acidity too…mostly tart lemon and vinegar. Superb aroma.
Flavour: It opens with a vigorous lacto sourness but it’s nicely balanced by the damp oak, sweet malts and vinous dark fruits. The cherries provide another layer of complexity as a very subtle touch of bourbon comes through late. It all wraps up with tart fruits and red wine tannins. Some really good length on it too.
Mouthfeel: Sharp and acidic. The pucker rating gets a healthy 4/5. Slightly dry and musty texture with delicate warmth from the 9.3% ABV.
Overall: Jeez these guys know how to brew a mean sour! The balance that oak, bourbon, malt and fruits provide is crucial. It’s complex, well layered and freakin delicious! Kudos Cascade!