Crooked Stave St. Bretta Citrus Wildbier Valencia Orange Sour / Wild Ale at 5.8% ABV (US$7.99 at Knightly Spirits Orange Blossom Trail, 375 ml, packaged on 1-Aug-2015, acquired 15-May-2017, reviewed 15-Oct-2017)
Appearance: clear straw with one finger of fluffy white head diminishing gradually to a thin skim, spotty lacing. (3/5) Aroma: lactic tart, orange peel, grainy malt, earth. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate-high tart, light bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium-light body, moderate carbonation, dry lingering tart finish. (4/5)
Lots of tart here, but somewhat surprisingly (and a little disappointingly, if I’m honest) there’s not much Brett funk. I was also surprised there wasn’t more citrus presence from the Valencia oranges. However, both made more of an appearance when I poured in the lees, making me think this would’ve been better had it been fresher. Once I added the lees and things warmed up, the flavours opened up somewhat, and the appearance changed radically, becoming opaque and juice-like. I think I’d recommend swirling this one before pouring, much like one would for a Hefe. (15/20)
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
