New Belgium Brewing Company Lips of Faith Series Eric’s Ale American Wild Ale at 7% ABV (US$17.78 at Specs Main Houston, 650 ml, best before 2-Apr-2017, acquired 23-Jan-2016, reviewed 11-May-2016)
Appearance: hazy medium gold with a short, short-lived fizzy off-white head, minimal lacing. (3/5) Aroma: tart vinous, stone fruit, woody. (7/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate tart, light bitter. (7/10) Medium-light body, low carbonation, off-dry mildly tart finish. (3/5)
So, the bottle says it’s a “sour beer for those who don’t like sour beers and a fruit beer for those who don’t like fruit beers.” This comes perilously close to the truth in the contrapositive: it’s not really a sour beer for those who DO like sour beers, or a fruit beer for those who DO like fruit beers. That’s not to say it’s bad, as such, but it’s more like a bottle of supermarket chardonnay, than a beer. A light vinous tart aroma presents upon decapping, and pretty much sets the stage for the white wine character that follows. Stone fruit is present, but not well-defined. There’s even a light, gose-like saltiness toward the end, making this very much a hybrid style, but it’s more a case of “too many cooks” than anything else. A bit muddled, but ultimately not unpleasant. (13/20)
6.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
