Cascade Brewing Sang Noir (2015) Sour / Wild Ale at 9.9% ABV (C$27.66 at Willow Park Wine & Spirits, 750 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 23-Sep-2017, reviewed 22-Apr-2018)
Appearance: clear amber-brown with one finger of fluffy brown head diminishing rapidly and loudly to a thin skim and ring, spotty lacing. (3/5) Aroma: dark cherries, oak, leather, red wine, acetic and lactic sour. (8/10) Taste: moderate-high tart, moderate sweet, minimal bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, medium duration tart and tannic finish. (4/5)
Complex on the nose and aggressive on the tongue, but never harsh. Despite the “Noir” appellation, it’s not particularly dark – at most, it’s a clear amber-brown. The most surprising thing about this, though, is probably the complete absence of any alcohol character despite it being within a hair of double-digit ABV territory. Overall it’s quite good, but probably not worth the price tag if I’m being honest – which is pretty much par for the course with this brewery. (16/20)
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
