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Sour Ales, Fruit Beers, & Belgian-Style Ales
Reviews for 2019

July 2019 - Sour Ales, Fruit Beers, & Belgian-Style Ales

July 2019 - Sour Ales, Fruit Beers, & Belgian-Style Ales
This month's Beer feature is Sour Ales, Fruit Beers, & Belgian-Style Ales

Sour Ales, Fruit Beers, & Belgian-Style Ales Reviews

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Brouwerij Lindemans Cuvée René Oude Kriek
97 points
Brouwerij Lindemans
Cuvée René Oude Kriek
Cloudy red oak color. Funky, fruity, jammy, phenolic, sour aromas of cherry pits, plastic/bandaid, black tea, and cinnamon with a slightly chewy, tart, frothy, sweet-and-sour medium body and a smooth, interesting, medium-long fresh dark red cherries, raw almonds, candied orange peel, and lime zest finish. A classic Kriek-style beer, with fresh cherry and almond notes sure to create many a lambic fan.
97 points
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Date Tasted:
North Coast Brewing Co. Brother Thelonious Belgian Style Abbey Ale
96 points
North Coast Brewing Co.
Brother Thelonious Belgian Style Abbey Ale
Dark brick red color. Boozy, fruity, interesting, peppery, spicy aromas of sun dried cherries, fresh ginger, pink peppercorn, and plum shrub with a lightly tannic, shy, frothy, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a warming, elegant, medium-long caramelized sour apple, allspice, candied orange peel, and Christmas fruitcake finish. A deceptively drinkable quad to pair with intensely roasted wild game.
96 points
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Date Tasted:
SweetWater Brewing Co. Through the Brambles Sour Ale
94 points
SweetWater Brewing Co.
Through the Brambles Sour Ale
Clear copper color. Medicinal aromas of cherries, red wine barrel, citrus, and vinegar with a soft, tart, finely carbonated, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a graceful, interesting, medium-length cherry syrup, pie crust, and oak finish. A Kriek-like sour beer with dense cherry and jam notes.
94 points
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Date Tasted:
The Herkimer Pub & Brewery Belgian Blond Ale
92 points
The Herkimer Pub & Brewery
Belgian Blond Ale
Brilliant golden amber color. Fruity, rubbery, phenolic aromas of old fashioned bubblegum, cherry pits, apple skins, and coriander seed with a round, soft, spritzy, fruity medium body and a smooth, complex, medium-length ripe banana peel, fresh red apple slices, white peppercorns, and soda crackers finish. A classic Belgian Blonde with a fruity bouquet and enough spicy flavors to keep each sip interesting.
92 points
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Date Tasted:
Vancouver Island Brewing Castles in the Sand Saison
91 points
Vancouver Island Brewing
Castles in the Sand Saison
Minutely hazy pale light gold color. Fruity, fresh aromas of dried leaves, clay, grassy, and spices with a round, crisp, spritzy, off-dry medium body and an even, medium-length toasted banana, dried banana chips, fresh cut grass, and cracked black pepper finish. A crisp, effervescent saison with excellent fruity and spicy notes to keep each sip interesting.
91 points
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Date Tasted:
All Rise Brewing Co. Reign in Blood Sour Ale
90 points
All Rise Brewing Co.
Reign in Blood Sour Ale
Cloudy golden amber color. Herbal, floral aromas and flavors of fresh rosemary, geraniums, raspberry leaf, and raspberry sorbet with a tannic, tangy, spritzy, dry-yet-fruity medium body and a smooth, medium-length finish that presents nuances of fruity breakfast cereals, raspberry Danish, white bread crust, and wheat germ finish. A backyard BBQ crusher for beer drinkers and non beer drinkers alike.
90 points
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Date Tasted:
North Coast Brewing Co. Tart Cherry Berliner Weisse
90 points
North Coast Brewing Co.
Tart Cherry Berliner Weisse
Brilliant old gold color. Yeasty, fruity aromas of hibiscus, sourdough, cherry pie, and lemon zest with a soft, lively, spritzy, fruity sweet light body and a smooth, short raspberry jam, toasted wheat cracker, lemon juice, and fresh cut flowers finish. A rose-colored beer with refreshing acidity and balanced berry notes.
90 points
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Date Tasted:
Veza Sur Brewing Co. La Picante Gose
90 points
Veza Sur Brewing Co.
La Picante Gose
Minutely hazy straw green color. Herbal, floral aromas of sweet n’ sour mix, fresh tarragon, coriander seeds, lavender, and geranium with a syrupy, tart, spritzy, light body and a smooth, short lime cordial, sea salt, and orange zest finish. A margarita-lover’s beer.
90 points
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Date Tasted:
Call to Arms Brewing Company Majestic Wolf Lamp Oak-Aged Blended Belgian-Style Sour
89 points
Call to Arms Brewing Company
Majestic Wolf Lamp Oak-Aged Blended Belgian-Style Sour
Clear dark bronze color. Aromas of cola nut, plum, black cherry, and malted chocolate with a supple, vibrant, effervescent, fruity sweet medium body and a medium-to-long cherry compote, maple syrup, and toasted walnuts finish. A big complex sour ale for a long Winter night.
89 points
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Date Tasted:
Collesi Bionda IPA
89 points
Collesi
Bionda IPA
Minutely hazy light gold color. Fruity, herbal, grassy aromas of seeded rye, clementine pith, toasted wheat, and orange oil with a soft, fizzy, fruity medium body and a graceful, momentary dried grass, eucalyptus oil, star anise, and honeyed green tea finish. A Belgian beer for hop heads who are ready to branch out.
89 points
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Date Tasted:
Lift Bridge Beer Company Mango Blonde Ale
89 points
Lift Bridge Beer Company
Mango Blonde Ale
Minutely hazy pale gold color. Weird aromas of white bread, rosemary oil, dried orange peel, and almond croissant with a lean, soft, finely carbonated, off-dry thin body and a graceful, short wheat toast, orange marmalade, apricot pit, and pressed flowers finish. A crushable and balanced mango-y refresher.
89 points
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Date Tasted:
Lift Bridge Beer Company Jibe Talkin Apricot Sour Ale
89 points
Lift Bridge Beer Company
Jibe Talkin Apricot Sour Ale
Minutely hazy old gold color. Fruity, funky aromas of apricot nectar, pears in syrup, peach tea, and nectarine with a rough, crisp, fizzy, light body and a seamless, odd, medium-length tomato leaf, apricot, and toast finish. A beer with inviting stone fruit flavor and table-friendly style.
89 points
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Date Tasted:
Lift Bridge Beer Company Farm Girl Saison
89 points
Lift Bridge Beer Company
Farm Girl Saison
Pale golden yellow color. Fruity, floral aromas of banana, marzipan, and dried tea with a round, flat, effervescent, fruity light body and a smooth, breezy banana bread, lemon soda, and crackers finish. A fruit-forward saison for hot summer days.
89 points
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Date Tasted:
Lindemans Young Lambic Ale
89 points
Lindemans
Young Lambic Ale
Minutely hazy pale gold color. Citrusy, vinegary, phenolic, peppery aromas of lemon pith, apple cider vinegar, apricot, and shortbread with a lightly tannic, crisp, petillant, dry-yet-fruity light body and a sleek, interesting, breezy orange zest, raw almonds, sourdough, and underripe mango finish. Light citrus flavors combine with a soft acidity and refreshing finish to create an approachable and drinkable lambic with vinous undertones; a wine drinkers beer.
89 points
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Date Tasted:
Revival Brewing Co. Pinky Swear Raspberry Berliner Weisse
89 points
Revival Brewing Co.
Pinky Swear Raspberry Berliner Weisse
Cloudy light amber color. Jammy, fruity aromas of strawberry jam, fresh rhubarb, sea salt, and currants with a soft, tangy, frothy, briny light body and a polished, breezy raspberry shrub, strawberry, and strawberry jam finish. A tangy, fruity beer with outgoing and natural raspberry flavor.
89 points
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Date Tasted:
The Herkimer Pub & Brewery Belgian Golden Strong Ale
88 points
The Herkimer Pub & Brewery
Belgian Golden Strong Ale
Brilliant gold color. Aromas of banana bread and white pepper with a soft, fizzy, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a graceful, scant banana nut muffin, rosemary oil, and toasted wheat finish. A light Belgian beer with inviting notes of orange marmalade on toast.
88 points
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Date Tasted:
Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery Old Well White
88 points
Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery
Old Well White
Brilliant light gold color. Herbal, grassy, musty, floral aromas and flavors of fresh parsley, raspberry leaf, sauvignon blanc, and cider with a lightly tannic, crisp, spritzy, dry-yet-fruity light body and a sleek, charming, short finish with notes of orange kombucha, strawberry greens, and coriander seed finish. A crisp and inviting example of witbier.
88 points
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Date Tasted:
Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery Blueridge Blueberry Wheat
88 points
Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery
Blueridge Blueberry Wheat
Pale old gold color. Aromas of chocolate covered orange, blueberry, fresh baked bread, and raspberry with a round, soft, spritzy, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and an effortless, refreshing, medium-length blueberry muffin, fluffy pancakes, and raspberry jam finish. A light breakfast beer with flavors that would marry well with blueberry pancakes.
88 points
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Date Tasted:
Vancouver Island Brewing Magic Hour Grapefruit Gose
88 points
Vancouver Island Brewing
Magic Hour Grapefruit Gose
Minutely hazy golden yellow color. Fruity aromas of lemonade, melon rind, kiwi, and Greek yogurt with a round, tart, sweet-and-sour light-to-medium body and a smooth, captivating, brisk fresh cantaloupe, mango, weck roll, and salted croissant finish. A refreshingly tart beer with a salty-sweet flavor reminiscent of childhood lemonade stands and salty potato chips.
88 points
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Date Tasted:
Pinkus Münster Alt
87 points
Pinkus
Münster Alt
Pale light gold color. Floral aromas of radish greens, wheat crust, lemon cracker, and waxy candle with a lightly tannic, shy, spritzy, dryish light-to-medium body and a smooth, breezy white bread crust, mineral/stone, and lemon glaze finish. A smooth, dry, easy-drinker.
87 points
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Date Tasted:
Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery Mango Cum Laude
87 points
Top of the Hill Restaurant & Brewery
Mango Cum Laude
Minutely hazy golden yellow color. Fruity, floral aromas of raspberry jam, mango, pressed ginger juice, and apricot with a soft, petillant, dry-yet-fruity medium body and an even, atypical, medium-length pineapple, mango, grapefruit pith, and peach finish. A light introduction to fruited beers with a soft aromas and an easy to drink flavor.
87 points
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Date Tasted:
Vancouver Island Brewing Twisted Stalk Blackberry Helles
87 points
Vancouver Island Brewing
Twisted Stalk Blackberry Helles
Brilliant golden amber with pink color. Buttery, fruity, jammy aromas of brioche, strawberry jam, rhubarb pie, and hibiscus with a round, crisp, spritzy, fruity medium body and a seamless, interesting, brisk macerated strawberries, rye cracker, and white pepper finish. Fruity and jam-like, this beer is a welcome departure from typical lager flavors.
87 points
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Date Tasted:
The Herkimer Pub & Brewery Belgian Dark Strong Ale
86 points
The Herkimer Pub & Brewery
Belgian Dark Strong Ale
Dark bronze color. Toasty, spicy, malty, herbal aromas of Tootsie roll, toasted pecans, black pepper, and coffee grounds with a silky, soft, frothy, dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a sleek, compelling, medium-length bakers chocolate, caramel chew, vanilla latte, and sassafras finish. A toasty, inviting Belgian beer with peppery notes that balance chocolatey sweetness.
86 points
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Date Tasted:
Revival Brewing Co. Night Swimah Belgian-Style Raspberry Wheat Ale
85 points
Revival Brewing Co.
Night Swim'ah Belgian-Style Raspberry Wheat Ale
Pale golden amber color. Herbal, grassy, unusual aromas of lavender, sweet basil, earl grey tea, and bitter melon rind with a round, crisp, spritzy, dryish medium body and an effortless, interesting, medium-length juniper, eucalyptus, pine resin, and white wine finish. An herbaceous spa-like beer.
85 points
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Date Tasted:
Revival Brewing Co. Wafel Belgian-Style Tripel Ale
85 points
Revival Brewing Co.
Wafel Belgian-Style Tripel Ale
Deep amber color. Boozy, fruity aromas of roasted and caramelized stone fruit, caramel syrup, and spicy cinnamon with a syrupy, soft, finely carbonated, fruity medium body and a peppery, medium-long spiced orange pie finish. A high-octane Belgian beer, delivers the sweet and the spice!
85 points
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Date Tasted:
Veza Sur Brewing Co. Lulo Sour Ale
85 points
Veza Sur Brewing Co.
Lulo Sour Ale
Brilliant pale yellow color. Fruity, citrusy aromas and flavors of lemon yogurt, candied lemon, sourdough, and Lemonheads candy with a soft, bright, spritzy, fruity sweet light body and a smooth, amusing, brief finish with overtones of pickled melon rind and lychee finish. A citrusy beer for the summer table.
85 points
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Date Tasted:
The Herkimer Pub & Brewery West Alice Imperial Belgian IPA
82 points
The Herkimer Pub & Brewery
West Alice Imperial Belgian IPA
Medium bright amber color. Buttery, fruity, floral, perfumed, spicy aromas of fresh brioche, flower stems, and fresh firewood with a round, crisp, fizzy, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a seamless, medium-long juniper berry, black tea, and grassy finish. A hoppy, boozy Belgian for IPA converts.
82 points
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Date Tasted:
Veza Sur Brewing Co. PIM PAM POM Sour Ale
81 points
Veza Sur Brewing Co.
PIM PAM POM Sour Ale
Brilliant gold with pink undertones color. Aromas of mixed berries, brioche, and grapefruit with a soft, tangy, spritzy, fruity sweet light-to-medium body and a smooth, terse raspberry sour candy, candied lemon peel, and peach pit finish. A tart, lightly fruity beer best with food.
81 points
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Date Tasted:
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