Review: Rebellion Flanders Sour

The always amazing Greg over at Flatland Beer sent me a bottle of Rebellion Brewing's Flanders Sour a couple years ago and I've been meaning to try it but I've been waiting for a special occasion to review it, well - nothing's going on so might as well review it now rather than never!

From the label: Flanders Sour Ale is aged in oak barrels with our house blend of wild yeast and bacteria for 12 months. It is deep burgundy in colour with a bright cherry aroma. Tart acidity tingles the tongue, as waves of red wine-like fruit flavours wash over the palate, leading to a smooth dry finish. Serve lightly chilled in a tulip glass, and pair with a funky wash rind cheese. 6.5% ABV

Appearance: Pretty much an opaque dark brown appearance with a cherry wood reddish hue to it. Not much for carbonation and a light amount of yellow-beige head on top, mostly clinging to the glass.

Aroma: Very sharp aroma with a moderate amount of cherry-like sweetness to it. Notes of funkiness from the Brett, slightly woody. I want to say it's slightly buttery but is it? Perhaps from whatever type of liquor was used for aging this before. Slightly sweet, moderate vinegar presence.

Taste: I took a good sip of this and it hurt a bit, I forgot how sour this was! There's a red wine like sharpness to it, almost like vinegar. It's fruity, sweet, nice presence of cherry, a hint of oak and plum at the end. Lots of funkiness from the Brett used. Quite a lingering, acidic aftertaste at the end. 

Overall Thoughts: Quite strong, acidic, sour and cherry. Definitely a dessert-friendly beer. I don't recall the last time I had a Flanders Sour.. it's been a few years now! Strong, leaves behind a hefty acidic taste on the tongue and I can definitely feel it in my stomach for a while after.. *burp*


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