Sour In The Rye - The Bruery

mactrail

California

3.08/5  rDev -27%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.75

I tasted several sours recently since Local Habit had quite a few on tap for several days. This was my least favorite out of the bunch, but I'm apparently in the minority on this one.

Nearly clear amber in the glass with some decent foam to start. Smells of bread, rubber, and old socks. Quite sour from the first sip. A wee hint of fruity, malty sweetness that is soon overtaken by the vinegar. this one sets my teeth on edge.

An interesting ghost flavor of the malt brew this used to be, before the bacteria were turned loose. Just plain sour, but it has a lingering grainy and faintly hoppy taste. Not much for drinkability.

Serving type: on-tap

05-03-2013 05:19:02 | More by mactrail

TMoney2591

Illinois

4.05/5  rDev -4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Served in a snifter at Firkin.

Didn't think I was gonna get such an easy second chance with this beer, much less on tap, but here we are. It pours a hazy amber topped by a couple fingers of cream foam. The nose comprises soft cheese, tart berries, light wine grapes, and a bit of biscuit. The taste brings in more of the same, with a strong semi-lactic sourness pervading quite nicely. It's strong, but you get to keep some of your enamel if you do things right. The body is a light medium, with a light moderate carbonation and a dry, sticky finish. Overall, a very nice sour, though I'm unsure whether or not the coriander ahd much impact, if any. Just sayin'. Good times, though.

Serving type: on-tap

04-04-2013 19:29:27 | More by TMoney2591

n2185

North Carolina

3.9/5  rDev -7.6%
look: 2.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

A: pours orange with a finger of white bead that fades into a thin ring with no lacing.

S:lots of tart and sour aromas. Cherries, lemons, limes, and a sweet Belgian candy sugar undertone.

T: quite tart and acidic. Tart cherries, raspberries, lemons, and dry, sour cider flavors. The finish is tart and dry with some sweeter Belgian notes.

M: medium-light body with low carbonation, this beer is almost watery and could use a bit more carbonation overall.

O: a good wild ale overall. A bit overpriced and not terribly complex, but still very enjoyable.

Serving type: on-tap

03-31-2013 23:45:49 | More by n2185

Knapp85

Pennsylvania

4.33/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

This poured out as a hazy amber color with a thin white head on top. The retention and lacing fade completely. The smell of the beer has a heavy amount of funk and tart fruity aromas. The taste is very big, lots of sour fruity flavors followed up with a malty rye finish. The mouthfeel is slightly creamy and dry, nicely carbonated. Smooth and drinkable. Overall this beer is very good. There is a light medicinal taste I'm getting the more it sits on my tongue, regardless still worthy of trying.

Serving type: on-tap

03-29-2013 22:49:42 | More by Knapp85

jrenihan

Ontario (Canada)

4.2/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On-tap at Ginger Man.

Amber coloured, with a smallish white head that fades quickly. A bit of lace

Nose is very tart. Cherry, balsamic vinegar. Smells like a potent Flanders red.

Taste is very tart. Spicy rye flavours are strong, along with a large dose of acetic, vinergary sourness. Cherry and other rich berry flavours. Nice.

Medium bodied, moderately carbonated. Tart. Dries the mouth.

Overall, very good. The rye adds a dimension to the base sourness that works well. Not overly complex, but quite enjoyable.

Serving type: on-tap

03-28-2013 01:07:50 | More by jrenihan

VelvetExtract

Massachusetts

4.35/5  rDev +3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

A-Pours a vibrant orange with a thin lining of fuzz. Barely any lacing. Body is slightly cloudy. The body really glows.

S-Pleasantly tart with a grainy rye underbelly. A bit of fruit and plenty of funky yeast. Rotten fruitiness. The tartness jumps out of the glass and shoots up my nostrils.

T-I don't know which part I enjoyed more the palate-penetrating tartness or the blatant dirty/grainy rye finish. They nailed the rye here. Once the tartness finally settles, the rye really shines. I also love how the tartness depicts some fleshy fruits too.

M-Excellent drinkability. The tartness clings to my lips and when I lick them I get another dose of sourness.

O/D-Really tasty. Happy to get this on tap for about $6 then a 750ml for about $23. Really good but too pricey outside of a glass.

Serving type: on-tap

03-21-2013 00:52:20 | More by VelvetExtract

fdig23

Pennsylvania

4.1/5  rDev -2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap at Local 44

Appearance: Cloudy bright orange with a medium sized white head.

Nose: Big sour lemons, peppery spice, grapefruit, and vanilla oak. Very nice.

Taste: Intensely, mouth-ruiningly sour. Tons of sour cherry, bitter grapefruit, and black pepper. Finishes with a bit of vanilla oak but the abrasive sourness really dulls down everything else. Leaves your mouth tasting like you just ate a pack of Warheads.

Mouthfeel: Well carbonated which seems to distribute the harshness all over your mouth.

Overall: Smells amazing and has a nice flavor and complexity in there somewhere underneath the sourness but it was tough to finish a 10oz pour and now my stomach lining is being eaten away.

Serving type: on-tap

03-17-2013 00:54:00 | More by fdig23

joesmithrealname

Connecticut

4.85/5  rDev +14.9%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.75

I am the guy who has ONE beer a night.

It'd better be good.

This was...'nuff said.

$10 10oz snifter @ MAXBURGER Longmeadow, MA

LOVING IT.

Especially think the Cider Bandwagon should venture this way.
I'm sure it's not the healthiest beer, but, I hit the gym today.
The best beer for my dollar at this establishment? Maybe not, but I don't budget my pleasures that way.
This was today, this was my beer, this was a good choice.
CHEERS!

Serving type: on-tap

03-08-2013 02:21:34 | More by joesmithrealname

wedge

North Carolina

4.19/5  rDev -0.7%
look: 3 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

@ Tasty Beverage

Murky auburn capped with some patchy white foam that dissolves to pretty much nothing. Tart, dusty fruit aroma...berries, sweet cherries, vinous notes, ripe fruit, light citrus. More floral as it warms. Super sour, acidic tartness, lactic notes, fruit, mild lemon, and cherry juice. No rye anywhere, as far as I can tell. Very dry and tart. Not the most complex sour, but quite enjoyable. Kind of Flanders sour-ish.

Serving type: on-tap

03-02-2013 03:26:37 | More by wedge

Hopstuff

4.71/5  rDev +11.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75

Oh My! The Bruery has knock it out of the park. This beer gets started from its sexy looks, then draws you near with its insanely amazing odors. Then you actually get to drinking it, and I have never tasted a beer that so completely encompasses your entire mouth. From front to back this little bad boy reels you in. I have never tasted a mid-section so complete and mind blowing. From its parts that are amiable and tender like a cider, to that last little note of twangieness flexing that tiny muscle under your jaw bone; this bitch comes through like clutch free throw shooter being giving the ball in the last seconds of the game. You know they are going to foul, but you know those points are as good as already on the board.

Serving type: on-tap

03-01-2013 04:39:07 | More by Hopstuff

Dreadnaught33

District of Columbia

4.41/5  rDev +4.5%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Tried on tap at the Bruery itself. A great place to visit.

Pours a nice dark orange color with a flurry of bubbles rising to the nice ample ring of frothy white head, leaving some great lacing on the glass.

The smell is small but contains some great fruity berry tart notes and oak, with some obvious yeast overtones, clean water obviously used. The taste is very nice, lots of sour up front, some fruit in the mid palate with a cereal barley malt lingering flavor with a touch of the wood. A composed complex flavor, a strong sour offering. Some vinegar overtones with some warm vanilla to even it out.

The feel is pretty well bodied for a wild and has a very good carbonation level for my palate, a little stiller than most sours of this style which personally I like.

A great beer and one of the better sours they produce in my humble opinion.

Serving type: on-tap

02-24-2013 00:48:01 | More by Dreadnaught33

UCLABrewN84

California

4.7/5  rDev +11.4%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

On tap for Churchill's Renaissance at Churchill's Pub & Grille in San Marcos, CA.

Pours a murky dark gold with a beige head that fades to nothing. Thin streaks of lace drip into the remaining beer on the drink down. Smell is all kinds of funky, sour, and tart with a nice fruity presence as well. Taste is outstanding and is a perfect translation of the smell made better. This beer has a good level of carbonation with a crisp and clean mouthfeel. Overall, this is an excellent sour that is just super tasty and super easy to drink.

Serving type: on-tap

03-05-2012 22:29:23 | More by UCLABrewN84

Retsinis

California

4.18/5  rDev -0.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Had this on tap at The Bruery during the Clusterfork # 2 tasting.

The beer pours a very murk/ cloudy orange and gold light amber color. About a inch of white head that retained for the most part. Some lace

The aroma's were mostly of tart sour grapefruit, rye, and a zesty citrus acid. Some oak notes as well.

The taste really surprised me. Fruit sour notes on the initial draw, but in the middle and especially on the finish.... oak, vanilla, and light buttery bourbon! So basically it has this nice balance between a crisp citrus tart flavor on the nose, and upfront in the sip, but then balanced and blended with the rye malt character as well as the barrel flavor qualities. I'm impressed.

Light mouth feel, medium carbonation, no real hint of the alcohol.

Overall, admittedly, I am not that into sours, but I have been sampling more lately, and doing a bit of dabbling in them when given the chance. They were pouring this from the draft at this tasting, but later when that small keg ran out, they switched over to a few bottles they had. For my palate, I greatly preferred the keg, as the bottle was more sour and tart, and the oak and bourbon backbone was pretty faint in contrast to what was coming through on tap, not sure as to why. I have a bottle of this from my RS membership, not sure what to do with it yet.

Serving type: on-tap

03-30-2011 22:47:34 | More by Retsinis

GRG1313

California

4.7/5  rDev +11.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Brown-carmel color with orange tones.

Great mouthfeel with big bold flavors, body and mouthfeel.

Carmel, cherry, brown sugar, tart cooked citrus and wine vinegar. A big cocoa tart character that rocks. I don't know how you pull off a big "cocoa" sour but it works, with that big cherry undertone. Big rye character comes through in all respects.

Nice pucker factor and an over all wonderful drink.

Patrick, Tyler et al continue to produce some of the tastiest stuff around.

Serving type: on-tap

03-21-2011 00:01:22 | More by GRG1313

mothman

Saskatchewan (Canada)

4.2/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I had a lot of this one at the RS party.

Pours no head. Color is a murky rustic orange brown.

Aroma: Sour cherries, vanilla, spice, oak. A decent amount of sour. The rye adds more spice to the beer than a typical wild ale has. I like it.

Taste: Interesting wild ale. Way more rye and spice than in the nose. A lot of dry spice. Creaminess also. Vanilla, cherries. A good amount of sourness and tartness. Oaky and caramel.

Mouthfeel: Sour and tart. A lit bit acidic with some vinegar. Lighter bodied with a lower amount of carbonation. Ends sour.

Overall, a really nice sour. The rye adds an awesome layer to the sour. Pretty drinkable.

Serving type: on-tap

01-19-2011 17:28:48 | More by mothman

largadeer

California

3.9/5  rDev -7.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

Enjoyed a couple glasses at the 2011 reserve society initiation celebration. 8.7% ABV.

Murky orange-amber, nearly opaque. The head fizzles away quickly. Interesting, complex nose. Rye is evident, lending a dry earthy note, but there's a more dominant fruity, vinous sourness that's both acetic and lactic. The palate shows a nice blend of cheesy lactic acidity, fruity acetic acid, earthy rye and oak. Balanced, but somewhat thin for nearly 9% ABV. Quite good overall, the rye contrasts nicely with the bugs and funk.

Serving type: on-tap

01-11-2011 00:26:11 | More by largadeer

Gobzilla

California

4.33/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured a caramel in color with light brown highlights that had a thin bubbly head and left some lacing sticking to the glass. I did detect a little rye but was faint chillin in the background with citrusy vinegar notes vinous character and faint vanilla as well. The citrusy vinous and mild vinegar flavors dominate the palate with rye spice, oaky, and grape accents with a touch of acidic sour notes. The brew was medium in body with a pleasent amount of carbonation which had a mild acidic but vinous, rye spice, oaky,and citrusy sour finish. I got to try it about a year ago but was happy to have another stab at it since I thought it was tasty the first time around. It was pretty sour and drank really good.

Serving type: on-tap

01-10-2011 04:10:57 | More by Gobzilla

FosterJM

California

4.33/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

168th review on BA
on tap at RS party

App - very light haze with a orange color with some nice highlights with a smallish pur white head.

Smell-Many smells come off the glass on this one. Of course the normal sour scents with some cherry and orange.

Taste-Flavor is very complex for me since I am new to sours. Although I really like this one because it's not too sour with that tart cherry in it

Mouth-It's a medium body beer with a low carb feel to it. Very nice palate feel

Drink-This is a great sour overall for me because its not too over the top.

Serving type: on-tap

01-09-2011 20:12:33 | More by FosterJM

ebin6

California

4.22/5  rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 3.5

On tap at Beachwood BBQ for their 2nd annual holiday celebration.

Arrived with little to no head. Very dark red...reminded me of Haandbaak a lot in appearance. However, that's where the comparison ends. The nose is very strange - in a good way of course. Some horse blanket smell, also a hint of the cherries which are more prominent when tasting. The taste is very unique and goes 1) rye 2) sour cherries 3) cloves. LOVED the cloves-like aftertaste way more than I would if someone described it.

However, the mouthfeel steals the show on this one. Very intense mouth-puckering feel. I drink a lot of sours and this is one of the most sour I've had. Age would probably do a lot for this beer, but I happen to like the intensity as it is right now.

Unfortunately, the complex taste does wear a bit compared to other "sours". I did not come back for a second, but probably could have and not been disappointed. Again, some age would probably cut down on this a lot with a sacrifice to the intense mouthfeel which I love.

Serving type: on-tap

12-19-2010 01:54:08 | More by ebin6

Thorpe429

Illinois

4.25/5  rDev +0.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On tap at The Bruery in August 2009.

Pours a nice, light moderate orange color with a good head. The nose brings forward orange, cherry, rye, and a good dose of sourness. A bit vinous. The taste is mildly fruity with a bit of spice and some good sour notes.

Moderate body with a really nice amount of sourness. Overall, this drinks quite well and I was really thrilled to be able to try this. This trip was some of my first exposure to The Bruery's beers and I'm glad that they have nice experimental brews like this on.

Serving type: on-tap

10-23-2010 02:26:23 | More by Thorpe429

srandycarter

California

3.53/5  rDev -16.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A - Golden, bright amber. Tight bubbled white head that reduces to a risk in a few minutes. Tight bubbled lace.

S - Some rye, grapefruit tart and herbal attributes.

T - Tart with some malt sweetness.

M - Light bodied, good carbonation and balance.

D - A little too tart for my taste.

Serving type: on-tap

01-23-2010 18:03:56 | More by srandycarter

Kegatron

Pennsylvania

4.33/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap @ the Stone Brewing Bistro & World Gardens on 11/11/09 during their "Meet the Brewer" night with Patrick Rue. Served in a Bruery tulip glass.

Pours a hazy rose color, with a 1/2 finger of brite-white creamy head. The retention on this stays rich looking, leaving a strong cascade of spotty lace in its wake. The aroma starts with a nice firm blast of fruity tartness (there is a definite sour vinegar edge going on here) before segueing into a the spicy breadiness of the rye, which really shores up the back portion of this. The flavors here are wrapped up in an almost vinous smelling covering of grapes and barrel. The tartness and spice really play off each other nicely here, both bringing their own style of sharpness to the nose.

The taste is equal parts tart and sour, with much more acidic character this go around, along with a good bit of grapes and oak giving this an overall vinous feel in the mouth. None of this feels overdone or overbearing, with more sweetness pulling up the rear from that delicous spicy and toasted bread feel of the rye. This leaves a deep tang in the finish, along with a good bit of sticky spice. The mouthfeel is medium-fuller bodied, with an EXREMELY slick and (not surprising) vinous texture, which gives this a tremendous slippery feel. I mean this literally just slides down the throat, which really helps ease the overall sharpness of the profile.

Well this certainly brought the goods, with a hearty even mix of tart/sour/spice/bread notes and a well done barrel character that pulled it all together. Great stuff as usual from The Bruery.

Serving type: on-tap

12-08-2009 17:45:27 | More by Kegatron

HopHead84

California

4.33/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Consumed on tap at Stone's The Bruery night on 11/11/2009 and poured into a Bruery snifter. The beer appears dark orange and slightly hazy with a small white head.

The nose opens up with moderate oak and lactic character. I detect a distinct cheese quality that reminds me a bit of Blue Cheese. Spicy rye notes are evident, the malt is slightly sweet, and acetic character is at a moderate level. Other notes are of a blend of orange, peach, and lemon. The oak is slightly spicy, with notes of vanilla and barrel tannins. There's just a touch of mustiness.

The flavor opens up piquant with a distinct lemon rind and cherry tartness, as well as a clean lactic sourness and a touch of sweetness. Spicy rye is well integrated and I detect an earthy component. Acetic character is at a moderate level and I experience that same sharp Blue Cheese character I detected in the nose. The drying finish is lactic with a moderate acetic character accompanied by light wood and tannins. Another delicious and unique beer from The Bruery and I'm surprised it wasn't better received on the forums. Recommended.

Serving type: on-tap

11-12-2009 21:34:37 | More by HopHead84

Mauerhan

California

4.33/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Reviewed from notes taken down at the bruery.

Pour is a haze of orange and gold. A one finger head fizzes up and retreats leaving a bit of lacing on the sides of the glass. head is easily restored with a good swirl of my glass.

smell is TART. I am already in love. Sour grape and Rye practically jump out of the glass to kick my ass and take my wallet. This is very sour but still manages to keep a nice balance.

Taste is just what I would expect it to. Moderate pucker with great barrel notes and a nice vinous character. Very tasty.

I found this beer to be great. Drinkable is a term that you can use easily with this. I went back not only for seconds...but fourths. this should be bottled and distributed directly to my beer room. Whadda you think Patrick? no? ok I will just wait for it to be put on tap again.

Serving type: on-tap

11-04-2009 06:52:21 | More by Mauerhan

nickd717

California

4.38/5  rDev +3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On tap at the Bruery.

A - Great hazy golden orange color with a small white head.

S - Sour cherry, orange peel, red wine, sweet malt, vanilla, and spices.

T - Flavor is complex and not too sour with some sweetness to balance, with lots of spices, red wine, oak, orange, lemon, and sour cherry.

M - Body is medium and palate is great - a little sharp sour bite and soft carbonation.

D - High for the style, benefiting from the sourness not being over-the-top. This is a great sour overall.

Serving type: on-tap

10-12-2009 17:27:10 | More by nickd717