Lambic - Rivertown Brewing Co.

jlindros

Massachusetts

4.05/5  rDev +2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Thanks to rudzud for sharing, 2011 vintage.

Pours a light fizzy head little lacing murky carrot peach orange color.

Nose is nice, plenty of fruity funk, tart fruit sour, little berry like and vinous, light oak barrel and toasty, light straw grainy funk and hay, mostly tart fruit.

Taste starts like it wants to be super sour and funky but doesn't quite get there, some tart lemony fruit, hay and grassy funky but light as well, touch of a sour berry fruit, etc. Light grainy bready yeasty malt quality. Decent acidity and overall tartness, but feels slightly thin. It's not heavy sour fruit or funk but not subtle either. Finish is tart and puckering, mouth watering light acidity, tart fruit almost grapefruit like, light bready malts, lingering tartness.

Mouth is med bodied , nice carb, light acidity.

Overall nice, much better than I expected from a lambic from Midwest, although not top of the top but still a well done lambic.

Serving type: bottle

10-28-2012 02:11:39 | More by jlindros

Tilley4

Tennessee

4/5  rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Picked this bottle up on a whim after seeing it for the first time on the shelves....

After glancing thru the reviews, this looks like it might be a good choice...

Lovely aromas of grape and pear with hints of lemon and maybe even a little lime as well... Very fruity and tart aromas blend with a slight, ever so slight funky earthiness... Interesting...

First sip and while not bracingly bitter or sour, it's definitely not subdued... The other reviewers didn't get this bottle... It's not La Folie sour but it's definitely a mouth puckerer... Tart and refreshing while never getting tiresome to drink... The grapes and lemon are present all the way and the hints of the oak here and there give this a nice touch...

I liked this beer a lot and it's one that I will get again... I don't have access to any other domestic lambics and this is one that I could see myself having again... very nice and well done...

Serving type: bottle

09-26-2012 21:13:36 | More by Tilley4

jmarsh123

Indiana

3.6/5  rDev -9.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Pours semi-clear dark straw with a finger of creamy white head. Pretty good retention and lacing.

Sour lemon, wheat and some white wine notes. A little bit of black pepper as well. Smells a bit like a Pinot Grigio.

Some lemon and pear up front. Very soft up front flavor. Rounds into a bit of drying oak near the end. Not overly sour. Just a touch.

Light bodied perhaps a bit too much so with medium carbonation.

Solid lambic that I'll be happy to have anytime I'm in Indy and can snag a bottle, but nothing overly special. I'd prefer more of a sour kick.

Serving type: bottle

09-24-2012 22:06:15 | More by jmarsh123

sommersb

Tennessee

4.03/5  rDev +1.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Tasted On: 08-23-2012
Freshness: 2011 Vintage
Packaging: 750ml brown bottle, pry-cap covered in foil
Glassware: Cervoise glass
Purchased: Single from Midtown, Nashville

Pours a dark golden/orange color, semi-clear, showing lots of bubbles in the glass. A nice sized white head fades fairly quickly, leaving only a little amount of lace.

Aromas are quite tart and sour, with pleasant lemon citrus notes.

The taste is also tart and sour, dry and with hints of cider and wine. The label says it was aged in oak wine barrels, which makes sense based on the fruit and woody flavors. No hop bitterness.

Crisp and highly carbonated on a medium body. The finish is dry, with an apple-flavored tart aftertaste.

My first unblended lambic, and I enjoyed it. I'm still not very familiar with the range of sour beers, but can say it was tasty, even though it seemed just as much of a dry cider or white wine as it did a beer.

Serving type: bottle

08-24-2012 01:26:15 | More by sommersb

Auracom

Illinois

2.18/5  rDev -44.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2

Completely random share from Dan, thanks. 6 oz. poured into a Cantillon flute on August 2nd, 2012.

A - Light, hazy, peach coloring with a thin soapy head. Instant dissipation. Moderate lacing.

S - Subtle but in a decent way. Light oak, green grapeskins, lemon juice, and dry hay. There's a trace note of yeast spice and or honey-like malts underneath.

T - Very muted, incomplete taste. Slight lemon vinegar with primarily effervescence throughout.

M - Appropriate carbonation, light body, non-existent finish.

D - Wow this is the most boring lambic I've ever had. The aroma was soft and semi-inviting but the taste was mega-fail.

Serving type: bottle

08-21-2012 15:17:38 | More by Auracom

kaips1

Kentucky

3.88/5  rDev -2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

750 ml bottle into a brandy snifter

This is upon opening has some of that classic lambic smell, which is always a good thing. Once entering the glass it bubble up about 1/2 a finger of head before quickly disappearing into a very slim rim of bubbles. the nice golden hue of the beer is vibrant and cloudy at the same time. the aroma from the opening still last in the glass and is very enticing, which leads into the taste. the taste wasnt quite as stellar as the smell, it has a bit of watery essence at the end of the sip, that would be the biggest complaint. 1 or 2 yrs down the road i can see this developing more in the bottle. the mouthfeel was spot on for a nice american sour. overall im glad i have a second bottle and ill be seeking at least one more out. good job Rivertown, I cant wait to get my hands on the other sours from this "local" brewery.

Serving type: bottle

08-15-2012 03:26:37 | More by kaips1

womencantsail

California

3.68/5  rDev -7.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a clear golden color with a white head. A light vinegar note, but still a decent lactic character. Lots of lemon peel, straw, and a decent funkiness, though mostly just must. A touch of oak and green apple. The palate is a little dull, but not awful. Good tartness with oak, green apple, lemon, and a touch of white vinegar. Not terribly complex or funky, but still nice.

Serving type: bottle

08-13-2012 00:07:46 | More by womencantsail

4DAloveofSTOUT

Illinois

4.15/5  rDev +4.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Thanks to duff27 for this bottle share! Thanks Chris!

reviewed from notes 5/10/12.

poured into tulip glass.

Appearance: pale yellow with 1 finger of white head. Yeast settles down into the bottom of my tulip rather quickly.

Smell: prodominently funky lemons, but it smells good.

Taste: Easily a moderately sour beer. Funky lemons just as the nose implies. Mild hay and wheat notes. Pleasant.

Mouthfeel: Low bodied beer with medium carbonation. Really eppervescent carbonation. Really fresh tasting sour beer.

Overall: This has gotta be an under the radar sour. Its made in Ohio of all places and thats where an under the radar sour would probably come from! Get yourself a bottle if you like a sour brew.

Serving type: bottle

05-11-2012 08:29:26 | More by 4DAloveofSTOUT

Duff27

Illinois

4.05/5  rDev +2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Cork to piece, made due with what we had.

Short white head on a orange/yellow beer. Leaves a clad and some lacing.

Woo, tart aroma. Lemony.

Sweet initially then turns to very, very tart. Leaves the mouth watering.

Very carbonated, adds an element. Medium medium thin mouthfeel.

Good "local surprise" here. Would have again would recommend to sour fans. Thanks MaxSpang...go to snobbybeer.com!

Serving type: bottle

05-11-2012 00:46:10 | More by Duff27

spinrsx

Ontario (Canada)

3.83/5  rDev -3.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

22oz Bottle

Appearance – Hazy yellow/amber colour with a small size fizzy white coloured head. There is an average amount of carbonation showing and there is some faint lacing. The head lasted for around 5 minutes before it was gone.

Smell - Grains/wheat, citric/lemons, vinegar

Taste & Mouth - The beer has an average amount of carbonation. Most of the taste is made up of tart citrus and some vinegar. There is also some wheat/barnyard flavour and a bit of a rustiness. It ends with a tart aftertaste.

Overall – Pretty good stuff. I wasn't expecting much but the flavours are very good and the beer isn't that far off from some of the more renowned lambics I have tried.

Serving type: bottle

04-13-2012 14:13:27 | More by spinrsx

DCon

Missouri

4.43/5  rDev +11.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Enjoyed 2- 8oz pours from a tapper @ the East Nashville Beer Festival in Nashville, TN. Tapped from a White Tap Handle that has Lambic and Rivertown on it into my 8oz East Nashville Beer Festival Tasting Glass. Had to go back for a second of this!! Favorite of the entire festival.

Aroma- A big amount of funk from the beginning and then finishes with light citrus. Very sweet to the nose as well.

Appearance- Received with a less than .5 finger head that dies immediately. Has a clear, dark golden (almost light orange) colored body. Leaves no lacing behind.

Flavor- Huge citric and funk from the beginning to end of the taste. Sour barnyard and complexed sweetness. Enjoying every last drop of this!

Mouthfeel- Light Bodied, HUGE Carbonation, Tons of puckering with dry flavors, and then has a high tart finish. Perfect for this style!

Overall Impression- While sour beers are some of my favorites out of any style, this one rocked the festival into conversation all day about it! If you get a chance, pick up more than one bottle and I'll take one off your hands in a trade! Perfect unblended lambic attributes. The appearance and smell were above average but the rest of the beer has high marks!

Serving type: on-tap

04-10-2012 20:37:16 | More by DCon

Bierguy5

Ohio

4/5  rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

2010 vintage, 22 oz bottle. Hazy straw color, with some tiny, fine bubbles emerging. Thin white head fades quickly, but stays at a nice ring.

Earthy, oaky nose. Some lemon zest and fruity notes. Funky, and a bit musty.

Only a bit tart up front. Lemon zest, with some drying oak. A bit earthy, but not overwhelming.

Light body, with some refreshing carbonation. Alcohol is a non-factor. Not overly complex, but some nice flavors. Well done from a younger American brewery, and in my home state!

Serving type: bottle

04-01-2012 21:14:10 | More by Bierguy5

AleWatcher

Illinois

4.53/5  rDev +14.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Giant chunks of yeast came tumbling out as the hazy golden body filled my glass. The beer gushed a little, but now after a few sips, there is almost no carbonation.

Smells pretty nice-- I'm pretty impressed with the level of oaky funk going here. There is a nice level of bright fruity notes, and a good citrusy lemon note.
The flavor adds a good tart bite, but it lacks that solid sourness that I look for.

Feels is pretty damn good-- medium-light with plenty of carbonation.

Overall-- very impressed by this one. I wasn't expecting much, but I hunted around Columbus to find this beer and I'm certainly not disappointed!

Edit---
I really enjoyed this one. I brought a bottle to darklord day last year and everyone else like it a lot too.
When compared to authentic Belgian Lambic, this beer is ok. But as an American brewed Lambic, especially one coming out of Ohio, this is superb. This is about 96% as good as Duck Duck Gooze or Cable Car... Without the hassle to land it.
In terms of a "bang for your buck" beer, this is a strong winner.

Serving type: bottle

02-01-2012 02:14:03 | More by AleWatcher

Spider889

Ohio

3.1/5  rDev -21.7%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

Graciously shared by Ryan011235. I believe that this was the "palate cleanser" so to speak at our BA BORIS tasting before we dove into Royale.

A - Depending on whose pour we looked at (there were 4-6 of us) there was mild to absolutely zero clarity. Tons of sediment wound up in the last several pours. Small white head that quickly dissipates. Also of note, the cork broke while we were trying to open it, and the beer was near gusher territory as well.

S - Nice traditional lambic aroma - some funky lemon, light brett, and mild oak and must. Nothing groundbreaking or top tier, but solid for an emerging US brewer.

T - Not very sour at all, which we were all disappointed in. Mild tartness and a little brett, but even that was subdued. And here I thought that brett was unstoppable once introduced...

M/O - Low carbonation. Maybe that was the result of the early gush of foam, or the odd cork issues. Overall I'd classify that as a valiant effort, but there's definitely room for improvement. But hell, I think it's cool just to see a US brewer attempt a true lambic. Party on.

Serving type: bottle

01-09-2012 10:36:44 | More by Spider889

Ryan011235

Ohio

3.25/5  rDev -17.9%
look: 2 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Poured into a Darkness tulip on 8/20/11; shared with some of the local crew.

The cork was wet and wimpy, breaking in half with the bottom still in the neck. Careful.

Vintage 2010

Pale, golden yellow; a touch sun-faded. Lots of bubbles cling to the side of the glass. one finger of large-bubbled foam lasts for but a flash. A few stray bubbles remain. No much for lace. There's an odd ring of sediment around the top.

Smells pretty good, if a bit on the soft side. Deep-seated funk. Not tart or sour, just a lot of straight funk. Buggy says stinky cheese - I'll give him that. Damp oak, vinous tones and some light fruits - tangy apple, white grapes and pear.

The flavor has a brief, watery fruity/tangy twinge that gives way to a mild funk and undertones of wood. Moderately vinous, especially in the mid-section. Very, very dry finish. Soft grass tones, too. It doesn't taste bad, just simple and not all that exciting.

Light body; fairly crisp. Carbonation isn't so high as to make it sharp or harsh. Actually, carbonation is pretty low. One long, dry, funk-laden finish.

Rivertown Lambic isn't a bad beer, but it's lacking in the wow-factor department. Not a bad early effort. hopefully Rivertown keeps it up.

Serving type: bottle

01-06-2012 02:57:33 | More by Ryan011235

Jwale73

Rhode Island

4.2/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Thanks to jdiddy for breaking this beer out. A great label with a bottle shape that is very reminiscent of a single malt. 2010 vintage served in a tulip. Pours a pale gold hue with a hazy clarity and a loose, quarter inch bright white head that dissipates into a thin, tight white band around the edges. Nose is somewhat Cantillon-esque - salty, funky, citrusy, cork. Reminds me a bit of a funky version of Ithaca Brute. Taste follows nose - no surprises; however, the funk is less prominent than suggested by the aromas present in the nose. Mouthfeel is light-medium (but closer to light) and slightly astringent, but not overly so. Carbonation is pleasant, not overly assertive and even from start to finish. Overall, I really enjoyed this beer and would love to track down a couple more bottles to cellar. The surprise of the night for me.

Serving type: bottle

12-11-2011 23:40:57 | More by Jwale73

thagr81us

South Carolina

4/5  rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Big thanks goes out to my boy aasher for giving me this one during our MASSIVE in-person trade when he came down to visit! Thanks buddy! Served from bottle into a Mikkeller taster flute. Poured a hazy golden yellow with a one finger pure white head that subsided to a minimal amount slowly. Maintained nice lacing throughout the glass. The aroma was comprised of sweet malt, citrus, lemon zest, funk, and slight tart fruit. The flavor was of sweet malt, funk, lemon rine, lemon zest, citrus, and wood. It had a light feel on the palate with medium-high carbonation. Overall this was a decent brew. I was really surprised at how citrus/lemon forward this one was. The funk aspect was quite nice on this one and played well with citrus however. My only gripe was that this one wasn't as complex as I would have liked, but still managed to come across as a nice brew to all who tried it. Worth trying if you can find it, and worth seeking out for fans of the style or lemony brew fans.

Serving type: bottle

12-10-2011 02:45:29 | More by thagr81us

youradhere

Arkansas

4.5/5  rDev +13.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Cork pulled apart in three pieces- cheap agglomerated cork, not a good sign initially. Pours a hazy straw gold, ample white head, and a thick cap of lacing after the head had fallen. Smells like lemon zest, saltwater (in a good way), light grain, straw, very appealing. Salty citrus, lemon, slight sweet malt, mild citric acid, slight black pepper. Mouthfeel is light-medium and carbonation is high, body lingers just enough, very well balanced, extremely smooth drinking. Damn I need more! Oh and brewer- upgrade the cork, presentation is everything, and I'd hate to have a bottle ruined by a disintigrated cork!

Serving type: bottle

11-13-2011 04:08:08 | More by youradhere

Dreadnaught33

District of Columbia

4.15/5  rDev +4.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A solid Lambic brought to a tasting by Dave, thanks man. Think this beer seems overrated on here maybe.

A: Hazy light yellow color, quite opaque but lighter in color. No lacing or head really.

S: Great barnyard wild yeast funk thats not overly tart, very round. I'm thinking cantillon funk like champagne grape, lighter vinous white wine, and some berry. Very nice.

T: Nice tast too, a nice amount of tartness and oak weaved into the flavors. Tart at the back and a solid front the to taste with some sweetness. Just lacks a big fruit presence to compliment the tart and oak. Something missing from the middle of the taste, but it';s definitely still a good tasting beer.

M: Great feel and carbonation.

Overall good. Would like a little more fruit though. Solid stuff

Serving type: bottle

10-05-2011 22:39:44 | More by Dreadnaught33

Huhzubendah

District of Columbia

4.05/5  rDev +2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Bottle shared by djmiller92. Thanks Dave.

The beer is really hazy and yellow hued, with a thin, white head. The aroma is really nice, with an authentic Belgian lambic vibe. Funky citrus, yeast, hay, straw. The flavor is quite enjoyable, though it lacks the complexity that was potential in the aroma. The finish is not as full or exciting as the first half of the flavor profile. A decent example of an American gueuze.

Serving type: bottle

10-03-2011 00:22:25 | More by Huhzubendah

schwaeh

Ohio

3.6/5  rDev -9.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Bottle shared by Ryan011235

A: Pours a light golden-yellow. The pour yields a 1 finger fluffy white head that fades quickly. This has high carbonation.

S: Smells of lemons, oak, white wine, and the usual bretty aromas. Smells acidic and fairly tart. It has a nice dank musty basement funk with some sweat sock mixed in.

T: This tastes very lemony with plenty of oak subtleties- vanilla and woody flavors. The wild yeast adds some funky cheese and light tartness, while making for a dry finish. Its nice and acidic with a bit of funk and very light tartness, not any sourness.

M: Thin effervescent mouthfeel. Again, highly carbonated.

O: Glad I got to try this before it was totally gone. Not a bad first lambic from a Cinci brewery. I didn't expect anything great so this pretty much met my expectations. They could really nail this with the next batch. Worth checking out.

Serving type: bottle

09-25-2011 17:02:02 | More by schwaeh

ColdPoncho

Ohio

4/5  rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

From notes

A - cloudy yellow body, small white foam

S - pretty tart, some lemon notes, a bit of a wine-like smell.

T - tart and just a bit syrupy. Tasting a bit of wine here again, some funk. nice

M - light, pretty smooth, pretty nice

O - Pretty good beer! probably the best one I've had from Rivertown, and one of the few that doesn't have any glaring deficiencies.

Serving type: bottle

09-21-2011 18:09:01 | More by ColdPoncho

Urbancaver

Ohio

4/5  rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Thanks Carl!
Pours a light hazy yellow. A good amount of white head. Smells tart and light. Funky but not that earthy. Tastes tart and funky. The sourness is not that strong. Overall tasty but nothing special. Enjoyable and one of the better offerings that Rivertown has. A great first attempt and I'd love to see more of this!

Serving type: bottle

09-15-2011 14:53:50 | More by Urbancaver

brew3crew

Ohio

4.15/5  rDev +4.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Thanks carol

A hazy yellow with a white head that quickly disapates

S- very funky and tart smelling

T- wow. Very tart. Goes done really smooth. A nice fruity taste that blends to sour

M-lihht body and smooth

O-good first attempt on this. Would like to see it with age

Serving type: bottle

09-15-2011 00:03:07 | More by brew3crew

HopHead84

California

4/5  rDev +1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

9/3/2011

Bottle shared by Riko, thanks!

A: Yellow and very hazy with a fast fading white bubbly head. 

S: The aroma is surprisingly wild, with horsey barnyard and leather notes. Brackish and lactic lemon notes are evident. I get a little vinegar.

T: Tart and acidic up front with lemon and oak. Dry and lightly salty with leather and earth. Moderately lactic. The finish is tart, oaky, and acidic.

M: Medium body with moderate carbonation. The mouthfeel is dry and sticky.

Overall: Surprisingly good.

Serving type: bottle

09-04-2011 15:32:57 | More by HopHead84