Supplication - Russian River Brewing Company

Parrotshake

Australia

4.85/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

One of a number of very special things I had at Russian River recently, and my overall favourite.

Sort-of-murky reddish brown with no head to speak of. Looks like some kind of wood varnish, and smells a little like it too - woody and acidic, with sour cherries, oxidised red wine, apple cider vinegar and band-aids.

The taste is similar to the above description, in the best possible way. Big dark cherries and grapes to the fore, with all the other stuff in the mix. Earthy, drying tannins and a tantalizingly ephemeral hint of sweetness. Complex as hell, and utterly refreshing and invigorating.

Light in feel and briskly carbonated, perfectly balanced and ridiculously complex without ever being a "challenge". I had another few things I desperately wanted to try, not knowing when and if I'll ever be back in Santa Rosa, but I could have had a few more of these, easy. Just dreamy.

Serving type: on-tap

12-20-2009 22:31:06 | More by Parrotshake

Arbitrator

California

4.38/5  rDev -4.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Edited to reflect newer batches (at the time of this writing, batch 006). There's always a minor rearrangement every time Russian River releases a new batch of sours. As of 10/26/2011, the latest Temptation is winning, with Consecration next, and Supplication last.

~~~

All right, I should probably review this since I've had in on tap multiple times now. Batch 004 at the Bistro -bal Fest and again on tap at the Rose & Crown in Palo Alto.

A: Pours a murky amber with glowing orange highlights when held to the light. It has a finger of cream-colored head that retains pretty well; it eventually retreats into a clump of bubbles on the brew and a very thin collar, with no lacing.

S: What a fantastic aroma. It has the right balance of tart, sour cherries, acetic acid, and lactic sourness. Tannins come through quite strongly, along with grapes (I didn't pick up on this until largadeer pointed it out, but afterward, it was obvious). Just the slightest hint of brett, with a musty leather undercurrent.

T: Sour cherries and more than a hint of dark red grapes, giving it a vinous quality right from the start. It's lactic up front, with the mid-taste seeing an evolution of tannins and light leather. The finish is acetic and dry, but not so overwhelming that it burns the throat. There is a little lingering sourness in the aftertaste.

M: I was very pleased with the balance of characteristics here. I don't enjoy super-dry or super-acetic beers; Supplication delivers both qualities in moderation, producing a sublime drinking experience. It's light-bodied with moderate carbonation that cleanses the palate very well.

D: I had two 10oz pours of this and strongly considered a third. In fact, as I'm typing this up, I'm tempted to go back and get said third. Probably my favorite Russian River wild ale now that Consecration's recipe has changed.

Serving type: on-tap

12-05-2009 20:35:39 | More by Arbitrator

cptierney

California

4.33/5  rDev -5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had on tap at the brewpub in the newer style Russian River glass as opposed to the old tulip style.

This beer came out with next to no head. There was a thin veil of bubbles across the top of the beer but as I drank it down none stuck to the sides of the glass. The color was decided caramel with the translucent liquid having a honey color when held up to a light source.

Boom, this beer smells like Russian River. That Brett funk is here with each waft smelling more and more like the cork of a freshly popped bottle of red wine. with a deeper inhale I get some oak chords along with that indescribable wet barnyard stench.

This is a chewable beer. There is very little carb bite to it and though the beer itself might not be thick, my tongue thinks it is due to its mellow, nearly fizz free texture.

This beer is TART. Like taking a hit of apple cider vinegar tart. It reminds me of that sour feeling you get when you eat dried apricots, minus the apricot flavor of course, a natural sour vibe abounds. There is a bit of tart cherry flavor to this guy and the barrel aging is certainly noticeable with the hint of oak. Truly a sour head's delight.

Not too high drinkability as I find this RR sour in particular to have a cumulative puckering affect. Really only one glass is suitable, but that one glass is really a good one.

Serving type: on-tap

12-01-2009 23:37:29 | More by cptierney

DaveJanssen

British Columbia (Canada)

4.7/5  rDev +2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On tap ar russian river

Ar: Classic russian river sour aroma, fruity, grapes, light acetic acid, toasty earth, pleasant mix of acid/fruit.

Ap: hazy light amber, very low off white head, fair retention, light lacing.

F: rather tart, floral, strong acid again the classic russian river sour, tart berries, earthy, light candy sweetness but balanced out by the acid, mild darker caramel, toasty/nutty malt, lots of berries

M: medium/high carbonaiton, medium/light mouthfeel, warming acid end.

O: grapey, subdued oak, lots of acid but balanced well, one of the best rr sours

Serving type: on-tap

11-26-2009 20:46:59 | More by DaveJanssen

hobojon

California

4.93/5  rDev +7.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

On tap at RRBC 11/24/09.

Aroma- complex sour and tart. Berries, acids.

App- Hazy reddish amber. Very little foam but the glass was filled to the top.

Taste- very tart. raspberries and blackberries. sweet caramel and malt backbone. drying mineral note.

Mouth- dry, warming acids. not bone dry, but well balanced. fine carb.

Overall- my favorite Russian River beer so far. I used to be a Pliny head until had some of their sours. More simple malt than consecration, less sour than beatification but the most refined.

Serving type: on-tap

11-26-2009 19:00:00 | More by hobojon

nickd717

California

4.4/5  rDev -3.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

This was my review #1300 on ratebeer, and I'm saving it for big number 342 on here. Waited forever for this beer since I didn't want to ever pay $20 for a 375ml bottle at City Beer. Now that I've had it, well, I should have been willing to pay that and then some. I had this on tap at the Bistro Barrel Aged Fest in Hayward.

Pours a brilliant reddish amber with slight haze and a half-inch of creamy off-white foam.

Aroma is amazing with sour cherry, bretty and lactic notes, leather, oak, and some sweet malt.

Flavor is tart, with brett, lacto, pedio, funk, and some sweet caramel malt, sour cherries, oak, and spice. Complex and just amazingly good flavor. Sour but not overly so like Beatification can be. Just absolutely heavenly. Best sour from Russian River BY FAR in my opinion, and that's saying something.

Medium body with a sharp, acidic palate and a long finish.

Drinkability is very high and the ABV is very well-hidden. Went back for this two more times despite all the other great barrel aged beers there. Great beer, Vinnie! Worth the long wait.

Serving type: on-tap

11-17-2009 04:30:59 | More by nickd717

brownbeer

Missouri

4.85/5  rDev +6.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

I was lucky enough to try this on tap.

Rusty amber color without much head.

Floral and bretty notes with wonderful cherry notes.

Taste is sour cherries, subtle vanilla, and pinot noir.

Mouthfeel is where it really blows up. It's a medium mouthfeel that finishes acidic with superb dry, red wine tannins.

Probably not really drinkable for a lot of people considering how sour and dry it is. For me, bring it by the pitcher.

Serving type: on-tap

09-30-2009 22:40:32 | More by brownbeer

magictrokini

California

4.33/5  rDev -5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Tap @ O'Briens TION night. Poured hazy, bright gold with a frothy white head. Musty, dank yeast funk combined with oaken wine barrel earthiness. Effervescent mouthfeel gives it a light feel. Mouth-puckering tartness right away. Lemony citric bite along with the bretty funk. A vinuous tanginess follows as does the oak and cherry flavors. Definitely a success in terms of aging in that it tones down the sometimes harsh vinegar and cheese flavors. They are present, but in far less degree so the quality of the beer itself comes through. The pricetag on a bottle of this can be prohibitive, which makes having this on tap a rare treat.

Serving type: on-tap

03-23-2009 16:50:46 | More by magictrokini

Radiodred

California

4.93/5  rDev +7.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Russian River, if you see, it you grab it, its great on tap or in a bottle.
The creativity and perfection on this brew is amazing. I nice tasting brew... some sweet and sour/tart, with a nice bubbling effect for your mouth.
Its worth the hunt, go get one.

Serving type: on-tap

03-05-2009 17:29:51 | More by Radiodred

paytoplay

California

4.72/5  rDev +3.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Awesome brew with consistant notes from tap and from 375ml bottle. Lots of time these type of brews have weird color, this one pulls it off. Amazing aroma that is very complex, funk, bright and muddled red fruits. Acidity / sour is bam! which should evolve well in bottle. Less than beatification and more than temptation for my palate. Lots of upside, some oak tannin. Nice finish, long and the sourness carries thru and brings the flavors along with it. Very nice and distinct.

Serving type: on-tap

03-04-2009 22:45:22 | More by paytoplay

antilogic

California

4.4/5  rDev -3.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Served on tap at O'brien's TION night in a 13oz Chimay. Have had it in bottle (batch 003) on several occasions previously. Bottle matches tap pretty close.

Color was a dull gold with a light white head. Smells of tart fruits, cherry, apple, sourness. A very drinkable sour, less biting than a flanders or some of RR's other sours, medium bodied, and less fruits in the taste than I expected. Good stuff.

Serving type: on-tap

02-02-2009 06:43:24 | More by antilogic

ArrogantB

Colorado

4.33/5  rDev -5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

-on tap at the Falling Rock $6.50 per 1/2 pint and worth every penny. Nice brown-red-orange color in the wine glass. Smells sour, dull, hmmm, bottle was better. It tastes nice and sour with some cherry and it does pucker. A lot of people were ordering this and I already knew why. An awesome sour but I preferred the bottled version oddly.

Serving type: on-tap

08-21-2008 04:42:01 | More by ArrogantB

ccrida

Oregon

4.13/5  rDev -9.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On draught at Belmont Station, served in a chimay goblet, Supplication is a gorgeous pale burgundy rose, with a small white head that leaves light lace.

Smell is pretty funky, a lactic sourness and touch of musty brett horseblanket, with touches of wine and tropical fruits, limes in particular, it sweetens as it warms.

Taste is tart but not overly sour (well at least compared to the last RR sour I had, Beatification), lots of acidity, which is my favorite sour component, citrusy but not particularly vinous, or woody for that matter. Maybe not the most complex wild ale, but it's very tasty and hitting the spot on this 100F day.

Mouthfeel is spritzy and dry, with a medium body and some lingering tannins, which seem to be the main contributions from the wine barrel aging.

Drinkability is very nice, flavorful and acidic without being overly sour or sweet, no vinegar notes either, it's really close to my taste in wild ales, well made, and gets bonus points for rarity, especially on draught!

Serving type: on-tap

08-15-2008 16:57:01 | More by ccrida

BeerBelcher

Ohio

5/5  rDev +9.4%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

This beer is, in a word, divine. If you believe sour is at the top of the beer-flavor hierarchy, as I do, than this beer is for you. If you don't believe this, well chances are this beer is still for you. It offers a rich amber color, abundant head, delicious aroma, and even better taste. Aroma is citrus-y, sour, candy-sweet, yet somehow (despite what I've already said) balanced and distinctly beer-like. Flavor is distinctly sour, although I've certainly had beers sourer. It has a musty, sweet-tart, clove, complex and delicious. Mouthfeel is excellent.

This is not a beer that is not easy for most of us to get our hands on. However, if you've not had it, you should travel, trade, or attend a festival to get it.

Serving type: on-tap

05-17-2008 19:43:25 | More by BeerBelcher

TheEremite

California

4.45/5  rDev -2.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Batch 003 at the RR taproom

A: Cloudy, murky red/brown with a small white ring of bubbles.

S: Acidic, sour and fruity. Some cherry aroma on there, and a healthy portion of "biotics"

T: Sharp sour kick with some real sweet, cherry fruit and malt in the background. It's probably the least sour of the RR barrel aged beers, but it's still got a kick.

M: lively and silky and dry.

D: Very drinkable for the style. I could have a few before needing something sweet or some food.

Serving type: on-tap

04-14-2008 21:17:16 | More by TheEremite

Kemmerlin

Colorado

3.68/5  rDev -19.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

A: Amber red in color but slightly darker and cloudy, good head to start and stuck around for a while.

S: Very simple, sour cherries and yeast.

T: Over powering sour cherries that needs sugar to calm the sour down. The flavors actually climbed up inside my nose and would not leave for quite some time.

M/D: Sour and hard to drink because of the lock jaw that ensued. I appreciate what the brewer was trying to do and that was create an amazingly sour beer for those who love sour like my wife but this intensity was a little to much for me. I will be having it again since my wife loves this one.

Serving type: on-tap

03-25-2008 04:26:05 | More by Kemmerlin

jasonjlewis

Texas

4.58/5  rDev +0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Again, cell phone notes.

This beer has a sourness from the spontaneous fermentation and bacteria. It has a sour tart crispness and the addition of cherry makes this an incredible beer. I could drink it all day.

Sorry for not having better notes. I want to be sure to remember to have this beer again when i go to california.

Serving type: on-tap

10-14-2007 23:40:19 | More by jasonjlewis

Overlord

California

4.5/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Had a chance to try this at the Stone sour fest. The first Russian River beer I had on tap, and it didn't disappoint. Pours a deep orange that leans towards amber, big white foam head.

After sampling it again in April '08, my thoughts have changed a bit. The sour/vinegar funk is still there in aroma and flavor, but in this vintage (unlike Temptation and Beatification) it's decidedly offset by a stronger citrus and fruit flavors -- particularly tart cherries.

Temptation is looking like my favorite of the three barrel aged Russian River offerings, but this is another great brew.

Serving type: on-tap

09-21-2007 08:03:30 | More by Overlord

krkearney

Pennsylvania

4.9/5  rDev +7.2%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Draft, at Monk’s cafe RR dinner 1/23/07. I presume this was batch 1.

Ruby colored, barely any head (sample was poured into my glass from a pitcher).

Beautiful funky sour aroma, with cherries fairly evident. I could smell this beer all day.

Tart cherrry flavor. Notes of oak and red wine. Complex yet refreshing. Finishes dry.

Delicious beer; I’d love to have a few cases in my cellar. Matched beautifully with an apple glazed duck breast.

Serving type: on-tap

06-05-2007 18:04:57 | More by krkearney

northyorksammy

Ontario (Canada)

4.33/5  rDev -5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Expensive and unusual, this is not for anyone not appreciating tartness. White head on a golden body. Strong aromas, wine and cherry and wood. Complex taste of wine, cherry, wood. Balanced by malt, and while sour is not aggressive on the palate as I wouod expect. A sipper. Up there with the Cantillons but a top 10 beer because of its similarity to wine?
On tap and upgraded, enjoyed at the brewpub. Bold flavours, decent mouthfeels,despite sourness.

Serving type: on-tap

06-03-2007 04:23:21 | More by northyorksammy

Matthew

Connecticut

4.47/5  rDev -2.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

On tap at Russian River March 1st.
Cloudy dark ruby with a thick solid ring of white bubbles around the edges with whispy spotty head in the middle of the top of the beer.
I can smell the beer as soon as the waiter set it on the table. Sweet tarts, light hints of vinegar, sour grape, oak and cherry permeate boastfully from inside the glass.
Prominent tart character is first, and once my mouth accepts the initial sour a plethora of flavor shows through. There is a sugary sweetness touched with sour, almost like a pinch of brown sugar soaked in a blend of lemon juices. Once the tart character starts to fade hints of malt sweetness become more noticable along with cherry and the oak. The cherry and oak sneak in to be noticed as I swallow and is has a subtle complimentary relationship with the rest of the taste.
The mouthfeel is medium bodied with low to medium levels of carbonation.
This beer is very drinkable and is very refreshing. Just a real pleasure to sit and sip on this beer and try to pick up all it has to offer. I look forward to cracking some bottles and exploring further.

Serving type: on-tap

03-09-2007 20:11:12 | More by Matthew

BillyB

New Jersey

4.5/5  rDev -1.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Supplication-To ask for humbly or earnestly, as by praying. (According to Webster).

I was lucky enought to try Russian River's Supplication on Tap at Monk's in Philly and it was just phenomenal. It's hard to rate it according to style, being a wild ale. It certainly was wild. Like an american lambic but hoppier and less concerned with stylistic guidelines.
Hoppy, fruity, slightly piney.
Taste is just a unique experince. More like a lambic but with some bitterness and some strong alcohol kick.
Had with a venison pot pie. Excellent pairing.
Just find it and drink it!

Serving type: on-tap

06-03-2006 03:45:40 | More by BillyB

SwillinBrew

California

4.43/5  rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Had on tap @ Hollingshead.

A - a nice brassy orange color filled my tulip with a half finger of white head. Very bubbly inside with many small bubbles happily bubbling away.
S - tart apples and floral notes hit my nose with some spice. Tickeled a little bit.
T - A solid but not overpowering tartness glazes your tongue like an aged apple cider. Borders on green apple peels and sour cherries but ends with a sweetness and some spice. Great combination and complex.
M&Dr - Effervescent on a medium bodied brew ending on the somewhat dry side. Very tasty and drinkable.
I took 3 bottles home and have had 8 tulips of this beer before the keg was killed.

Serving type: on-tap

12-21-2005 22:09:53 | More by SwillinBrew

Rastacouere

Quebec (Canada)

4.2/5  rDev -8.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Muddy amber-orange. Surprisingly buttery nose takes a minute to get accustomed to. Good oaky, cherry, dusty and woody flavours underneath, but the diacetyl is a wall you have to filter your way through. Spicy pineapple juice soaked in oak casks, nutty and lactic flavours.. Once again a territory owned by rancid butter, but the lactic aspects are gentle. Popcorn reminiscent finish in its burnt buttery feel. Nice thin bubbled carbonation, lightly oily medium body. Alright, it seems like we were unlucky and I’m excited enough about Russian River to re-sample that again for sure, at GABF in the worst case, but may this rating serve as a warming. This was a batch #1 bottle and I can only push the lucky souls holding onto bottles of this to be very patient and let it ferment well because it seems the bottles are still quite variable.

A few weeks after, I finally got to try this on tap at BCTC 2005 and there was no diacetyl component at all which left us with beautiful vinous, nutty sweet and sour flavors of cherries, vanilla and a miraculous drying finish. Generous earthiness with a funky soily apple skin yeastiness. This goes from a 2.8 to a 4.1 in my book and is a piece of art.

Serving type: on-tap

09-12-2005 01:13:38 | More by Rastacouere

jbmorch

California

4.53/5  rDev -0.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

I noticed almost all of these reviews came out of a bottle, so I figured I'd pour a keg review. I was able to get this on tap at O'Brien's in San Diego in July.

The server poured a 6 oz glass with no head on it; at first glance, except for being dressed in a small Chimay glass goblet, this could have been any amber ale. Looking closer it had nice legs and was slightly hazy; both features came as no surprise considering the wild yeast that is added to the aging casks.

There is not a long nose on this beer, though the sour cherry scent is apparent.

The first sip takes a second to register and then the sour flavor rolls from the front of the tongue to the back. After sipping a bit, I read that this beer was aged in used Pinot Noir barrels, and immediately recognized the flavor of the grape buried in the cherry. The sourness lingers a long time, but doesn't get tiring.

About halfway through the glass I started eating a salad with a spicy dressing, and each sip of the Supplication brought the spiciness back to the surface of the tongue in a very pleasant way. I usually associate hops with spiciness; I'm not sure what characteristic of this beer brings it out.

I would recommend this beer for belgian lovers as well as beer aficianados trying to mature the tastes of a yellow beer or red wine drinking friend with an open mind.

Serving type: on-tap

07-27-2005 19:36:24 | More by jbmorch