Côtes du Rogue Kriek
Rogue Ales

 

 

tasty edition of this sour base beer, or rather another cool way to showcase this culture they have built, wild and funky and very tart, but i wasnt in love with the beer overall, much as it was fun to try at their brewery and probably one of the more unique beers they had going, which is really saying something for rogue. the base isnt lambic-like at all, which always throws me when the term kriek is used, but its cherry sour with a lot of character. ruby red and pretty clear and think looking from the tap, pretty flat in the glass by the time it gets to the table, but the color is sexy. the nose is vinegar and astringent, less funk and barrel than expected right away. its not without complexity, but its a lot more sourness than brett or anything, and while it does seem mature, its also pretty aggressive still. the cherry is a little one note to me too, but its plenty natural, a subtle raspberry suggestion in behind it too, and very little from the grain to interfere. its got some wood and wine notes in the flavor, still feels thing to me, but doesnt show any sign of its alcohol strength at all, shockingly invisible here, even at temperature. sadly its under carbonated in this format and i wish for more vivacity from it. this was a mixed bag for me overall, cool to have something rare and special from rogue at the source, but its neither as wild or as complex as i was hoping for, and it drinks very acidic. i would love to try the bottled version to compare...