Blackberry Black Tea Sour
New Belgium Brewing Company

 

 

 

Bought a single 16oz can Village Bottle Shop $3.50
572 days before best by date
Clear reddish color like wine
Smell of black tea and berries
Medium mouthfeel
Light carbonation
Taste of black tea, berries, light tartness, hides alcohol well
Overall it is what it says it is. Not as sour as I had expected, but you can definitely taste the black berries and tea as the name says so I rate it based on delivering on its name.

a neat mix of flavors here in a very cool beer overall, neat that they used foeder aged beer as a base, its a cool new context for something like that, and this is a good reminder that at its upper end, new belgium is still an awesome brewery, even if things like the voodoo ranger series leave a whole lot to be desired. a jewel tone violet color to this, mostly clear and with a super airy wispy tan head, looks great in a teku, with lots of fizz rising up. the aroma and flavor are pretty similar, complex on the fermentation side without being too acidic, which i appreciate, this is definitely drinking beer, tart not super sour. there is still a little mouthwatering happening, some apparent oak, and deeply earthy notes from the black tea, herbal and bitter and sort of dried, even autumnal vibes to it, set against the late summer essence of the ripe and honest blackberry, i am immediately stoked on how authentic it all is, how cohesive the blend seems to be, and how the layers of flavor all jive in this way. definitely ahead of my expectations for whatever reason. neat tannins from the oak and the berries, a definite red or even port wine vibe to this, black cherry, plum, raisin, its got a ton going on and gets more unique as it warms. the tea holds its own against the tart beer and the fruit, and provides a needed low end to this, also its awesome in the finish. for how complex this is, i found it almost refreshing to drink, like i couldnt get enough of it. new things to taste and appreciate on each sip, and for all the purists out there with arbitrary lines in the sand about what is and isnt beer in the modern era, i say shut up and try this, its exceptional and unique and delicious!

Ruddy brown and clear beer under a fat tan head that slims but persists... Collaboration with Teatulia teas... This is great - not a super-sour sour; tannic tea and fruity berry pectin effects are very present and very harmonious - really diggin' it...