Ursa Minor
Craftsman Brewing Co.

 

 

A distant imitations of the real thing but worth a try (though not at the $9 I paid for it).

 

 

 

In terms of the profile, I simply agree with prior review: Solid sour, but subtle compared to expectation. And so the context: Served on tap at Waypoint Public, North Park, San Diego. Server described as something to be avoided by the uninitiated. I was in the mood for a sour, so I went for it. Arrived with a light brown color that had a pink-red cast. Head was all but gone, just a ring of white at the glass edge. As previous reviews note, aroma was of the cherry, lactic, etc but subtle. Taste followed suit. The one problem is that this was very drinkable and could be dangerous that way.

Do they bottle? If not, I'll have to pop in to Craftsman next time I am in Pasadena. Really want to try this again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Served on-draught into a 4.5 oz taster glass at 38 Degrees in Alhambra over the weekend. Reviewed from notes. This is the first beer I've had from Craftsman.

A: Pours a one finger head of white colour. Soft complexion. Good thickness. Good (~4-5 minute) retention. Nice even lacing as the head recedes. Appealing. Creamy and luscious. Body is a clear vibrant copper. No yeast particles are visible. No bubble show. A lovely appearance.

Sm: Nice lacto sourness. Pale malts. Clean. Good yeasty presence. Limited tartness. No real fruity notes. No alcohol is detectable. There's not a great deal going on here, but it's a good all around aroma for the style of moderate strength. Looking forward to trying it.

T: Nice clean lacto sourness sits atop a clean unobtrusive pale and grassy malt foundation. Balanced, if simple. Flavorful and enjoyable. I'm digging it. Tasty. Decent subtlety. Kind of plain for a sour, but it's effective.

Mf: Smooth and wet. Clean. Good carbonation. Good thickness, body, and presence on the palate. Suits the flavour profile well. Crisp.

Dr: A drinkable and enjoyable sour that's held back by its simplicity and lack of boldness. I'd get it again. A surprisingly good well priced local sour. An excellent intro sour. I'm going to have to start looking for Craftsman's beers more deeply.

Low B

 

On-tap at Beachwood I,

A: Pours a reddish brown with a light off-white head, fair retention, spotty lace.

S: Notes of oak and cherry, some acetic acid.

T: Nice off-dry flavour with cherries and some dark wildflowers. Good oak undercurrents, well made.

M: Medium-bodied, moderate acidity, refreshing, drinks lighter than it is.

O: A solid red beer from Craftsman, they can certainly make good sours up in Big Bang Theory land. Hope to have this again someday.