Barrel 323
Cascade Brewing / Raccoon Lodge & Brewpub

This is an unblended barrel from Cascade that was selected by Curtis from Cascade, and Chris and Neil from Belmont Station, for Puckerfest 2009, which I was lucky enough to catch the tail end of.

The beer appears hazy, cloudy, and dark crimson with a copper tinge. The beige head is frothy and the retention is excellent.

The aroma is an omnium-gatherum that comes together beautifully to create something outstanding. Lactic notes combine with cherries, oak, and dark fruits. A low level of sweetness is detectable, and raspberries are also evident. Tartness is pervasive, and really brings it all together. I notice grapes as the beer warms a bit.

Tartness is at a nice medium level in the flavor, with accompanying oak notes. Grapes are immediately noticeable, as well as raspberries, cherries, and some sugar, though the beer manages to remain dry. The finish is dark fruits with oak and a very satisfying lingering lactic sourness.

The beer is medium bodied with a medium level of carbonation and a dry, sticky mouthfeel.

This is top notch stuff and another excellent sour from Cascade.