Living Proof: Strawberry Ginger Sour
Country Boy Brewing

Those poor strawberries never saw this coming. They thought they were meant for a summer salad, or a shortcake, or an ice cream churn. But oh no, these landed in the laps of the mad scientist beer makers at Country Boy and found themselves as part of a fruity, spicy and sour ale the appease the tastebuds of central Kentucky beer lovers.

Pale golden and with a hint of mauve, the slight pinkish brew casts a short white crown and a tangy fruit and spice medley that leads with red berry and backed up with cider and rose wine. Lightly musty, floral, earthy and peppery, the scent soon leads to a cracker thin breadiness and the slim sweetness that the berries leave behind.

As the ale crosses the palate, its sweetness and breadiness lifts and the berries and spice have a hay day. Cranberry, raspberry and rhubarb make as much of a mark as does the strawberry while the spiciness of wood, white pepper and vinous tartness is led with the potpourri nature of ginger. Its spicy and sour finish trail into a brisk hoppiness of hay, grass and citrus peel.

Medium light on the palate, the beer's soft carbonaiton allows for full penetration of sourness into the tastebuds. Brisk acidity allows for a piquant sourness to permeate the finish, en route to an afterglow of tart strawberry and its promised floral ginger spice.