Wine Barrel Sour Bright White
Bell's Brewery - Eccentric Café & General Store

The winter will eventually get to us all. And going a little wild, Bell's Brewery see their Bright White Ale sitting over there and curiosity gets the better of them. Aging the Belgian-styled wheat beer in white wine barrels and then souring it, white just went wild.

Pale and hazy gold, their Wine Barrel Sour Bright White settle innocuously white releasing a fluffy sea foam swath. Musty aromas swoon the nose with notions of damp basement, leather, cork and grain. This all blends with elements of vinous fruit, orchard fruit and citrus. Starchy sweetness follows with the first sip as its taste is that of an earthy sponge cake, light honey and sourdough.

As its tepid sweetness falls away, the fruit flavors pull forward on the middle palate with the dried taste of grape, apple, lemon, orange and pawpaw. The fruits take on a weathered character from the influence of wine must and its peppery, earthy and slightly gamy character. Trending more pungent, earthy and mossy than sour, the late taste if balanced with white pepper, light wood tannins and a minty hop bite.

Medium-light in its body the sour witbier finishes with both a juicy and dry mouthfeel. A twinge of white pepper joins that of tart chardonnay in a lightly spicy, medium-length aftertaste.