Sixfold V: Raspberry Sour
West Sixth Brewing Company

 

 

Raspberry sorbet anyone? If so, the brewers at West Sixth have you in mind as they open up their 4th anniversary collection of ales. Kettle soured with copious amounts of raspberry gives Sixfold V a luscious, tangy flavor to match the natural acidity in the beer.

Mesmerizing with a bright ruby-mauve austere. A light translucent haze overcomes the session and a creamy swirl of pinkish foam begins to mount. Dry cider, red wine and raspberry lay a succulent fruit perfume on the nose. Branch-ripe, the raspberry flavor reigns supreme on the early palate with a light crusted sweetness underneath and is suggestive of rhubarb pie.

The middle palate is aswirl with a light caky creaminess and stewed raspberries. Intense berry flavors are juicy and teeth-churning in its sweet sourness. Lemon, lime, crabapple, gooseberry, vinous red grape and a hint of jammy dates lend a savory sourness to complement the session. Its clean and acidic taste brings a faint taste of must and damp balsa for a pep of intrigue and rusticity.

Medium-dry to texture, the beer's fruit sweetness adds a plump weight that prevents absolute dryness. Still, the ale is crisp, acute, acidic and peppery to finish with a touch of alcohol warmth that's unexpected, welcomes and a touch on the minty side. An afterglow of raspberry isn't any surprise, but a glimmer of wheat bread softens the brunt of acidity.

On par with Rubeaus, this raspberry sour highlights the raspberry flavor but is not too sweet. The raspberry is natural with a bit of tang and a light sour funk. Nicely done by the boys at West Sixth.