Sixfold VI: Wild Sour
West Sixth Brewing Company

 

There's something about impeding summer and sour that goes together so well. And as the weather heats up, so does the West Sixth "Sixfold" sour ale program.

Sixfold VI passes the nose with a bright and rustic perfume of citrus, must, sea air and wine. Deep golden and hazy with yeast, a rapid eggshell builds but folds back in just as quickly. A brisk malt flavor of grain and bread sweetness comes across wafter-like and with a gentle suggestion of pastries.

But as the sweetness trails, the sourness sets in for the duration. And as the acidity pokes and prods away at the tastebuds, its brings a breadth of citrus. Lime, lemon and grapefruit bring a tangy brightness to the forefront with the more cidery taste of gooseberry, green apple and green berries. White grape and an overall vinous tone trends winey and piquant before the brisk brine taste provides a rounded taste along with a margarita-like agave taste. Woodsy and musty, a strong hint of cork, weathered oak and verbena offer a rustic and refined sour finish.

Medium light on the palate, the beer's stern carbonation brings the scent to life, it pulls the malt from the tongue and highlights acidity while also drying the palate and pulling the peppery finish to life. A brief aftertaste of leathery citrus and damp burlap closes with a sense of refreshment, crispness and high drinkability in mind; perfectly paired with Shark Week.

 

 

 

Appearance: Pours a cloudy honey color capped by an impressive head; Belgian lace spreads all across the tulip

Smell: Lactic berry and nectarine tones, buttressed by a funky air and oak tones

Taste: Lactic sourness builds from the outset with the nectarine and berry tones dominant; funk and oak tones build, through the middle, with some apple sweetness in the finish

Mouthfeel: Medium body with moderate to high carbonation; puckery

Overall: A really nice sour; balanced and comlex

Thanks, SPLITGRIN, for the opportunity