Flanders Red
Hi-Wire Brewing

Inspired by the sour red ale of northern Belgium, Asheville's Hi-Wire Brewing takes a break from all of the American craft beer trends in favor for tradition.

What's old is new again as their Flanders Red pours a rather rusty reddish brown. Cast in a foggy haze, the heavy froth builds to the rim with an curiously strong balsamic tartness. As elements of dark fruit, toast and pepper mingle on the nose, the flavors open up with a candied cherry flavor with a slight jammy blacberry cobbler taste.

While the sweetness stews gently on the middle palate, the sourness overcomes the malt with a strong cider and bordeaux wine character. As hints of all dark berries follow suit, the black cherry flavor remains dominant. Trending spicy with peppercorn, oak and acidity, a mild and musty taste plays out like weathered cork, damp burlap and leather on the late palate.

Trending malty dry and medium bodied the more rounded take on sour ale extends into medium length aftertaste of balsamic and red wine, with a spicy twinge of acetone adding heat and complexity to the finish.

Appearance - The beer poured brownish red in color with a white head crowning the glass.

Smell - The nose was fairly dry with a big oaky presence. There was not much of a fruity presence.

Taste - It the big picture, the beer was wuite tart. It may have been more tart than the Flanders I am used to drinking. Notes of sour cherry and cranberry were present before the dry aftertaste hit.

Mouthfeel - The bubbles were fairly aggressive, brushing away any attempts at dominance by the sweetness.

Overall - This beer is a solid version of the style.