Blutrunstig
Blue Stallion Brewing Co.

A little sour, a little wood, a little whisky spice, but all red, Blue Stallion's Blood Red Barrel Soured Lager seems to have some staying power. With nearly two years of age, the beer inches closer and closer to Flander's Red flavors but with lager-like smoothness.

Blutrunstig pours with a rusty maroon hue and is fueled with both fizz and froth. As the lager falls still, the appearance of burgundy wines come to mind. As a mild scent of citrus, balsamic, weathered oak and stone fruit bounce off the nose, an early taste of sweetness comes with a toasted caramelization, a steely malt quality and hints of sourdough.

As the lager splashes the middle palate, any sweetness is short-lived as the malts trend toasty with subtle hints of coffee and cocoa. Without any fruit added, impressions of cherry, plum and grape come to mind as a robust "red" character plays off of the oak. An underlying sourness of lime, lemon, gooseberry and yuzu frame much of the sourness until a late palate delivers oak derived nuances of balsamic, whisky spice and nutty oak tannins.

Medium light in body, the beer's slightly elevated flavors read fuller in texture as well while the ale is dry, crisp and highly refreshing. Approaching thin at times, the lager-like influences do play out somewhat watery while waiting on a quick finish of toasted oak, whisky spice and stone fruit and with a short red wine aftertaste.