Little Richard
Ei8ht Ball Brewing

 

As the kettle souring techniques continue to give brewers and drinkers a taste to quench their tart tooth and at a quick and reasonable price, it didn't take Ei8htball brewers long to dip their toe into the sour end of the pool.

Little Richard's piquant fragrance is sharp to the nose with the acidity normally reserved for dry rosé wine, lemon and lime. Casting a faintly hazed glow against a light peachy mauve backdrop, the first sip looms with a candied sweet taste of confectioner's "sweetheart" candy, a light breadiness and vibrantly ripe fruit flavor.

Sweetness recedes, sourness sharpens and the fruit flavors become dry and mildly musty as the ale proceeds across the tongue. Raspberry, cherry and blackberry and add a tangy refreshment to the taste while the acute zing of lemon, lime, crabapple and sour grape give the fruit additions a tart and crisp boost. With a hint of damp burlap and cork lurking behind, its the clean lactic sourness that keeps the ale so damn drinkable.

Medium-light and broken up by its acidity, the taste trends dry and light while its body is crisp and minerally. Seemingly wine-like in its waning taste, the probiotic nature of the beer is friendly, funky and floral with an echo of doughy wheat in aftertaste- ideal as the weather continues heating up.