Yesterday's Headlines Vol. 2
Braxton Brewing Company - Braxton Covington

 

The past year has put a sour taste in the mouths of Braxton brewers. And now they are putting that sourness on us. Their anniversary sour ale has its roots in a golden ale but then infuses the session early and often with the sweet and acidic morello cherries for extra tang and tartness.

Yesterday's Headlines Vol. 2 teases the nose with its fruity cherry perfume and a sharp sour twang that evokes memories of rose wine. And those comparisons continue in the beer's medium mauve hues that crowns with a short white froth. Lightly bready, wheaten and sweet, a taste of cherry pastries round the tongue with its first introductions.

A brief earthiness pulls from the fermentation and fruit before the sweetness lifts off of the middle palate and allows its clean, lactic acids to shine. Sour with obvious cherry additions, but also with the underlayment of dry cider, white wine, lime, lemon, gooseberry and crabapple. Refreshingly tart, the beer's finish is lightly peppery with a return of those earthy nuances, redolent with weathered woods and leathery citrus.

Medium light, crisp and clean, the sour ale strips the thirst and ushers in a refreshing finish of acidity, militant carbonation and the light scrubbing action of yeast spices and modest alcohol. An aftertaste of musty cherry wines extend medium length with citrusy echoes and a touch of burlap.