The Patio Pounder
Ethereal Brewing

On tap at the brewery taproom in Lexington.
Very light body with pale wheat color and a weak head.
Sour citrus aroma with a flavor that's mildly tart, lightly fruity and rather refreshing.
Smooth light body with medium light carbonation.

The dog days of summer just beg for a taste of bitterness and sourness. But when choosing beer, you don't have to be choosy. Ethereal Brewing has rolled the craving for hops into a sour ale as an equal opportunity tastebud pleaser. Sorry sweet tooth, you'll have to wait until fall.

The Patio Pounder pours with the classic lemon yellow, moderately hazy appearance. Struggling to keep its froth, the racy ale leads right into a cornucopia of citrus, acidity, baking bread, floral and pungency that's common to many sour ale. Its taste is lightly malted with hints of sourdough, taffy and a pep of honey.

The sour ale quickly sheds much of its sweetness as the sourness hits its stride. Starting with the citrusy complement of lemon and lime, the taste of crabapple, white grape and honeydew bring more of an orchard-like character. A tease of gooseberry, guava and kiwi bring a tropical succulence ahead of a moderately sour late palate cork, weathered wood and a damp burlap olfactory action.

Brisk, crisp and refreshing, the berlinerweisse is fairly restrained in its full acidic brunt and carries a lightly watery texture into finish, lending a thirst quenching character but inviting a grain must flavor to persist. Citrus peels and apple skins keep the sour fruit alive on a quick aftertate and a faint woodsy bitter balance.