Imperial Black Currant Boysenberry Hill
Southern Grist Brewing Co.

 

Splitting the difference between what is a fruit beer and what is a sour ale, Southern Grist flirts with greatness when putting together a blackcurrant and boysenberry smoothie sour ale.

Dark purple and and then mauve around the margins of the glass, Imperial Black Currant Boyenberry Hill ups the ante on dark sour ale with these robust and seldom seen dark berries and its evident upon the pour. Partly frothy, partly fizzy, the froth settles but not before releasing a tantalizing scent of plum wine, macerated berries, grape juice and jam. Similarly to taste, the early palate lays a foundation of pastry crust and sourdough with fruit tarte, berry glaze and condensed fruit juices at its heart.

As the flavors saturate the middle palate, the tastebuds resonate with the sourness within. Tart with green apple, gooseberry, lime and lemon, the clean acidity that balances the fruit and pastry flavors allow for a tangy and bright approach to the richness of fruit for a winey, cidery and slightly peppery closure.

Medium full and certainly full for sour ale in general, this kettle soured ale finishes fruity, semi-sweet and tart. What this series of sour ale really needs is an elevated sour level that doesn't simply flirt with acidity but embraces it. An off-clean mouthfeel leads to a residual winey aftertaste and a kiss of sourdough.