Sanctuario - Mixed Melon 2017
Rowley Farmhouse Ales

 

 

i have been hearing about these rowley cats for awhile now, but had been unable to track down any of their stuff until i scored a bottle of this at goed zuur (who continues to set the standard for wild beer availability in denver and probably anywhere). pricey, but exciting! wild ale in oak with honeydew and cantaloupe melons! its not overly active in the glass, still after the initial pour from the bottle, but with a glowing pale shine to it thats really pretty even without a big head. i believe this was aged in chardonnay barrels, and i can really appreciate the white wine aspect in the nose right away, tannic and bright, grapey for sure, but also leading right into the sweet, fleshy melon. its rare that i have a wild or sour beer with much sweetness to it that i like, usually dry is best in this style in my opinion, but here we have a delicate sweetness both from the grain and from the melons running all the way through this and its pleasant, i almost want it to keep going, i think it serves to extend the flavor and let the melon really stand out in this. i get the green and the orange melon equally, maybe a bit more cantaloupe in the aroma, but both are there in the flavor, accentuated by the wine. sturdy oak here, and a somewhat substantial malt base as well, despite the beer have a delicate personality overall. great mix of sour and funk too, i really like this culture they have, and could see it becoming a classic like jolly pumpkin or jester king, its different enough yet also super refined, memorable even. carbonation is a little light but the acidity is perfect. worth the price for a first experience with their beer, very limited quantities of this produced from what it sounds like, so jump if you see it! really incredible stuff, got to get some more rowley beers!