Sybarite w/ Cherries
Pretentious Barrel House

Pouring an acidic shock over the Columbus beer scene, the competent brewers at Pretentious Barrel House has full control over their "wild" fermentation and that exemplifies exquisitely well with Sybarite- a sour red ale, an American spin on Flanders red ale, and this one laced with generous amounts of cherries for balance and interest.

Pouring deep ruby red, Sabarite with Cherries swirls about the senses with an aromatic melody of wine infused cherry juice with a bold complement of dark, pitted fruit, a hint of balsamic, the dryness of French cider, and an earthen pungency of dry leather, burlap and an overall weathered wood character. Juicy on the initial palate, a strong suggestion of hard candy accompanies a host of fruit juices, dry pastry and the gently stewed fruit of tart cobbler.

What seems sweet at first quickly trends sour as the sweetness rapidly dissolves on the middle palate. Fruit flavors of cherry dominate with a tangy, robust and deep berry-like character. But a followup of raspberry, plum, blackcurrant, cider and overall red berry flavor keep the flavors trending bold in taste but drying in texture. Vinous sourness comes with near puckering effects with the late palate favoring a taste of red wine, peppery wood spices and a return of fresh funk in the retro olfactory senses.

Medium-light in body for sour ale but continuing dryness ushers in a great sense of refreshment, drinkability and crispness as the beer dries out to the point of enamel-stripping effects. Bordeaux-like sourness applies a peppery balance to the finish with a brief afterglow of dried cherries and leather once more.

 

 

500 ml bottle, bottled on 8/8 (2018). Label on the bottle says 5.6% ABV. Served in a Teku, the beer pours a mostly clear reddish/amber color with about an inch off-white head that fizzled away quickly. Not much lacing, either. I like the aroma, the brew smells like cherries, oak, funk and vinegar. For the most part I think the taste is similar to the aroma, but there's also some earthiness and a bit of bready malt noticeable too. Mouthfeel/body is light/medium, it's smooth and a bit coating with a low/moderate amount of carbonation. I think it's a good, enjoyable tart brew. Been a fan of the Pretentious beers I've had so far, need to buy some more!