Punch Bowl Snobs: Cherry Gose
The Sour Note Brewing

My first from a young brewery that specializes in German tarts (Gose and Berliner Weiss.)

Cherry Gose is reasonably well-balanced for an often sour style.
Its Looks are a nice reddish body without a head. Smells also don't intrigue me; some cherry, some tart, a tad of funk. But, Tastes finally show its balance; not wickedly sour where many young brewers end up, but respectful of my buds. Mildly salted. In the mouth, the same balance; not too dry. But, maybe a few more bubbles would make nice.

I don't get much more than pretty photos from Sour Note's website. While the brewer is clearly knowledgable in these two obscure styles, the brewery is a mere 17 months old. I like how they have focussed on the uncommon, instead of the easy-money appeal to the low-common denominator of the American palate's desire for hops. I hope Sour Note's strategy works in in the end. In the meantime, I'd like to find their saison.

A: A dusty rose in color, a very dainty white head peeks out for a second and then is gone entirely.

S: Some light tartness and a hint of funk, along with the usual gose funk. Light cherry, and a hint of almond as well as cranberry.

T: Tart and crisp up front, with notes of cherry, and cranberry. Brine, and a touch of funk in the finish.

M: Light in body, carbonation seems a little low, slight cling in the finish.

O: I like the flavors, but I think a tad drier and a touch more carbonation, would really elevate this one.