Sour To the People: Blue Razz
Axe & Arrow

Its appearance doesn't give it away as a fruited kettle sour. It looks more like a mildly hazy IPA, sitting inside a clear glass liter mug. The entire contents of a pint can fit nicely, after one continous pour, as there was no egregious foaming. The color of the brew is golden-amber and although it's a little cloudy, it is bright. A just-off-white head began modestly, then disappeared. There's significant sourness to the aroma, with the berries harder to detect. Also for the nose, there's something vaguely spicy. This drinks like a true sour, not like some sort of fruit smoothie. Both may have their places, but this seems much more like a traditional sour, or Gose. First, it's sour, not just tart. It's sour enough that detecting the contributing fruits isn't easy. The body is just right for this style, proper. Lighter and thinner than the abundant fruited sours that have so much puree they are viscous. That makes it much more drinkable. The 7.5% ABV only adds to the overall taste and finish. There's even a little spiciness in the taste. This is so much closer to a true fruited kettle sour than most, it deserves commendation, even if there's no glass lacing.