Courthouse Sour
Battle River Brewing

Poured a hazy straw color into a Samuel Smith imperial pint glass from a 16 oz. can with markings on the bottom of 114 16:24 #BREWITDOWNTOWN. Giving it a higher rating in appearance because of fizzy carbonatation show that fails to produce a head or any lacing (enjoyable to watch & probably hard to do). Cucumber/garden fragrance is prevalent with some hints of honeydew present. Cucumber is forward with some sweetness from the honeydew contrasting the sour/tartness of the taste. Light and refreshing and not overly sour in its presentation. A good warm weather brew that I would try again when in the mood and can find. Received in a trade for some ales from Chilton Mills.

 

Picked this up recently at Joe Canal's in Woodbridge as I never had anything from them before. Didn't know what to expect from this and indeed, this would be perfect for the summer although it's been a mild winter here in recent weeks. Indeed, this was crisp and refreshing to the point where it had me wishing for brighter days!

The pour to this was clear, golden, and topped off with plenty of foam. There was a light haze to the liquid as a few bubbles went up in it, as there wasn't *any* lacing to be seen on the side of my pint glass once I sipped this. Tons of cucumber and vegetable patch in the nose as the taste was just as outdoorsy, natural, and sour in the back. Hard to pick out the honeydew, as it softly came through once this fully warmed up. Slick, a bit sticky, and just full enough, this was not too funky and easy to kick back with as the aftertaste wasn't very tart since the cucumber held sway.

There wasn't much alcohol in this and with a small chaser of water, this wouldn't be that bad of a session beer. There was some writing on the bottom of the can but alas, there wasn't a date although this looked and felt fine since it was lively and clear as any other Fruited Kettle Sour that I've had. Not a bad first impression from Battle River and good take on the style that wouldn't offend much of anyone. Gotta have this again when the rays and days are stronger and longer!

I'm assuming this is the cucumber honeydew melon sour by them. For starters, I was hesitant - hadn't heard of this brewery before and also - not a huge honeydew fan. But I was more than pleasantly surprised with this one.

If I didn't know what I was drinking, it might be hard to pick up on the honeydew. But alas, it sure is there. The cucumber aroma is definitely there - that wet, fresh rain garden cucumber smell. Cucumber and honeydew follow through in taste - this might be the first time I've liked/appreciated honeydew in a while - so that's saying something. This is backed by a tart, yet smooth finish and mouthfeel.

I think anybody who likes sours will really appreciate this beer.