Rule of Honor
Big aLICe Brewing Finger Lakes

While the label says this will be a dark sour beer, the eyes confirm that is no hyperbole. This is a black (SRM 40+) beer with a very dark auburn halo that is ever so thin. 1.5 inches of fine, chestnut head crackles as it quickly falls, leaving only a ring and a veil. Lace coats a Brand flute glass, while a viscous film presents a surprise, even forming legs.

The aroma is filled with oak and controlled tannins against a strong, funky sourness. Blackberries and currants are most obvious. Roasted malt comes out after a minute or so. For some reason, I'm also thinking buckwheat. Brettanomyces is nicely displayed, however, the anticipated Bourbon is absent.

Sourness grabs one's attention without being threatening. Light bitterness is offset by faint sweetness as the oak builds. A long finish starts soft, then quickly builds to a crescendo and gradually fades. Warmth draws out Baker's chocolate and amplifies a mouth-watering tartness in the finish. Bourbon is extravagantly faint.

The full body and soft, cushy texture are offset by a slightly sticky quality. Alcohol is on point without any heat. Carbonation adds a scrubbing effervescence. The beer is very dry.

This was a wonderful surprise. Warmth developed layers of transformative character in both the aroma and the flavor. Hopefully Big aLICe will brew more of this for my next trip through Geneva, NY. Heck, I just might rearrange my schedule to get another crack at it. Perhaps even age a bottle. This is an elegant beer, enchanting on a warm summer evening.