Sour Me - Black Apple
DuClaw Brewing Co.

 

The Sour Me series seems to be a consistent and tasty series of fruited ales at this point, all clocking in at modest ABVs. The flavor packed into this one is nice, with the only real caveat being that labeling it a "sour ale" is a bit misleading. Yes, it falls generally under the fruited sour umbrella, but it quite simply isn't sour. I didn't get a ton of apple, although it is noticeable; I'm not sure how "black apple" comes across differently than a regular old "apple apple," so that difference could be what I'm missing.

 

 

This claims to be an ale so let's review it. A pint can poured into a clear Imperial pint glass begins the process. The aroma of an apple cider hits first. The color is a bright and somewhere between translucent and opaque dark orange-amber. There's no head nor lacing. Yes, it is a sour ale, not an apple beer. The sour is delightfully puckering and a clean brake at the finish is remarkable. There are no noticeable hops, but they aren't missed in this ale. The other ingredients, the orange peel, spices and lactose contribute very subtly. This is quite the refreshing sour ale.

 

Very good

With only two reviews as of this writing, can't help but notice @BEERchitect's comment, as it is the very same thought I had the minute I had this: it's like a sour apple cider...

Lightly hazed medium amber-colored; slim finger of head in a tulip glass; quickly slimmed and disappeared, contributing to a cider-like appearance...

My initial sip flashed thick, juicy and sweet apple cider up front, but was quickly blasted away with the wash of sourness - drying, woody, tannic... After a few sips, the sweetness became less apparent and a puckering effect became more pronounced - light-medium-weighted with with some body to it; modestly carbonated... Leaves a bitter shellac of apple skin and pectin and and lactic acid sourness... Sharp and tart and quenching, with a distinct apple presence... To my tastes, a bit too lactic without enough balancing fruit sugars, and the apple got overpowered and was lost too soon...

Sour apple cider fans (?) will dig this for sure, but it might not be for those who aren't generally into sours...

L: A hazy light caramel color. Good carbonation stream.

S: Apples and sour wheat. It's quite aromatic.

T: Nice and straightforward. There's not alot of sugar. It's about equally as tart (granny smith apple) as it is sour (wheat)

F: Very light and drinkable with a dry finish that invites you for another sip.

O: It's acceptable. There's not alot for Berlinner weiss on the market so this could possibly be your best option for the style.

Sour meets cider in an apple ale with a twangy twist. Duclaw turns their attention to the black apple along with orange peel, a blend of spices and lactose to both promote an apple cider-like agenda while trying to stay true to beer also.

Sour Me, the Black Apple variation pours a deep straw with loose and lofty froth that reaches the brim. While teasing the nose with overtones of apples, a strong twinge of acidity tingles the nose while inviting a slight backdrop of pastry crust, light cereal and mulled fruit juices.

But those cider insinuations are unavoidable as the tastebuds soon dismiss the creaminess and spiciness and focuses on the apple flavor in an overt cidery middle palate. Although the beer has a creamy grain base, its not enough to contend with the brisk and briny acidity that cuts through the malt for a nearly winey taste with a slight tannic spice late on the tongue.

Medium light in body, Black Apple could easily be disguised as an apple wine spritzer and would make a fine addition to white sangria. For those who favor the taste of cider but aren't opposed to a mild beer taste, then this Sour Me is you for you. It finishes briskly tart and with a mild aftertaste of sourdough.