The Admiral
Durty Brewing

not exactly a berliner, but we do not have a generic kettle sour (without fruit) category here on BA yet, somehow, so here we are, a kettle sour, and with some wheat malt, so not way off, but the kicker here is that this is done with earl grey tea, and its both really acidic and really delicious, impressively ambitious from this small town operation, we had a great time in here! unassuming pour, golden blonde with a short white head from the tap, fizzy but the head doesnt stay, relatively clear for a style that permits some haze, light looking, even for this low abv. the nose is awesome, clean but intense lemony lactic souring with subtle white wine vinegar character, almost seems barrel aged too, some earthy and tannic elements, but the tea is amazing, floral and fresh, obvious, with nuances of lavender and bergamot, beautiful, enlivening, love the high dosage. the flavor is even better, not quite as sharp as it smells but still real sour, nice grain balance too through giving it some needed body and light sweetness in the center, the tea drives it, very herbaceous and fresh, slightly feminine, zested citrus, light vanilla, chamomile, actual black tea, really nice. its too sour to drink much of, even one pour was a little stomach turning at the end, but the high carbonation is appreciated and there is some malt balance here too, very piquant. overall an excellent and creative beer, the earl grey is wonderful and the souring is in fact very clean and professionally done. unique recipe, solid execution. this place is cool!