Consecration | Russian River Brewing Company
Brewed by:
Russian River Brewing Company
California, United States
rrbeer.com
Style: American Wild Ale
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 10.00%
Availability: Rotating
Notes / Commercial Description:
Belgian-style dark ale aged in American oak Cabernet Sauvignon barrels with currants.
Added by Gueuzedude on 10-31-2008
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Reviews: 1,130 | Ratings: 5,135
4.37/5 rDev -0.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
The first few sips were not fantastic for me but thought it was a completely different experience as it opened up and warmed. Loved the 2nd half as the barrel came through. Very enjoyable.
★ 188 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
The first few sips were not fantastic for me but thought it was a completely different experience as it opened up and warmed. Loved the 2nd half as the barrel came through. Very enjoyable.
★ 188 characters
4.35/5 rDev -1.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Heavy influence of currants and cabernet / oak flavors. Blue and red berry fruits. Cassis, seemless and very balanced. Long finish and almost thick silky texture. Zero alc noticable. Tried from Keg at O'Briens Russian River nite. Not sure aging this would be helpful in developing more complexities?
★ 299 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Heavy influence of currants and cabernet / oak flavors. Blue and red berry fruits. Cassis, seemless and very balanced. Long finish and almost thick silky texture. Zero alc noticable. Tried from Keg at O'Briens Russian River nite. Not sure aging this would be helpful in developing more complexities?
★ 299 characters
4.63/5 rDev +5%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
12.23.09 at City Beer Store.
Had to have this 1x1 on the spot, and also snagged a few to replace my 1x3s.
A: beautifully dark with vinous viscosity, hardly any head
S: serious funk on the nose that mellows
T: brett upfront, yummy yeast, and a hint of dark, tart fruit
M: like a cabernet Champagne (move over chard, pinots noir and meunier)
D: the first time I had this, I enjoyed the 750mL myself. I'd easily do it again, but I love to share this love. If it's on tap, this is usually all I have.
★ 502 characters
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
12.23.09 at City Beer Store.
Had to have this 1x1 on the spot, and also snagged a few to replace my 1x3s.
A: beautifully dark with vinous viscosity, hardly any head
S: serious funk on the nose that mellows
T: brett upfront, yummy yeast, and a hint of dark, tart fruit
M: like a cabernet Champagne (move over chard, pinots noir and meunier)
D: the first time I had this, I enjoyed the 750mL myself. I'd easily do it again, but I love to share this love. If it's on tap, this is usually all I have.
★ 502 characters
4.94/5 rDev +12%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Poured from the bottle into a snifter. Nice but brief head with a dark, mahogany body. Smell is (unsurprisingly) currants and dark fruit. The taste is really where this beer shines. Wonderful currant with an extremely tart, dry bite and a pleasant champagne carbonation. One of my favorite beers after the first sip. I'm glad I don't live in the bay area because I'd go broke drinking this.
★ 390 characters
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Poured from the bottle into a snifter. Nice but brief head with a dark, mahogany body. Smell is (unsurprisingly) currants and dark fruit. The taste is really where this beer shines. Wonderful currant with an extremely tart, dry bite and a pleasant champagne carbonation. One of my favorite beers after the first sip. I'm glad I don't live in the bay area because I'd go broke drinking this.
★ 390 characters
4.72/5 rDev +7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Bottled on 7/18/13. Poured into Hill Farmstead tulip.
Appearance- is dark ruby to mahogany hue. Minimal head. Good lacing.
Smell- dark fruits, red wine, ripe berries and oak.
Taste- dark fruit, currants, red wine tannins, some tartness, some oak character.
Mouth feel is medium to light, dry finish like a wine. Moderate carbonation and excellent balance.
Overall spectacular wild ale; favorite to date. Russian River always has a flavor profile that is complex!
★ 468 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Bottled on 7/18/13. Poured into Hill Farmstead tulip.
Appearance- is dark ruby to mahogany hue. Minimal head. Good lacing.
Smell- dark fruits, red wine, ripe berries and oak.
Taste- dark fruit, currants, red wine tannins, some tartness, some oak character.
Mouth feel is medium to light, dry finish like a wine. Moderate carbonation and excellent balance.
Overall spectacular wild ale; favorite to date. Russian River always has a flavor profile that is complex!
★ 468 characters
4.7/5 rDev +6.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Bach 002x1 - this bottle has some time on it.
750 ml bottle obtained via trade with craytonic; thanks, Matt!
Poured into Allagash chalice.
A: Pours a deep russet-brown with a champagne-like head that dies down just as fast. Settles with no head whatsoever. Completely opaque and mysterious.
S: Smells just like I thought it would - vinegar, tart apples, a hint of red grape and oak. If the smell of a wild ale could ever truly be balanced, ever balanced, this would be it.
T: Beautiful. Sour upfront, yet the finish kicks in fast and mellows everything out. Flavor profile is so complex that I don't know where to start - vinegar, bright fruit, citrus, vanilla. This is beautiful.
M: Carbonation is medium-high, yet flattens quickly. Overall, this is a fairly toothsome beer that goes down like silk.
D: This is my first offering from Russian River, and I couldn't be more impressed. I could likely drink 2 bottles of this.
Looking forward to more Russian River after a splendid first experience.
★ 1,004 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Bach 002x1 - this bottle has some time on it.
750 ml bottle obtained via trade with craytonic; thanks, Matt!
Poured into Allagash chalice.
A: Pours a deep russet-brown with a champagne-like head that dies down just as fast. Settles with no head whatsoever. Completely opaque and mysterious.
S: Smells just like I thought it would - vinegar, tart apples, a hint of red grape and oak. If the smell of a wild ale could ever truly be balanced, ever balanced, this would be it.
T: Beautiful. Sour upfront, yet the finish kicks in fast and mellows everything out. Flavor profile is so complex that I don't know where to start - vinegar, bright fruit, citrus, vanilla. This is beautiful.
M: Carbonation is medium-high, yet flattens quickly. Overall, this is a fairly toothsome beer that goes down like silk.
D: This is my first offering from Russian River, and I couldn't be more impressed. I could likely drink 2 bottles of this.
Looking forward to more Russian River after a splendid first experience.
★ 1,004 characters
4.45/5 rDev +0.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Had this for tahlstro's birthday today, happy 22 my man. Here's to another year of great beer and deliciousness. Poured from a Batch 2 bottle into a chalice.
Appearance: Much, much more carbonated than the Cuvee de Tomme, with a lot of bubbles and a nice solid pop when opened. Heavy tiny bubbles lace and bubble much like a soda, and looks kind of coke-esque. Laces very nicely and eventually mellows out to a golden brown hue. Very pleasing.
Smell: It's a like a red-wine beer which hey, it kind of is. The CabSauv smell is definitely apparent, as are the slight hops and the raisin / current esters. Slight tobacco-y spice to it as well, with just a hint of oak. Opens up nicely and very, very pleasant.
Taste: Not as sour as I (or my puckering palate) was expecting, but definitely tart and sweet. Currant and red wine are upfront, with a sweeter hint of grape-y, soda-y taste on the back-end. Really very nice, and while not incredibly complex, the flavors are consistently excellent.
Mouthfeel: Heavily carbonated and very, very dry. Finishes like a champagne, with bubbly texture and brut finish. Tartness lingers slightly, but overall not too syrupy and if anything, almost too carbonated (which, after having disappointingly flat brews, is a good problem to have if you have to pick which side to fall on).
Drinkability: For a 10%, it's excellent. Could drink it all night. Definitely warms you up quickly however, and would be tough to drink the whole thing on my lonesome ABV wise eventually. Thoroughly enjoyable, and Wild Ales are quickly becoming my new favorite style. While expensive, it's certainly worthy and fantastic, and more than just an enjoyable brew but an excellent one.
★ 1,702 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Had this for tahlstro's birthday today, happy 22 my man. Here's to another year of great beer and deliciousness. Poured from a Batch 2 bottle into a chalice.
Appearance: Much, much more carbonated than the Cuvee de Tomme, with a lot of bubbles and a nice solid pop when opened. Heavy tiny bubbles lace and bubble much like a soda, and looks kind of coke-esque. Laces very nicely and eventually mellows out to a golden brown hue. Very pleasing.
Smell: It's a like a red-wine beer which hey, it kind of is. The CabSauv smell is definitely apparent, as are the slight hops and the raisin / current esters. Slight tobacco-y spice to it as well, with just a hint of oak. Opens up nicely and very, very pleasant.
Taste: Not as sour as I (or my puckering palate) was expecting, but definitely tart and sweet. Currant and red wine are upfront, with a sweeter hint of grape-y, soda-y taste on the back-end. Really very nice, and while not incredibly complex, the flavors are consistently excellent.
Mouthfeel: Heavily carbonated and very, very dry. Finishes like a champagne, with bubbly texture and brut finish. Tartness lingers slightly, but overall not too syrupy and if anything, almost too carbonated (which, after having disappointingly flat brews, is a good problem to have if you have to pick which side to fall on).
Drinkability: For a 10%, it's excellent. Could drink it all night. Definitely warms you up quickly however, and would be tough to drink the whole thing on my lonesome ABV wise eventually. Thoroughly enjoyable, and Wild Ales are quickly becoming my new favorite style. While expensive, it's certainly worthy and fantastic, and more than just an enjoyable brew but an excellent one.
★ 1,702 characters
4.3/5 rDev -2.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
SOUR.
Where do you go from here? This beer is like a syrup, an essence. It has moved onto beer nirvana.
Pours a delicious dark reddish brown color. Smells pure of funky yeast. Taste very tart, maybe some blackcurrants, definitively some grapes from the barrels. Has high acidity. Has to be enjoyed little by little, if not it's too sour. Good work.
★ 350 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
SOUR.
Where do you go from here? This beer is like a syrup, an essence. It has moved onto beer nirvana.
Pours a delicious dark reddish brown color. Smells pure of funky yeast. Taste very tart, maybe some blackcurrants, definitively some grapes from the barrels. Has high acidity. Has to be enjoyed little by little, if not it's too sour. Good work.
★ 350 characters
4.46/5 rDev +1.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
A - pours a fairly clear dark amber with an ephemeral head. No lace. No bubbles.
S - pedio/lacto sourness, big oak, vanilla, currants, pineapple and red wine.
T - follows the aroma. Acetic. Assertive barrel note. Very smooth 10%.
M - light-medium body. Creamy and slightly oily. Dry. Sour, but not super sour.
O - I consider this to be an Imperial Flanders with a twist and a very tasty one. Certainly not the most extreme sour, but that isn't a negative coming from a sour head. Brewed with careful restraint, but far from being bland. Very good beer!
★ 557 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
A - pours a fairly clear dark amber with an ephemeral head. No lace. No bubbles.
S - pedio/lacto sourness, big oak, vanilla, currants, pineapple and red wine.
T - follows the aroma. Acetic. Assertive barrel note. Very smooth 10%.
M - light-medium body. Creamy and slightly oily. Dry. Sour, but not super sour.
O - I consider this to be an Imperial Flanders with a twist and a very tasty one. Certainly not the most extreme sour, but that isn't a negative coming from a sour head. Brewed with careful restraint, but far from being bland. Very good beer!
★ 557 characters
4.56/5 rDev +3.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Look: A very clear yet dark ruby to tawny depending on angle and light. Very interesting. What little head fizzled off immediately much like a cool soda pop.
Smell: Roasty Currant up front. Little yeast funk. Little oakyness.
Taste: Tart. Dark Fruits. Hard caramel. Little bit of leather. Musty. There is so much going on in this beer. Wow. The alcohol is a little hot on the finish but overall a great job of masking/incorporating it into the flavor profile.
Feel: Finish is medium-dry to Dry. Pretty silky soft Cab tannin. Lovely.
Overall: Delightful, delicious, adventurous and unique. A special brew that will often occupy my beer fridge.
★ 646 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Look: A very clear yet dark ruby to tawny depending on angle and light. Very interesting. What little head fizzled off immediately much like a cool soda pop.
Smell: Roasty Currant up front. Little yeast funk. Little oakyness.
Taste: Tart. Dark Fruits. Hard caramel. Little bit of leather. Musty. There is so much going on in this beer. Wow. The alcohol is a little hot on the finish but overall a great job of masking/incorporating it into the flavor profile.
Feel: Finish is medium-dry to Dry. Pretty silky soft Cab tannin. Lovely.
Overall: Delightful, delicious, adventurous and unique. A special brew that will often occupy my beer fridge.
★ 646 characters
4/5 rDev -9.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Batch 001X4
A: Pours an almost completely opaque shade of dull murky brown with undersaturated dark amber hues. Massive -- for a sour -- loose, cask-like light brown head fills the glass as beer gushes all over my god damn leather upholstery. The head quickly recedes to nothing but a faint ring.
S: Mildly sour vinous aromas. Currents are surprisingly detectable. Also substantive hints of the cabernet barrel, with a slight aromas of brown sugar or chocolate in the background. Aromas is much less intense than I would have imagined.
T: All the flavors of the nose mingle together. Flavors are not extremely sour, nor are they strongly reminiscent of vinegar, but acidic. The palate is flooded with muted vinous flavors that turn tangy and a tad dry near the finish. Sour-grape tinged alcohol burn can be felt long after certain sips.
M: The feel is smooth, if only slightly hefty. Carbonation is certainly there and a bit tingly, but like every other quality in this beer, its subtle.
D: I'm not sure what to say about this beer right now. I think it could use some time in the cellar. I find myself longing for some of the funky brett aromas and flavors which never really materialize for me. Is this a world class brew? Certainly. But I would take a Cuvee de Castleton over it at this stage of ripeness. It absolutely pushes the envelope in blurring the lines between wine and beer.
★ 1,393 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Batch 001X4
A: Pours an almost completely opaque shade of dull murky brown with undersaturated dark amber hues. Massive -- for a sour -- loose, cask-like light brown head fills the glass as beer gushes all over my god damn leather upholstery. The head quickly recedes to nothing but a faint ring.
S: Mildly sour vinous aromas. Currents are surprisingly detectable. Also substantive hints of the cabernet barrel, with a slight aromas of brown sugar or chocolate in the background. Aromas is much less intense than I would have imagined.
T: All the flavors of the nose mingle together. Flavors are not extremely sour, nor are they strongly reminiscent of vinegar, but acidic. The palate is flooded with muted vinous flavors that turn tangy and a tad dry near the finish. Sour-grape tinged alcohol burn can be felt long after certain sips.
M: The feel is smooth, if only slightly hefty. Carbonation is certainly there and a bit tingly, but like every other quality in this beer, its subtle.
D: I'm not sure what to say about this beer right now. I think it could use some time in the cellar. I find myself longing for some of the funky brett aromas and flavors which never really materialize for me. Is this a world class brew? Certainly. But I would take a Cuvee de Castleton over it at this stage of ripeness. It absolutely pushes the envelope in blurring the lines between wine and beer.
★ 1,393 characters
4.35/5 rDev -1.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Bottle to tulip. Smells good; like a strong ale should. Tastes Fantastic! I LOVE the Cabernet influence! Does wonders for the flavor. Complex, but not in a " I taste plums, cherries, and earthiness, etc." kind of way like you'd get from wine snobs. Just. Good. Beer. Mouthfeel is great; what looks to be relatively low-carbonated is actually deceptively carbonated, just as a sour should be. Overall, a great beer that I'll definitely be seeking out again!
★ 456 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Bottle to tulip. Smells good; like a strong ale should. Tastes Fantastic! I LOVE the Cabernet influence! Does wonders for the flavor. Complex, but not in a " I taste plums, cherries, and earthiness, etc." kind of way like you'd get from wine snobs. Just. Good. Beer. Mouthfeel is great; what looks to be relatively low-carbonated is actually deceptively carbonated, just as a sour should be. Overall, a great beer that I'll definitely be seeking out again!
★ 456 characters
4.56/5 rDev +3.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Beer pours a slightly hazy reddish brown, actually reminds me a lot of Coca-Cola especially the way the off white head fizzes up and then dissipates. Aroma is amazing, very complex for any beer. It shares some aromas with Cabernet, which is not surprising given that this beer is aged in Cab barrels. Black currants, red fruit, vanilla, cola and tobacco all come to mind. This beer has a moderate sourness with a fairly dry finish and just a bit of bitterness, I read biegaman's review mentioning that he associated the bitterness with tomato and although I don't get that specifically I will say that it has a certain umami quality that is usually associated with tomatoes, so I could see the comparison. Overall this is a very good offering from one of my favorite breweries and I think it has amazing complexity that is best enjoyed over a long period of time, letting the beer warm a bit and change over and hour or two.
★ 924 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Beer pours a slightly hazy reddish brown, actually reminds me a lot of Coca-Cola especially the way the off white head fizzes up and then dissipates. Aroma is amazing, very complex for any beer. It shares some aromas with Cabernet, which is not surprising given that this beer is aged in Cab barrels. Black currants, red fruit, vanilla, cola and tobacco all come to mind. This beer has a moderate sourness with a fairly dry finish and just a bit of bitterness, I read biegaman's review mentioning that he associated the bitterness with tomato and although I don't get that specifically I will say that it has a certain umami quality that is usually associated with tomatoes, so I could see the comparison. Overall this is a very good offering from one of my favorite breweries and I think it has amazing complexity that is best enjoyed over a long period of time, letting the beer warm a bit and change over and hour or two.
★ 924 characters
4.97/5 rDev +12.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
On Tap @ Monk's Cafe
Look: Deep crimson, slight haze, thin head with little lacing
Smell: Brett funk, dark fruit, caramel, oak, and malt
Taste: Up Front: Lemon zest, white grape, malt. Finish: brett funk, oak at the end
Mouthfeel: Medium body with a light/medium carbonation. It got even creamier as it warmed up!
Drinkability: Tart, incredibly smooth, and refreshing! Does not get more drinakble than this?
Overall Impression: This was the first Wild Ale I've had since Victory's Wid Devil - a beer I disliked so much I almost dumped it. Almost. Having said that, I was unsure how this would beer would go over with me. Upon the first sip, my skepticism was gone! This is without a doubt the most complex beer/ale I've ever tasted!!! First the aging in Cabernet Sauvignon Barrels was obvious. The brett was a perfect compliment to the complexity of this amazing ale. It's kinda like a cross between a wine and a beer, and not a cheap version of either. If this is not Nectar of the Godz, I don't know what is.
★ 1,016 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
On Tap @ Monk's Cafe
Look: Deep crimson, slight haze, thin head with little lacing
Smell: Brett funk, dark fruit, caramel, oak, and malt
Taste: Up Front: Lemon zest, white grape, malt. Finish: brett funk, oak at the end
Mouthfeel: Medium body with a light/medium carbonation. It got even creamier as it warmed up!
Drinkability: Tart, incredibly smooth, and refreshing! Does not get more drinakble than this?
Overall Impression: This was the first Wild Ale I've had since Victory's Wid Devil - a beer I disliked so much I almost dumped it. Almost. Having said that, I was unsure how this would beer would go over with me. Upon the first sip, my skepticism was gone! This is without a doubt the most complex beer/ale I've ever tasted!!! First the aging in Cabernet Sauvignon Barrels was obvious. The brett was a perfect compliment to the complexity of this amazing ale. It's kinda like a cross between a wine and a beer, and not a cheap version of either. If this is not Nectar of the Godz, I don't know what is.
★ 1,016 characters
4.75/5 rDev +7.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
Poured from a 375ml bottle; 10% ABV; batch 007...
Appearance: Pours a translucent ruby/brown body with a quickly dissipating off-white head. Lacing and retention are at a minimum.
Smell: Tart characters from combination of the Cabernet Sauvignon and currant additions. Almost makes me glands water just smelling it.
Taste: Definitely a sour ale with the wine characteristics clearly amplifying the approach. Tobacco notes from the malt blend with a dark fruit to create a complex balance of sour subtlety. No bite whatsoever from the alcohol!!
Mouthfeel: Carbonation like a champagne or sparkling wine finishing clean but not too dry.
Overall: He went from wine to beer... artist to artist! 10% ABV never tasted so... nonalcoholic?? Cheers!!
★ 746 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5
Poured from a 375ml bottle; 10% ABV; batch 007...
Appearance: Pours a translucent ruby/brown body with a quickly dissipating off-white head. Lacing and retention are at a minimum.
Smell: Tart characters from combination of the Cabernet Sauvignon and currant additions. Almost makes me glands water just smelling it.
Taste: Definitely a sour ale with the wine characteristics clearly amplifying the approach. Tobacco notes from the malt blend with a dark fruit to create a complex balance of sour subtlety. No bite whatsoever from the alcohol!!
Mouthfeel: Carbonation like a champagne or sparkling wine finishing clean but not too dry.
Overall: He went from wine to beer... artist to artist! 10% ABV never tasted so... nonalcoholic?? Cheers!!
★ 746 characters
4.42/5 rDev +0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Batch 004X4, 375ml bottle. Poured into snifter glass.
A - Pours dark ruby red color with one finger head that fades rather quickly.
S - Sour cherry, tart red wine.
T - Starts out with some funky sour cherry flavor, brett, light spice.
M - Medium bodies with lots of carbonation.
O - Another great sour beer from Russian River. Perfect blend of sour tart cherries with a hint of wine from the Cabernet Sauvignon bottles.
★ 424 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Batch 004X4, 375ml bottle. Poured into snifter glass.
A - Pours dark ruby red color with one finger head that fades rather quickly.
S - Sour cherry, tart red wine.
T - Starts out with some funky sour cherry flavor, brett, light spice.
M - Medium bodies with lots of carbonation.
O - Another great sour beer from Russian River. Perfect blend of sour tart cherries with a hint of wine from the Cabernet Sauvignon bottles.
★ 424 characters
4.37/5 rDev -0.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Pretty freakin excited about this little guy. Got'em through a trade with Damico. Good guy, shipped first, no issues.
Batch 001x2. Had to do some research but apparently this is the first batch bottled on the 2nd day. Cheers to me!
Pour into a Duvel glass from a 750ml bottle.
A: The color of black or chai tea. Very very dark maroon color, clear though but very dark indeed. Soft pillowy white head on top. Not thick, not thin, just in the middle. No lacying to be found.
S: The smell reminds me of La Folie. Funky, tart, plumy, and juicy. Some light wood notes come through as it warms. Good cherry notes in there as well. Some almond in there too.
T: Cherries, currant, tart funk, and some sweetness. Some other stone fruit qualities. Earthy must and oak flavors on the end.
M: Thin and fizzy, still able to coat the tongue though. Good carbonation and a nice dry finish.
D: Drinks better as it warms. Not a sessionable drink but something to enjoy on a warm summer night. I really like this beer and would like to try other RR sours. So far the best American Wild I have had so far.
★ 1,094 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Pretty freakin excited about this little guy. Got'em through a trade with Damico. Good guy, shipped first, no issues.
Batch 001x2. Had to do some research but apparently this is the first batch bottled on the 2nd day. Cheers to me!
Pour into a Duvel glass from a 750ml bottle.
A: The color of black or chai tea. Very very dark maroon color, clear though but very dark indeed. Soft pillowy white head on top. Not thick, not thin, just in the middle. No lacying to be found.
S: The smell reminds me of La Folie. Funky, tart, plumy, and juicy. Some light wood notes come through as it warms. Good cherry notes in there as well. Some almond in there too.
T: Cherries, currant, tart funk, and some sweetness. Some other stone fruit qualities. Earthy must and oak flavors on the end.
M: Thin and fizzy, still able to coat the tongue though. Good carbonation and a nice dry finish.
D: Drinks better as it warms. Not a sessionable drink but something to enjoy on a warm summer night. I really like this beer and would like to try other RR sours. So far the best American Wild I have had so far.
★ 1,094 characters
4.14/5 rDev -6.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Batch 004x2
Poured a deep garnet with a quick, frothy head that fizzled in mere moments.
Smells of some dark berry juice, lemon spritzer and some fusel alcohol.
Immediate pucker inducing lemon tartness with big juicy berry (having never had a currant, I'll have to assume that is what it is). Quick burst of effervescent fizz that delivers the berry wallop. The tartness and berry break down leaving some soggy wood that is a bit unpleasant.
Overall this is a wonderful wild but I am still becoming familiar with the style. I'm not sure what is up with the finish but the rest of the beer is solid.
★ 604 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4
Batch 004x2
Poured a deep garnet with a quick, frothy head that fizzled in mere moments.
Smells of some dark berry juice, lemon spritzer and some fusel alcohol.
Immediate pucker inducing lemon tartness with big juicy berry (having never had a currant, I'll have to assume that is what it is). Quick burst of effervescent fizz that delivers the berry wallop. The tartness and berry break down leaving some soggy wood that is a bit unpleasant.
Overall this is a wonderful wild but I am still becoming familiar with the style. I'm not sure what is up with the finish but the rest of the beer is solid.
★ 604 characters
4.42/5 rDev +0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
from a 375mL bottle in to a Spiegelau tulip glass.
bath 004X3
A - dark brown/cranberry color, like you poured a brown ale into rose wine. not much head to speak of, so no lacing, but it does have legs like a good wine
S - first thing i got was like sticking your head in a pouch of chewing tobacco, then i got really dark colored fruits, they are very bright, slight hint of alcohol and some barnyard funkiness
T - starts with the tart, bitingness of the lacto, then a caramel middle with hints of raspberry and green apple, the sides of my tongue are getting more of the sour. the back end of the palette gets more tobacco, earthy flavor
M - medium bodied, well carbonated almost to the point of bubbly, finishes rather clean except on the side of the palette where it lingers
D - hard to put down. lots of nuances to this beer that would lend itself to aging (lucky enough i have another bottle). russian river strikes again with a great wild/sour.
★ 955 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
from a 375mL bottle in to a Spiegelau tulip glass.
bath 004X3
A - dark brown/cranberry color, like you poured a brown ale into rose wine. not much head to speak of, so no lacing, but it does have legs like a good wine
S - first thing i got was like sticking your head in a pouch of chewing tobacco, then i got really dark colored fruits, they are very bright, slight hint of alcohol and some barnyard funkiness
T - starts with the tart, bitingness of the lacto, then a caramel middle with hints of raspberry and green apple, the sides of my tongue are getting more of the sour. the back end of the palette gets more tobacco, earthy flavor
M - medium bodied, well carbonated almost to the point of bubbly, finishes rather clean except on the side of the palette where it lingers
D - hard to put down. lots of nuances to this beer that would lend itself to aging (lucky enough i have another bottle). russian river strikes again with a great wild/sour.
★ 955 characters
4.42/5 rDev +0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Batch 005 x 2F
375ml chilled, poured into a tulip.
One of my favorite RR beers, just finally reviewing it.
A - Pours a rich, dark caramel amber color. Nice tight white head, which hung on for a few minutes.
S - Tart, sour, twangy, with hints of wine and sugar. The cabernet is very apparent. Cherries, raisins, currants and touch of artificial grape smell (like grape candy).
T - Tart. Not so much sour as it is tart. Very wine like. Lemon, horse blanket and sweet fruit combine in a whirlwind of flavors. The tongue is almost over stimulated. The wine comes through and the aftertaste is all cab.
M - Full bodied, but not heavy or chewy. Coats the mouth nicely. Tight, clean and prickly carbonation. Fits the beer perfectly. The alcohol is almost indectable, except for the slight drying effect it has on the tongue.
D - Dangerously drinkable. This beer is sweet and tart which keeps the palate refeshed. I never get tired of drinking this beer, and am thankful that I have easy access to it. A fantastic beer. Caution is advised though, 10% abv will sneak up on you in a hurry!
★ 1,085 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Batch 005 x 2F
375ml chilled, poured into a tulip.
One of my favorite RR beers, just finally reviewing it.
A - Pours a rich, dark caramel amber color. Nice tight white head, which hung on for a few minutes.
S - Tart, sour, twangy, with hints of wine and sugar. The cabernet is very apparent. Cherries, raisins, currants and touch of artificial grape smell (like grape candy).
T - Tart. Not so much sour as it is tart. Very wine like. Lemon, horse blanket and sweet fruit combine in a whirlwind of flavors. The tongue is almost over stimulated. The wine comes through and the aftertaste is all cab.
M - Full bodied, but not heavy or chewy. Coats the mouth nicely. Tight, clean and prickly carbonation. Fits the beer perfectly. The alcohol is almost indectable, except for the slight drying effect it has on the tongue.
D - Dangerously drinkable. This beer is sweet and tart which keeps the palate refeshed. I never get tired of drinking this beer, and am thankful that I have easy access to it. A fantastic beer. Caution is advised though, 10% abv will sneak up on you in a hurry!
★ 1,085 characters
4.56/5 rDev +3.4%
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Batch 005 Poured from 375ml bottle into a New Belgium Globe/Snifter
A - Deep red, dark w/ ruby highlights and a white head that quicly fades to a tight ring, no lacing.
S - Smells of cherries, dark fruits, earthy, tart w/ faint greek yogurt. Very fruity and tart.
T - Very dry, refreshing sour twang, very light alcohol warmth. Very wine like, light spicyness, sour cherry. Fruity and tart.
M - Coats the mouth, lively carbonation, light body with a slightly creamy feel, very dry.
O - Amazing beer, very complex. Sour, but not lose your lips puckering. Clean sourness. Lots of wine attributes. Would love to have another, especially with a lot more age on it.
★ 665 characters
look: 3 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Batch 005 Poured from 375ml bottle into a New Belgium Globe/Snifter
A - Deep red, dark w/ ruby highlights and a white head that quicly fades to a tight ring, no lacing.
S - Smells of cherries, dark fruits, earthy, tart w/ faint greek yogurt. Very fruity and tart.
T - Very dry, refreshing sour twang, very light alcohol warmth. Very wine like, light spicyness, sour cherry. Fruity and tart.
M - Coats the mouth, lively carbonation, light body with a slightly creamy feel, very dry.
O - Amazing beer, very complex. Sour, but not lose your lips puckering. Clean sourness. Lots of wine attributes. Would love to have another, especially with a lot more age on it.
★ 665 characters
4.64/5 rDev +5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
a- A malted straw color, with a minimal head that disipates very quickly because of the high acidity of this brew!
s- Like saltwater taffey, which sounds weird, maybe it is because i was staring at some when i was smelling it (at verdugo bar, ca). very very weird and cool smell. insane funk, and barnyard!
T- Lemon grass, citrus (beyond lemon...like afterthought of grapefruit)...and maybe even a little cranberry tart to it as well. so deep. it lingers like nobodys mom.
M- tangy, medium bodied, full of flavor, and as mentioned before, lingering! Very acidic and leaves a buttery film on your teef.
D- I could drink this all day, except for the fact that it will give you a headache from the acid...or at least me haha.
★ 727 characters
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
a- A malted straw color, with a minimal head that disipates very quickly because of the high acidity of this brew!
s- Like saltwater taffey, which sounds weird, maybe it is because i was staring at some when i was smelling it (at verdugo bar, ca). very very weird and cool smell. insane funk, and barnyard!
T- Lemon grass, citrus (beyond lemon...like afterthought of grapefruit)...and maybe even a little cranberry tart to it as well. so deep. it lingers like nobodys mom.
M- tangy, medium bodied, full of flavor, and as mentioned before, lingering! Very acidic and leaves a buttery film on your teef.
D- I could drink this all day, except for the fact that it will give you a headache from the acid...or at least me haha.
★ 727 characters
4.5/5 rDev +2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Batch 7 poured into a snifter.
A- Clear dark brown/ maroon with a very small head that disapates.
S- prunes, vinegar, citrus, alcohol, and vanilla.
T- vinegar, Chardonnay comes through, bitter citrus, some dark fruits, and yeast.
M- bitterness lingers, alcohol not very present on my palate, and nice carbonation.
O- the first time I had this beer I did not know what I was drinking. Several months later i now understand what a sour beer is I appreciate them much more. I thoroughly enjoyed this beer. I've had Sanctification, Beatification, and Temptation this week and this beer is just as awesome.
★ 606 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Batch 7 poured into a snifter.
A- Clear dark brown/ maroon with a very small head that disapates.
S- prunes, vinegar, citrus, alcohol, and vanilla.
T- vinegar, Chardonnay comes through, bitter citrus, some dark fruits, and yeast.
M- bitterness lingers, alcohol not very present on my palate, and nice carbonation.
O- the first time I had this beer I did not know what I was drinking. Several months later i now understand what a sour beer is I appreciate them much more. I thoroughly enjoyed this beer. I've had Sanctification, Beatification, and Temptation this week and this beer is just as awesome.
★ 606 characters
4.8/5 rDev +8.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
A- pours a dark reddish shade of brown with a half finger head that fades nearly instantly. Some of the head sticks around on the top of the glass and around the edges...it just LOOKS evil, like some sort of witches brew...god its awesome, constantly bubbling.
S- strong cherries with a bit of a tartness to them. Getting some of an aroma of a wine type flavor as well. Great.
T- Awesome sour, tart, killer cherries. Its only mildly puckering...but I don't care. It kicks ass. The oak flavor seeps through a little bit too. Perfection.
M- well carbonated, great body. Balance is fantastic with the tartness.
D- the sourness could be a little too much for some...but not me. I love this. It packs a punch though, but you can't really taste the booze at all. First class sour from RR.
★ 786 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5
A- pours a dark reddish shade of brown with a half finger head that fades nearly instantly. Some of the head sticks around on the top of the glass and around the edges...it just LOOKS evil, like some sort of witches brew...god its awesome, constantly bubbling.
S- strong cherries with a bit of a tartness to them. Getting some of an aroma of a wine type flavor as well. Great.
T- Awesome sour, tart, killer cherries. Its only mildly puckering...but I don't care. It kicks ass. The oak flavor seeps through a little bit too. Perfection.
M- well carbonated, great body. Balance is fantastic with the tartness.
D- the sourness could be a little too much for some...but not me. I love this. It packs a punch though, but you can't really taste the booze at all. First class sour from RR.
★ 786 characters
Consecration from Russian River Brewing Company
4.41
out of 5
based on 5,135 ratings.
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
This is an interesting brew. Batch3x3. Hazy pour. Deep burgundy highlighted by a pink tones. This one packs a punch.
Apple, berries and earthyness are strong. You can even smell the tatrness of this beast.
ABV at 10% isn't that noticeable but this, to me, is a true sour. Thick, heavy and sticks around.
Super happy I tried and not close to what I was expecting.
★ 364 characters