Greetings my beer friends and fellow craft brew lovers!!! I’ve been absent, I know….Your beer girl had to take a break after my 100 Belgians in 30 days challenge, drink some champagne, AND work on some secret projects…which will be revealed in the upcoming months….
But when I learned one of my favorite watering holes, TapRoom had 3 sours on draught, I knew it was time for a triumphant return. And what better beer to bring me back to life and usher in the Summer of Saisons and Sours but the ONE, the ONLY……Consecration from Russian River Brewing Co.!!
Russian River Consecration (Ale aged in Cabernet barrels with currants) 10% ABV: Mmmm, truly one of the best beers ever created. Thank you Vinnie. A veritable love fest of cherries, both black Morello and bushels worth of sour; red and black currants, dark plums (think of the Umezuke and Umeboshi plums in Japanese cuisine-Mmm tangy, pickled, sour goodness!), balsamic vinegar, hints of vanilla and tobacco, and lots of oak and woody notes. It’s just downright delicious. From beginning to end, it doesn’t fail to please your nose and palate.
But there’s a sliiight catch…This beer is to sours what Muhammed Ali was to boxing. In other words, it floats like a butterfly and stings like a bee. While most sours tend to hover around 6 % ABV (think Rodenbach Grand Cru and New Belgium’s La Folie), Consecration chuckles in the face of a single digit.
If you have not had the distinct pleasure of having Consecration, especially on tap, put in on your life list, and then write me when you drink it. You may not call it sacred, but it will definitely leave an impression. On a grilled cheese. I can’t wait to hear your thoughts….
Happy Summer of Saisons and Sours everyone!
CHEERS!
Consecration more than holds its own with the classic Belgian farmhouse ales, and the alcohol content of 10% isn’t that noticeable. Needless to say, Consecration is a wonderfully complex and eclectic ale.
Cheers,
Bill Z
Hi Laurie,
I’ve been reading your post and was wondering what would you recommend for a girl who does not really like the taste of beer? I’m really interested in getting the acquired taste, but would like to start off with something that is not too strong. I’m more of a mix drink person, but am open to try new things.
Thanks,
Liz
Liz,
Thanks for your question! Do you like wine perhaps? If so, I would recommend starting with Rodenbach Grand Cru, as it has alot of winelike qualities. And it’s only 6% ABV. Also try fruit lambics and beers, with flavors of apricot, raspberry, orange, etc. On the lighter side, try a Saison, like Ommegang Hennepin. Let me know what you think! Cheers!