Crooked Stave Artisan Beer Project Flor D'Lees
What the brewers say
“This is our Colorado indigenous sour. Golden sour aged in oak barrels.”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “Solid Brett aroma initially—woody, slight buttery notes. Tart, barnyard aroma notes up front. As it warms, there’s a slight fruitiness, similar to peach, or perhaps grapefruit. Touch of pineapple, light lemon, banana, and wheat.”
Flavor: “Initial high tartness with a slight tea, herbal note that transitions into a smooth, creamy aftertaste. Hops bitterness is very low and doesn’t clash with sourness. Moderate citrus notes, similar to lime. As it warms the citrus becomes more grapefruit and lingers a bit in the aftertaste. Finishes dry with very little residual sweetness on the back of the tongue. Funk is more subtle in the flavor compared to the aroma. Aftertaste is medium lasting and is more herbal than anything.”
Overall: “A very creative slightly herbal approach to sourness. Very enjoyable and drinkable—the secondary flavors of leather and earth are very subtle in this beer. Refreshing, crisp, and clean. Good with almost any food on a hot day. A solid sour that pleases the palate without overwhelming it.”
