Perennial Artisan Ales La Bohéme
What the brewers say
“Wild ale aged two years in wine barrels with Michigan tart cherries.”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “Clean acetic sourness with a hint of raspberry and vanilla-oak-tobac- co-acetic-low-floral loveliness. Medium sour notes with a touch of citrus fruit and dark cherry. As it warms, there is a slight malt sweetness similar to light molasses. Some goaty Brett complexity.”
Flavor: “Moderate acidity with a very well-balanced malt bill. Raspberry complements the acidity with a slight tannic bite. Tiny amount of cherry sweetness right before the carbonic/sour bite. As it warms, there is a slight herbal note. Nice soft lactic flavor with a tiny hint of sweetness that ties the entire beer together with a nice bow. Dry cherries with a wood-type character leave a dry, fruity, lasting linger.”
Overall: “Really, really delicious—a very well-rounded beer. It has enough other things going on with the fruit and malt bill that the acidity isn’t overpowering. The fruit adds depth without overpower- ing the beer. A bold sour with a refreshingly slight puckering note and great balance of wood notes to support the sour. A sour for sipping and savoring.”
