This Straight Sour Beer presents an indulgent twist on the style, blending a sharp, clean lactic acidity with the lush, dessert-inspired qualities of a pastry sour. Vibrant, tart cherry notes lead the profile, balanced by a smooth, aromatic layer of creamy vanilla that evokes a sundae-like sweetness. Despite the bold additions, the base provides a subtle cracker-like malt foundation and a refreshing, crisp finish. The interplay between the puckering sourness and the soft, rounding vanilla creates a multifaceted experience, where the effervescent carbonation elevates the fruit intensity while maintaining a remarkably approachable and lively character.
Appearance.Deep pink to light ruby (8–12 SRM), topped by a modest pinkish-white head with relatively quick dissipation. Clarity is hazy, reflecting its pastry sour inspiration and fruit addition.
Aroma.High intensity defined by a sharp, clean lactic sourness. The aroma is dominated by bright, tart cherries and a prominent, sweet floral vanilla note reminiscent of cake frosting. A subtle, crackery malt backbone provides support, while hop character is entirely absent. No Brettanomyces funk; the profile remains clean and focused on the fruit and spice.
Taste.Dominant clean lactic sourness immediately impacts the palate, closely followed by rich, juicy cherry flavors. The vanilla adds a perceived sweetness and creamy depth that softens the acidic bite. Faint biscuity malt notes emerge in the mid-palate. Bitterness is undetectable, and the finish is off-dry and lingering with a pleasant cherry-tartness. The balance is firmly on the sour side but tempered by the sundae-inspired additions.
Mouthfeel.Medium-light body with a slightly creamy texture from the vanilla. Carbonation is moderate to high, providing a prickly, refreshing effervescence that cleanses the palate from the acidity. No alcohol warmth is perceived at this strength.