Speciation Artisan Ales Incipient (Vanilla)

Name: Speciation Artisan Ales Incipient (Vanilla)
Brand: Beer
SKU: 627e17a0bf25ac6f512480be
Availability: OutOfStock
Rating: 4.02 (332 reviews)

Sour Ale 5.5 º

Speciation Artisan Ales

This Straight Sour Beer presents a sophisticated interplay between sharp acidity and soft, rounded complexity. As a foeder-aged solera wheat ale, the base displays a deep, layered character derived from years of perpetual blending, offering notes of sun-dried wheat and a whisper of oak. The addition of vanilla softens the assertive, lemony lactic bite, introducing a creamy, marshmallow-like aromatic sweetness that rounds out the sharp edges. While the sourness remains dominant and refreshing, the vanilla creates a bridge to the pale malt, resulting in a uniquely balanced, elegant, and effervescent expression of a Michigan-made wild ale.

Appearance. Pale gold (3-4 SRM) with a slight, hazy luminescence typical of wheat. It pours with a large, dense white head that recedes quickly, leaving minimal lacing, though lively effervescence is visible.

Aroma. High intensity aromatic profile leading with a sharp, clean lactic sourness and bright notes of tart lemon and green apple. The vanilla addition contributes a moderate, sweet pod-like character that mingles with a background of crackery wheat and faint, woody oak from the foeder. No hop aroma is present.

Taste. Immediate, bracing lactic sourness that is lemony and crisp but never vinegary. The mid-palate reveals a soft, bready wheat malt depth, enhanced by the solera blending's complexity. Vanilla provides a complementary smoothing effect, adding a perceived sweetness without heavy residual sugar. The finish is bone-dry and clean, with a lingering tartness and a hint of vanilla bean. Bitterness is undetectable.

Mouthfeel. Medium-light body with a subtle creaminess from the vanilla and wheat. Carbonation is high and prickly, accentuating the acidity. No alcohol warmth is perceived at 5.5% ABV. Astringency is absent.

Sensory Profile.