Russian River - Consecration

"Dark Ale aged in Cabernet Sauvignon barrels from local wineries. It is aged for 4 to 8 months with black currants, brettanomyces, lactobacillus, and pediococcus added to each barrel. Rich flavors of chocolate truffle, spice, tobacco, currants, and a bit of Cabernet. Very full-bodied, sip slowly!"

                                          - Russian River Brewing Company

Brewery: Russian River Brewing Company

Beer: Consecration

Style: Sour 

ABV: 10.0 %

Most people see Russian River and automatically think of their famous double IPA Pliny the Elder, and with good reason; the beer is amazing. But if can look past Pliny, you can see an ever growing list of other beers that are just as great. For instance, their sour beer line is one of the best I have ever seen. Sanctification, Temptation and today's reviewed beer Consecration are all truly tasteful.

Next to IPA's, sours/lambics are probably my next favorite style of beer. The carbonated sourness that laces my palate after every drink is soothing, similar to that of the bitter after taste that IPA's used to give me when I started drinking them. Although a bit more expensive than most beers - you're paying for the aging/storing time - these beers can be delightful. I almost always try and end a drinking session with a sour.

Russian River encourage you to pour Consecration slowly and I did just that. Doing that made the beer have no head but the sparkling carbonation  with the full red bodied background gave it a very appealing look. The aroma is mixed with currants and sourness. The initial light sour bitterness is finished off with a fizzy, moderate sour bitterness with hints of chocolate and red wine. It was a great way to slowly end the night. 

Aroma: 6

Appearance: 4

Flavor: 8

Palate: 5
Style Rating: 9/10

Overall: 23/30

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