It's a case of something old, something New as Mountain Goat close out 2021 with a pair of very different tinnies. In the old camp comes a beer that draws influences from the brewing traditions of Belgium and characteristics from oak originating in France. Cherry Sour Ale is their last Rare Breed release and sees the brewers age a beer with dark cherries from the Wandin Valley in ex-pinot barrels from the Adelaide Hills before topping up with more sour and dark cherries before packaging.
Pouring more lightly hazy blood orange than vibrant cherry red, sour cherries meet softening velvety oak meets pleasingly sweet malts with just a touch of acid. It would make a fine introduction for a newcomer to such beers, serving up plenty of the flavours and aromas of its Belgian inspirations but without anything scary.
The jazzily-dressed NEIPA does just what you want of such a beer. A cloudy orange pour, it opens with one of the telltale signs of Strata hops – like sticking your beak into a freshly opened bag of hydro – before a wave of lemony citrus with a creamy sweetness joins in the fun. There's little in the way of bitterness, with a little cleansing tang acting as the finisher here. They've proven highly adept at brewing West Coast style IPAs in recent years, and this detour to the east is no slouch either.
James Smith
Published December 13, 2021 2021-12-13 00:00:00
