Russian River Supplication

Name:  Russian River Brewing Company - Supplication

Style:  American Wild Ale
ABV:  7.00%
BeerAdvocate Link:  http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/863/22227

My Rating (1–5):  4.5

Tasting Comments:  Copper-tinted dark amber color, with only the thinnest off-white head that went to nearly nothing right after the pour. Acetic, sour aroma that also includes red wine and wood notes. The taste is dry and mildly tart from a reserved dose of sour cherries. Bready malt is more apparent than in a lot of wild ales, and wine notes form a subtle backdrop to the flavor. The finish leaves the mouth just dry enough to hurry the next sip.

Notes:  It's not terribly sour, funky, or sweet, but it's a little of all of those. The sour cherries are noticeable but subtle. The wine flavors from the pinot noir barrels are present but subdued. All in all, this beer is excellently balanced, showcasing a lot of subtle and complex flavors in harmony. No element is screaming for attention; nothing is overpowering the flavor profile. It's not trying to be extreme, and ends up being extremely balanced as a result. It's amazingly drinkable, and incredibly well-crafted.

Thanks to Eric for this last beer of the year, just like the first one. I'm glad I could end things on a high note with a fantastic final brew.