effervescent refractions

Bright gold to the light and veiled in a hazy orange glow, dense cobwebs form above. The aroma is bursting with fruit and sourness, a complex sweetness, a Belgian blonde and lambic hybrid. Banana, passion fruit and peach esters appear at the forefront gently veiling a baked brown sugar and vanilla aspect that in conjunction with juicy cherries reminds of clafoutis. A squeeze of lime, ample green apples, sour apricots and marshmallow add to the complex and energetic nose. The sourness of cooked apricots becomes prominent on the tongue, alongside cherry, banana and peach. The light lambic-like sourness features hints of lemon zest and noble hops but doesn’t burden the taste buds. The result is a very refreshing brew, complex and light in alcohol that would drink wonderfully on a summer day. The tart aftertaste dissipates rapidly leaving an enjoyable apricot flavor to work on before your next sip. Though it doesn’t match the intensity and complexity of my favorite gueuzes, the Sanctification seems far more appropriate to crack on a sweaty day - I just wish Russian River would bottle them small so I could cellar a few for such occasions.