Cantillon Vigneronne
This offering from Cantillon was actually on-tap at the Carlsbad Pizza Port Belgian Beer Fest, one of sixteen Belgians on-tap. I had seen a bottle of Vigneronne the day before and found it had muscat grapes in it. I was so eager to try a Cantillon on-tap that I gave up two tickets for a double serving, about 8oz. The appearance was a slightly hazy golden color with a modest white head that didn't stick around long or leave any lace. The nose had a vinegary, slightly funky, kinda sweet wine-like aroma. The funky smell was kind of like a visit to a farm - a hint of animal hide, damp straw, and that general barnyard aroma. Strange and strangely appealing. The first taste resulted in the near-total implosion of my cheeks, such was the unexpected sourness. The initial flavor had me thinking of the little unripened green grapes I'd find as a kid and try to eat on a dare. Shockingly sour, it took a bit of getting used to. Once my mouth adapted to the eye-tearing sour bite, I noticed there was a sweetness, a touch of honey and grapes, mixed with a mild dusty yeast flavor. The fine, darting carbonation and the sweet&sour tartness made this feel light and creamy yet very, very dry when each taste went down. Yee-oww, that stung! I enjoyed it in an almost masochistic way, as each taste made my eyes water and face contort. If you like big-time sour with your beer, Cantillon really knows how to brew it up.