Crooked Stave Surette Autumn

I've been storing this beer for a bit more than a year now. Still has an active bead, but it doesn't produce a tall foamy head like one might expect from a fresher bottle. Medium-strong sourness. Blood orange influence is minimal. Easy-to-drink 5.5% abv.. Presents as a complete beer. Very impressive.

A brett-fermented ale seasoned with navel citruses, fermented and aged in oak foudres. Batch #5 and 5,5% alc. Cider, somewhat amber appearance and a low, short-lived white head. Aromas of cut grass, Orval-esque funk, light citrus aromatics, some horse's butt, a little earthiness and hints of popcorn that have stayed overnight in a bowl. Dry and rustic on the palate with medium body, nonexistent hop bitterness and a slight hint of tartness - not to the extent of sour ales, …

Very good. The blood orange works nicely in this beer, in that it adds only shadings of influence --- it's really not an obvious addition if you don't already know it's there. Nose is earthy/tart -- somewhat Saison-like. Medium tartness on the palate, with a pleasant and strong brett note pushing forward on the long finish. 5.5% alc. not noticeable. Here's yet another beer that puts Crooked Stave right into the middle of the Best Brewery in America discussion. Excellent …