Review – Jolly Pumpkin La Roja

From Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales: La Roja, an artisan amber ale brewed in the Flanders tradition. Deep amber with earthy caramel, spice and sour fruit notes developed through natural barrel aging. Unfiltered, unpasteurized and blended from barrels ranging in age between two and ten months. Truly an ale of distinction.

Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales La Roja – 750ml bottles poured into a New Belgium beer glass. 7.2% abv.

Appearance: Dark red with a large sudsy head.

Aroma: Sour grape skins and wine cork.

Taste: Tart wine, with tons of wood upfront.  Ends earthy and bitter. Not overly bitter or sour.

Mouthfeel: Sticky and bubbly on the tongue. The sourness is quite gentle.

Overall: This is a fun beer to drink.  You definitely taste the oak and the sourness, but it is hard to guess whats inbetween.  This is way more pleasant than Avery 15, for those dipping their toes in to the sour beer end of the pool.