Sierra Nevada / Russian River BRUX Domesticated Wild Ale

Product description: What began as mutual admiration between Sierra Nevada’s Grossman Family and Russian River’s Cilurzos has grown and progressed into genuine friendship. Brux began as an idea and has grown into something altogether different:  The liquid manifestation of change over time.

Refermented in the bottle with Brettanomyces bruxellensis, Brux will change and develop over time. Copper-colored, dry and complex, with slightly tart notes of green grass, pear, spice and lemon – this ale will progress in the bottle for many years.

Sierra Nevada Brewing in Collaboration with Russian River Brewing – BRUX Domesticated Wild Ale – 750 ml. bottle poured into a goblet. 8.3% abv.

Appearance:  Pours a hazy amber orange with micro film atop.

Aroma:  Flowers, grandma perfume, funk, baby powder.

Taste:  Dry cracker like malt, mild brett fruitiness,a little metallic, funky, citrusy.. Finishes bretty and bitter with a slight tart twang.

Mouthfeel: High prickly carbonation. Medium bodied.

Overall:  If this becomes a full time or even seasonal beer, it will go down as a classic. The product description is spot on, dry and complex.  I’ve been reading discussions elsewhere on this beer, with some disappointment over lack of tartness.  Correct me if I’m wrong but I believe the term Wild Ale and Russian River take folks mind to the land of sours.  It’s not sour, it’s not a funk bomb, but all terminology and marketing aside, its a delicious beer.