Valley Brew 2009 Bill Brand-bic

Tomorrow is Bill Brand’s Birthday.  I never got to meet Bill, as I was very new to to craft beer media scene when he passed away. I wish I had. Bill was not only a great beer writer, but a great writer on many topics.  We would like to raise a full pint and dedicate these tasting notes in memory of Bill , in honor of his birthday. Happy Birthday and Cheers, Danny.

Info on the Beer from Valley Brewing – Our Central Valley California “Lambic” Obviously we can’t make an actual Lambic, but this beer is inspired by the famous Belgian region of spontaneous fermentation. Fresh pomegranate juice was blended into our spontaneously fermented Luna Blanca and then other barrels of lab cultured barrel aged sours were blended to achieve this final product. Blended as a tribute to memorialize and celebrate the life of Bay Area beer writer and friend Bill Brand. This beer will be released during San Francisco Beer Week 2010 and then continue to make special appearances around the state.

Valley Brewing – Valley Brew 2009 Bill Brand-bic – 12 oz. hand bottle Bottle from Steve (yes, that Steve) in Stockton at the end of 2009. 6.5% abv.

Appearance: Pours a cloudy auburn with no head.

Aroma: Soury sweet funk, lots of cherry notes.

Taste: Tart cherries, funky yeast, lemon and lingering grain note in the background.

Mouthfeel: Chewy with modest carbonation.

Overall: One of the best sours I have had to date. I like a bold twangy sour, but I also need it to be drinkable and refreshing. This met my criteria.

Detailed obituary of Bill Brand