The Bruery Rueuze
There are several breweries in the U.S. now that are specializing in sour ales, but the company that I have, so far, enjoyed a great deal throughout recent years as been The Bruery. From their sour stout, Tart of Darkness, to the spicy Sour in the Rye to the world class Oude Tart, the company knows how to make a tasty sour ale. Rueuze, The Bruery’s take on a classic gueuze, is no exception.
This 5.6% ABV sour ale is just as tart and as well crafted as any of the other products of similar vein in the company’s portfolio. Rueuze is also probably the smoothest drinking beer of this style that I’ve ever had — probably due to its softer carbonation levels. At any rate, if your a fan of gueuzes, or sours in general for that matter, this is one of the better American-crafted examples I’ve had in a while.
Appearance
The beer pours golden amber in color with a dense cap of off-white foam. There’s a slight haze to the beer’s appearance, as well.
Aroma
A sour tartness leads the way with a strong presence that causes the mouth to water almost instantly. A solid funkiness is there along with hints of oak, grain, lemon zest and earth. More fruit notes escape as the beer warms in the glass.
Taste
Rueuze brings a tartness to the palate, but it’s not as intense or as acidic as other examples of the style. This and the softer levels of carbonation activity make for a smooth drinking beer — relatively speaking. It still packs a decent sour punch that leads the way for barnyard funk, hay, oak, lemon zest and a late forming bready malt note. The brew finishes quite dry with a lasting tingle on the tongue.
Overall
The Bruery don’t have the most tart take on a gueuze here, but what they do have is a fine drinking, well blended sour ale. Rueuze leans more heavily on the funk moreso that traditional examples of the style which gives it an unique character. I do love the drinkability of the beer when compared to their other tart products — it makes for a refreshing experience. I didn’t find the price of this bottle as outrageous as some of their other products (Oude Tart), so this is certainly one that I would most happily consider buying again, providing I can find more.
Rating: 4/5
