Russian River - Temptation (2010)

Is it beer, or is it wine? "Aged in French oak wine barrels for twelve months with distinct characteristics of fruit and subtle oak" sounds more like a description of wine than beer. But, of course, Temptation is indeed beer. Actually, Temptation is a Blonde Ale Fermented with a special strain of yeast, then aged in French oak chardonnay barrels. Flavors of wine and oak absorb into the brew throughout twelve months of aging. During this aging process, a secondary fermentation occurs using a yeast strain disliked by most brewers and winemakers called Brettanomyces. The "Bret" gives Temptation intriguing characteristics and a pleasant sourness. Temptation is re-fermented in the bottle to create its carbonation--a process commonly used to make fine champagne and sparkling wine. Spent yeast forms a thin layer of sediment to remain in the bottle.

This is an update from a previous post.  Click here to view my review on a fresh bottle.

The ABV is 7.25 and the IBU rating is ??
Style -Sour Ale
Glass to use- Flute, Tulip, Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 375ml Bottle

Can be cellared for long periods, under the proper conditions.

The Pour - Pours a clear straw color with a small white head. Great retention and lacing.
Aroma - Sour, sweet and some tartness, followed by lite hints of oak.
Taste -  Most prevalent is the sourness followed by the wine, oak, some fruit and a touch of spice.
Mouth Feel - Medium body and carbonation.  A bit on the fizzy side.
Drinkable - I'm not a big sour beer fan, but this is a good brew.  It aged very well!

This beer pair well with cheese, I had a sharp cheddar during this session.

This beer gets a Duper rating of A-.
BeerAdvocate Rating =99
Ratebeer Rating =100