Part of the new wave of Lips of Faith releases, this one in the silk-screened, Lips of Faith series as a 22 oz bottle rather than the corked and caged affairs of years past. I bet the purists are saying, “it’s just not the same”. Having not tasted this until now, I can’t possibly comment on that so this review is just based on what’s in the glass now. A good thing I feel.
For me, the temperature of this style is absolutely fundamental and crucial. Warming, as it does naturally in the glass, produces rounded notes that help the initially shocking start to the beer, even out.
Beer initially produces a lot of fizz, but the carbonation ultimately produces zero head and lace. Pretty much as expected for the style, the beer settles to have the carbonation qualities (at least in terms of appearance) of a flat, “fizzy” drink. The mouthfeel carbonation is a little more lively but not much. Color is a brownish, gravy-like hue. Not attractive at all, but pretty much as expected for the style.
Nose gives that typical, mild sinus clearing vinegar element that passes through the senses quite quickly. Obviously some cider notes as well. A touch of caramel.
Tastes are pretty much spot on for the style. Light vinegar in that builds and reaches a crescendo in the finish. Aftertaste lingers for a moment. Although it sounds a bit damning, there isn’t much else to report. Actually that is meant as a compliment. As it warms it mellows (as predicted) and becomes increasingly drinkable.
To me, as good as many (but not all) Belgian originals, this really is an excellent example of the style. Requisite vinegar but well within parameters.