Russian River Brewing Co - Consecration (Ale w/ Currants)

[VR6ofpain]

Just finished off a bottle of this (I was forced to drink all 750ml myself, as my wife does not drink beer and I didn't have any buddies over) last night. It was a present from my brother-in-law that I had not found a reason to consume since Christmas.

Talk about a great ale. This "Consecration" is a dark Belgian style ale aged in American oak Cabernet Sauvignon barrels. They add currants to beer while it is aging in the barrels, which really gives this ale a unique flavor. It has a nice crisp edge to it, with a decent kick of berry flavor, without being sweet.

If you like ale, do yourself a favor and pick some up. You will not be disappointed.

http://www.russianriverbrewing.com/web/barrel.html
http://beeradvocate.com/beer/profile/863/45653

 

[Edcculus]

I have a bottle of this sitting in the fridge awaiting a special occasion. My fiancee and other friends aren't too big into sours, so I may end up going it alone too. The local brewer I got it from said its one of his favorite beers ever.

 

[VR6ofpain]

I have a bottle of this sitting in the fridge awaiting a special occasion. My fiancee and other friends aren't too big into sours, so I may end up going it alone too. The local brewer I got it from said its one of his favorite beers ever.

Yes I was also waiting for a special occasion, but I just said F it last night looking at it sitting in the fridge and broke it out with dinner. I consumed the bottle over the course of the evening. It was amazingly good, so I can understand why the local brewer said it was his favorite. My brother-in-law said he purchased it due to the recommendation of the shop proprieter, and the fact that he knew I liked Russian River Brewing Co products (I am lucky enough to live 2 hours away from the brewery, so I visit it from time to time).

I would highly recommend this stuff to anything. I enjoy wine like the next guy, but I am a much bigger beer/ale guy. No wine ever made me as impressed as I was drinking this last night. It was killer.

 

[Edcculus]

Yea, I broke down with my bottle of Stone Vertical Epic 09.09.09. It was spectacular. Should have bought a case. We don't get Russian River here, so I'm excited about this. I agree on the beer vs wine thing too. I'm the one that will show up with a nice bottle or growler of beer instead of wine to a function. What I like is that you can get bottles of the best beer in the world for under $20. The same cannot be said about wine.

 

[VR6ofpain]

I'm the one that will show up with a nice bottle or growler of beer instead of wine to a function. What I like is that you can get bottles of the best beer in the world for under $20.

I wish I had friends like you. The closest I get is good friends bringing an exceptional 6/12-pack to share at a less formal event. When it is more formal, it appears no one is willing to do the beer/ale thing. Most people just come prepared with wine. After a few uncomfortable situations, I found myself doing the same. I have thought about bringing a bottle of ale for myself and wine for "the group". That way everyone wins.

 

[Edcculus]

My friends and family have pretty much accepted me as the "beer ambasador". If they don't like me showing up with a nice 750mL bottle of beer, then tough. More for me!

I'm always showing up places with a ton of beer. Just ask Pat!

 

[FLTiger]

I enjoy wine like the next guy, but I am a much bigger beer/ale guy. No wine ever made me as impressed as I was drinking this last night. It was killer.

I just can't sustain sufficient interest in wine to pursue wine drinking as a hobby. I'm basically Wine Cro-Magnon Man--"wine good."

Beer is another matter entirely. I loves me some good beer, and I have strong opinions on what does and doesn't appeal to me.

I'm the one that will show up with a nice bottle or growler of beer instead of wine to a function.

That sounds like me.

 

[mkevenson]

I live in Santa Rosa, 5 min away from RRBC. I will stop in and try. Thanks.

 

[VR6ofpain]

I live in Santa Rosa, 5 min away from RRBC. I will stop in and try. Thanks.

What, you have not gone there? I hope you just mean you have not had Consecration.

If you have not been there, you must go and drink a sampler. You may want to skip the food...or at least don't look forward to the food. It is disappointing in comparison to their beer. Excellent beer and ales. Try the Perdition, it is excellent.

 

[mkevenson]

What, you have not gone there? I hope you just mean you have not had Consecration.

If you have not been there, you must go and drink a sampler. You may want to skip the food...or at least don't look forward to the food. It is disappointing in comparison to their beer. Excellent beer and ales. Try the Perdition, it is excellent.

I started going to the RRBC when it was actually on the Russian River. Yes, I have been several times to the current location on 4th st in DT SR. I had not tried the Consecration .

Interesting names on the Belgians:



Damnation
Stong Golden Ale 7.0% ABV

Salvation
Strong Dark Ale, 9.0%ABV

Perdition
Biere de Sonoma, 6.3% ABV

Redemption
Blonde Ale, 5.0% ABV

Sanctification
100% Brettanomyces, 6.25%ABV

Deification
Pale Ale with Brett, 6.35%ABV

Benediction
Abbey Ale, 6.75%ABV

Erudition
Saison with Brett, 6.5%ABV

Rejection
Belgian Inspired Black Beer
for Valentine's Day, 6.1%ABV

Little White Lie
Wit Beer Available in Summer, 4.

I did stop by after work last night. Started with a pint of the Consecration. Too bad it's $6.25 when most of the other Belgians are $3.25 Happy hour. I really didn't like the intense sournes, The hint of current was interesting.
I sampled 2 other Belgians and had a pint of Salvation or Rejection, it was very nice , dark, but not sour or bitter. You are right the food is nothing to sqweek about. I have eaten there in the past and passed.

Next time you're in town let me know and we can taste some brews, have you tried 3rd st Ale Works, or the brewery in Healdsbug or Petaluma?

Mark

 

[Edcculus]

Finally broke down and opened the bottle. Sorry for the nerdy writeup. I'm scheduled to take the BJCP exam in a few weeks, and I need all the judging practice I can get.

Aroma: big lactic acid nose. low to medium malt. Low to no acetic character. Tart stone fruit character. Faint hints of oxidation

Appearance: Deep ruby. Brillantly clear. No head.

Flavor: intensely tart/sour. Slight wine and oak aged character coming through in finish

Mouthfeel: very low carbonation. Medium bodied with a lingering sourness

Overall Impression: This is a deeply complex beer. The barrel aging and fruits bring extra character to this Flanders Red inspired beer. Could use more carbonation to lift up the flavors and dry out the finish. A very pleasant beer to drink, especially for a 10% beer.

 

[SpeedyB]

I love the RRBC in Santa Rosa!

 

[mkevenson]

I love the RRBC in Santa Rosa!

OK, enough of this flogging, the noble members of B&B, should meet at RRBC for some fun and frivolity. What say ye , Mates?