Roxanne by Southbound Brewing Co.

Roxanne by Southbound Brewing Co. is an American sour ale brewed with “tart” (presumably sour) cherries and aged in oak barrels. It was judged as a Specialty Fruit Beer (BJCP sub-style 29C). It poured dark reddish-brown into the glass where it set up slightly hazy with a moderate but short-lived tan head. Its aroma consisted primarily of dark cherries with secondary complementary notes of wood and non-funky tartness.The flavor also showcased sour cherries and vanilla, presumably from conditioning in oak barrels, from first sip through dry oaky after-taste. The contributions of hops and specialty yeast were neither apparent nor necessary. The finished product featured some alcohol warmth and considerable complexity from such humble beginnings. Given how few flavor elements contributed to the beer, they were assertive, well-balanced and harmoniously blended via barrel aging.The resulting drinkability was high but better described as sippability to encourage full appreciation.