BEER REVIEW: 358

BREWER: Lovibonds, Oxfordshire, England

STYLE: Sour

ABV: 6%

VESSEL: 750ml brown bottle

X: n/a

INSTAGRAM: n/a

DATE OF POST: 16th August 2024

 

JYMI SAY’S…

So, there I was at 13:18 on a Saturday arvo chewing the cud with Jason, the ever present and ever knowledgeable beer legend from A Hoppy Place in Windsor town centre, a simply banging wee bottle shop that HAS to be visited whenever the opportunity knocks.

Jason delivered me the sad news that Lovibonds (the brewer of our brew today) were no more. But with this sad news also came a personal positive. They had this 750ml beauty up for sale and, well yeah, I bought it.

And before even popping the bottle (which I have to say took about 11 hours due to the thickness of the wax, insufficient tools and me being cack of hand) I fell in love with the overall aesthetic of this vessel. A 750 will always help with the look and give the sense of grandeur to the drinking occasion but when backed up by an unbeatable name and quite beautiful watercolour it really is an unstoppable look.

Sour grapes is aged in Pinot Noir barrels. Yes. This is why the 750, name and watercolour are so relevant here. Just absolutely NAILED IT.

Anyway, to the all important contents…

This is a mighty fine brew. It is. However, from earlier ramblings, I just assumed it would be better. So, was actually kinda disappointed, which is ridiculous, as as I said, this is a mighty fine brew.

An apple nose leads the way, not overly sure how as no apples were harmed in the process, but lead the way they did. Next up is the realisation that Sour Grapes has a great mouthfeel. You then get the really good flavour, again of apples. However, it doesn’t really do anything. It’s kinda one dimensional. Good, great even, but just not kicking off. Then in the deep aftertaste up the back of the nose, it’s like you’ve just drunk a cider… albeit, a very good one.

Good? definitely.

Great? maybe.

But out of this world? na.

Jymi’s Rating: 78%

 

SAMMY SAY’S…

Sour Grapes is a solid choice if you’re looking for a straightforward sour beer with a cider-like profile. The nose immediately brings to mind the crisp aroma of apples, leaning more towards the cider spectrum than a typical beer.

The flavour follows suit, with a hint of cider that carries through the sourness. It’s not overly complex, offering a one-dimensional taste that is easy to drink but doesn’t offer much in terms of depth or variety.

On the positive side, the packaging is well-executed and the beer is highly drinkable. It’s good, but not exceptional. A decent option if you’re in the mood for something simple and slightly sour.

Sammy’s Rating: 79%

 

MUSE ON BOOZE RATING: 78.5%

MOB review next weekend: OPERATION JULIE by TUDOR BREWERY

Sammy & Jymi – Musing on Booze weekly since 2017

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