Review: Bear Republic Challenge Series 11 and Sonoma Tart
A pair new releases from California’s Bear Republic, including the latest installment in its limited edition Challenge Series.
Bear Republic Challenge Series 11 Double Brut Citra & Galaxy – This is an odd experiment that looks like a hazy, smells like a cross between a hazy and a standard west coast IPA, and finishes like a very dry brut. Somehow this combination works, its initial rush of fruit just a brief amuse bouche before that bracing, drying, slightly bready finish. It’s a refreshing beer with plenty of layers to it, though its cracker-crisp finish is what you’ll remember the most. 8% abv. A- / $5 per 16 oz can
Bear Republic Sonoma Tart – This is a soured golden ale, brewed with guava and passion fruit. If you’re not a fruity beer lover, don’t let the fruit put you off: This beer has plenty of traditional malt on it, particularly on the bready nose. The palate offers an immediate juiciness, though the moderate sourness largely masks the tropical character. Instead, notes of fresh berries, some citrus, and a light floral note mingle with the sour palate — though there’s more of a blunt, balsamic edge to the finish than I’d like. 5.2% abv. B+ / $10 per six-pack
Bear Republic Sonoma Tart
$10
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