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Sanctification

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A golden ale in which Brettanomyces gives some sour notes, though fewer than a beer aged with Lactobacillus and Pediococcus would show. Russian River's account calls the finished beer rather refreshing on a warm day. Its account heads it "100% Brettanomyces Fermented Golden" yet adds that primary fermentation was not 100% Brett. Untappd files it under Wild Ale at 4.75% ABV.

ABV
4.75%
Bitterness
Mild
SRM
golden5
PaceSession
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
sourfunkyyeasty
sour
funky
yeasty
fruity
tart
Aroma
The nose opens with subtle Brett-derived funkiness—earthy and slightly musty notes without overwhelming intensity—mingled with a delicate white wine-like character.
not found:hoppy,caramel,clean,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Sanctification

◎ Appearance

A pale golden hue with excellent clarity and a fine, persistent white head that leaves delicate lacing on the glass. The beer displays bright, active carbonation that sustains throughout the pour, creating a visually refreshing and inviting presentation.

pale goldcrystal clearfine carbonationpersistent head

◌ Aroma

The nose opens with subtle Brett-derived funkiness—earthy and slightly musty notes without overwhelming intensity—mingled with a delicate white wine-like character. Soft fruity esters emerge beneath, complemented by a faint honey-like sweetness from the Malz, creating a complex yet balanced aromatic profile that evolves as the beer warms.

funky, earthywhite wine notessubtle fruithoney malt

◐ Taste

The palate strikes an elegant balance between refreshing crispness and restrained sourness, with the Brett character delivering tangy, wine-like notes without sharp acidity. Light Malz sweetness provides a gentle counterpoint to the dry, slightly citric finish, while a barely perceptible yeasty character adds complexity without heaviness. The low bitterness remains completely recessive, allowing the fermentation character to dominate.

bright aciditydry, crispfunky fruitrestrained sweetness

◑ Finish

The finish is dry and lingering, with the Brett sourness gradually fading to reveal a faint floral and honey-tinged aftertaste. The overall impression is refreshing and moreish, inviting another sip on a warm afternoon.

dry, cleanlingering funk
82
hopIQ score
Aroma
80
Taste
84
Appearance
85
Finish
81
Serve at 6–9°C

Serve at 6–9°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Pint glass

The classic — versatile, comfortable to hold and keeps the beer cool. No frills, no distractions: just the beer.

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Food Pairing

What to eat with Sanctification

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About Wild Ale

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Wild Ale?

Wild Ale is a distinctive beer style with its own characteristic flavour, aroma and colour. Discover what makes it unique and find similar beers on hopIQ.

Finding a similar Wild Ale

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same refreshing, sour, funky character as Sanctification will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

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