One of the best ways to acquire a new-to-you brew is to implore vacationing friends to pick you up ‘souvenirs’ in the form of interesting beer. Always preface this request with the advice ‘when in doubt ask the beer geek behind the counter/bar/tap’.
This sort of wisdom recently yielded delightful treats for both myself and my gluten-shy hubby. His in the form of Glutenberg IPA (more to come on this) and me in the form of Hors Serie from Les Trois Mousquetaires a very sessionable Gose.
Hors Serie is a 3.8% Gose described en bottle as a unusual style brewed with the sour mash technique, slightly salted water and coriander. So how does this come together? Well this is a different beer to be sure. Pours a cloudy and very sedimenty gold color with just a bit of lingering white head. The nose is kind of off-putting a bit salty and a bit herbal. First few sips are salty (as advertised) with notes of lemon and apple. As you drink the beer becomes a bit more tart though I would still not really call this beer sour. The coriander and salt makes it seem like a savoury beer. The low ABV really lets the interesting flavours do the work. The body is almost creamy, it feels like there is a lot to this beer. The finish is quite lemony. Overall, I think I like this beer but I am not sure it would be the beer for everyone.
