Russian River Brewing Company

Even in a lineup of Belgian-style ales that includes Rejection, Damnation, Redemption, and Salvation, Sanctification is a curiosity. Fermented entirely from Brettanomyces yeast, Sanctification (5.67% ABV, 1.057 OG, 38 BU, all according to the blackboard) has a fruity tartness faced off with a funky aroma that's often simply described as "bretty"; taste it once and you'll remember it. Very dry, and vive le difference, very drinkable, too.

In contrast, Consecration (10.00% ABV, 1.088 OG, 18 BU) will never be a session ale, though you might take it for a swirl in a snifter. This dark sour ale is aged for six months in used Cabernet barrels (Russian River was founded by a winery) to which currants are added, too. Earthy notes from the wine dominate the fruity flavors (you might also detect dark cherry); very lightly carbonated; delectable, even if it is sour, sour, sour.

Russian River Brewing Company
725 4th St. (between D and E Sts.), Santa Rosa, California
707-545-BEER
www.RussianRiverBrewing.com

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Russian River Brewing Company was created in 1997 when Korbel Champagne Cellars of Guerneville, California decided to try their hand at brewing beer.Brewer Vinnie Cilurzo was hired as brewmaster. Korbel quit the brewing business, and sold the brewery to Cilurzo and his wife Natalie in 2002. Vinnie's Blind Pig brewery changed names to Russian River, remodeled and expanded in 2004, eventually moving to Santa Rosa, at their current 4th Street location. Cilurzo is regarded as one of the most innovative microbrewers in the country and credited with inventing the beer style DIPA (Double India Pale Ale), known alternately as Imperial IPA, when he was the head brewer at Blind Pig Brewing Company in Temecula, California.

Remodeled and expanded in 2004, eventually moving to Santa Rosa, at their current 4th Street location. Cilurzo is regarded as one of the most innovative microbrewers in the country and credited with inventing the beer style DIPA (Double India Pale Ale), known alternately as Imperial IPA.