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Malefactor

Indiana
United States
Upland Malefactor Sour
Judges Ratings 
1 Review
96
Aroma:
24 / 24
Flavor:
39 / 40
Appearance:
5 / 6
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20
Description 

Developed as a stronger version of a Flanders-style Red Ale, Malefactor is our only sour aged in bourbon barrels that have been previously used to age beer at least once. This creates petite notes of bourbon character, and darker, charred wood character. Malefactor also undergoes a turbid mash, with a portion of flaked maize being boiled with the rest of the malt bill, including Vienna and caramel malts. A different cocktail of microorganisms are involved in fermentation, which creates sour notes, and hints of cherry pie. Malefactor is aged for up to 8 months or more before packaging.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
10.5%
Judges Review 
Joseph Formanek's picture
Judges Rating:
96
Aroma:
24 / 24
Appearance:
5 / 6
Flavor:
39 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
19 / 20

Upland Malefactor is a monster of an American Sour! This brew, promoted as an “Epic Flanders Style Red Ale," delivers quite the impact to the senses in all aspects, delivering a memorable and epic experience indeed.

The aroma of this brew is very complex with intense cherry, lactic and acetic notes. There is a wine-like character that could be coming from the barrel-aging or perhaps from the microbiological complexity. The mouth salivates immediately upon the first whiff after popping the cork. Visually, this moderately carbonated quite turbid reddish-brown-colored brew has a solid, rocky cream-colored head. In overall appearance, except for the turbidity, it hits the mark quite well for a Flanders Red. The flavor comes through as a Flanders Red as well, but with an intensely complex wild character that complements the base beer character very well. The flavor has a very impressive sour flavor complexity of cherry and vinous aromatics married with a moderate level of tartness. The middle and finish retains this complexity, along with a browner woody note that adds even more to the mix. The finish is quite dry and spicy, with the moderate sourness cleansing the palate quite well to prepare you for the next sip. The complexity is intense, but this is a fantastic representation of the Mixed Fermentation Sour Beer style. While this could certainly be cellared, it is ready to experience and share with friends immediately.

Brewery Introduction

Located in Bloomington, Indiana, Upland Brewing Co. began its intriguing story in 1998 with a mission to brew remarkable beers in remarkable ways, staying true to the artisan, progressive spirit found in our part of the Midwest. Our sour program began in 2006 as a way to entertain our curious... Read More

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