Fermata by Olde Mother Brewing Co. is being evaluated as a Mixed-Fermentation Sour Beer (2015 BJCP Category 28B). Typical for many sours, this beer poured with a small, fleeting white head above a somewhat clear, golden liquid.

The complex aroma features dried apricots, leather, hints of cherry-like acidity alongside grainy malt. No hops are to be found. As it warms, additional honey-like sweetness emerges as well as lactic acid, but both are well blended and in step with one another.

The refreshingly tart flavor from a moderate lactic acid twang showcases dried stone fruits juxtaposed with sweet honey as well as grainy malt to provide a perfectly balanced mixed-fermentation beer. The semi-dry finish and acidity help to cleanse the palate for the next sip, but tart cherries linger in the aftertaste with hints of funky barnyard.

Fermata is a lovely sessionable sour beer that deftly blends sour beer characteristics with cleaner fermentation products. Unlike many modern sours, this one won’t strip the enamel off your teeth either with its restrained acidity.