Right out of primary fermentation this beer is decidedly an American Pale Ale, but as it enters secondary, a bridge to Belgium is built with a dose of Brettanomyces Bruxellensis. A five week maturation results in a slightly dry, fruity beer with a hint of floral brett character that will evolve over time.
I've been hearing a lot of buzz about the Commons Brewery since their first bottle releases late last year. For whatever reason, though, I haven't been able to make it out to their tasting room yet, and Flemish Kiss is the first bottle of theirs that I've seen for sale anywhere in a bottle shop. The above description and promise of delicious brett made me pretty excited to crack this one open.
Spoiler alert: It's good... it's really,
really good. I'm definitely picking up some more of this stuff!
Pours a nice, bright amber color with chunky, foamy head. Smells sweet and sour, a little fruity. Taste is lightly tart -- one of the lightest uses of brett I've tasted in a beer, actually, but it's still definitely lively and funky. The base tastes slightly bitter and hoppy, a tad fruity, and is very smooth and mellow. Really easy-drinking and tasty!
Needless to say, I really enjoyed this beer, as did my girlfriend (with whom I split the bottle). Highly recommended. I have a feeling that a trip to the tasting room is in my near future!