Crooked Stave, St. Bretta Autumn

I feel like American Wild Ales (AWAs apparently) are a bit of a can of worms - there are alot more of them (it seems) than there are of the Belgian equivalents and given that the majority of the rating sites are populated by Americans, the hype levels for Casey's, Side Project's and Hill Farmstead's beers are pretty feverish, sometimes bordering on the hysterical. (That DDB guy is probably to blame too.)

Crooked Stave are in the anti-kettle souring camp and by staying close to the lambic brewing ethos, their bottles are valued at more than controlled sour brews (i.e. £10 for a 355ml bottle).

How do they hold up to their Belgian inspirations? I hope I have the pleasure to find out with more AWAs. I'd imagine most US sour/wild brewers would be the first to admit that their offerings mightn't quite reach the same depths as some of the older Belgian breweries, but who's to say how that might change in a generation or two? The consolidation/maturation of US house yeasts perhaps remains a work in progress.

This AWA from Crooked Stave was, I think, my first experience with native American yeasts. A good beer. Blossomed when it reached room temperature, funky cheese/citrus nose. Sharp tang to mild sour citrus taste, minimal barnyard/funk. Dry finish. No overt presence of hops or oak in this for me unfortunately, but I enjoyed it and I certainly wouldn't hesitate to try it again. (Although I'd have to be pretty flush to warrant spending the above mentioned price when I could get 750ml of a Cantillon gueuze for the same or less.)