What’s up guys? I hope all is well with everyone. Well, it’s time for another craft beer review and today I’m going to be trying the Original Ritterguts Gose produced by Brauhaus Hartmannsdorf located in Borna, Germany.
I don’t believe I’ve ever had a beer from these guys before, so I’m really interested in seeing what kind of liquid they produce.
I checked on the website, braha.de, and found this nice, commercial description.
Ritterguts Gose is a top-fermenting, sour and slightly salty tasting special beer of Leipzig. The Gose is an own, very old beer type and does not correspond to the German purity requirement. It is brewed traditionally with coriander and salt – thereby and by the additional lactic acid fermentation her quite special characteristic gets the Gose. She has certain resemblances to the Berliner Weisse or to the Lichtenhainer beer as well as to the Belgian Geuze.
Alrighty. Let’s give it a try.
It came in a 16.9 oz. bottle and it had an ABV of 4.2%.
It poured a slightly hazy, light amber to orange color. A cap of fizzy, soapy, white foam was formed from a gentle discharge. The size was more than adequate, however it didn’t stick around all that long and the lacing left behind was minimal.
The bouquet resembled an “advanced” Pilsner. If that even makes any sense at all. It smelled of salty crackers and wafers. It kind of reminded me of salt water to be honest. I was able to pick out some grains, grasses, a bit of earthiness and a very subdued lemon citrus. It was balanced pretty well, but that’s all I could determine in the bouquet.
The flavor released a slightly sour and tart lemony aspect. Again, a definite salty influence. More of the bready and cracker malts too. It almost had a slight sour apple kind of savor. A touch sweet with just a smidgen of funkiness.
The mouthfeel was medium bodied. Dry, mostly smooth and a wee bit crisp. The carbonation was of medium strength and only a modest amount of flavor was left behind on the palate after each gulp.
Overall, this brew wasn’t bad. I doubt that this would be something that I would want on a regular basis, but if it were offered every once in a while I could probably handle it. I can’t say that I’ve ever had a beer like this before. I don’t have much experience at all with Gose’s, but that’s kind of the purpose of this craft beer review blog. Trying new and unique beers and seeing how they are. The drinkability was alright and it definitely provided enough character for some discussion. I’d say give the Original Ritterguts Gose a try if you see it. Who knows? It just may be the beer you’ve been looking for. I may pick it up again sometime myself.
Thanks for reading and commenting everyone. I really appreciate it.
Until next time. Cheers.
Score: 3.65 out of 5
Grade: B
Frances Hill
April 17, 2013 at 4:30 am
Sounds like a good thing for me to try on my holiday in Leipzig next month! Interesting read – thanks for sharing your opinions on the beer. I will definitely be looking out for it.
Beer Apprentice
April 17, 2013 at 7:54 am
Frances,
Thanks for reading and commenting. I really appreciate that. For me, this beer was quite unique. I can’t say that I’ve ever had anything like it before. Definitely a nice experience for me. Be sure to let me know of your opinion when you try it. Check back from time to time also. Don’t be a stranger.
Cheers.