Not to give anything away too early, but here we are with my personal favorite “ation” beer from Russian River. It’s called Temptation and it’s a beauty, folks. From the minute you pour this beer until the last sip you take, it’s one of the better experiences Russian River has to offer its customers. It starts with a blonde ale as its base and then gets the funk added all up in it before resting in oak Chardonnay barrels for about a year. This process is very similar to the Supplication and Consecration (which we’ll look at on Friday), but what makes this one different from the other two is that there is no fruit added to the beer. It’s simply beer, funk, and barrel, but what comes out in the end is easily the best of the three. Its beautiful golden color is immediately noticeable as you pour it into your glass. The signature Russian River phenolic nose that just seems to seep up out of the glass is next in the experience. Then there’s the taste…YIKES! This is my type of beer. Of all the funky, yeasty, bretty beers I’ve had, this one tops the list. In fact, you guys out on the west coast reading this, please let me know if you are able to get me some of these in the 375ml bottles. I have a Paypal account and would be glad to send some money your way. Best beer of this week for sure! Up next: Russian River Consecration
Check out all sessions of The Hopry here.
This beer can be found in these states.
On the iPod: Clap Your Hands Say Yeah “In This Home On Ice”
Brewery: Russian River
Beer: Temptation
Style: American Wild Ale
Location: Santa Rosa, California
ABV: 7.25%
Rating: 97/100
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Posted by Big Mike on June 23, 2010 at 12:11 PM
That’s bro. This beer just moved to the top of my wants list. If anybody can get me a bottle or 3 of this please hit me up.
Posted by Big Mike on June 23, 2010 at 12:12 PM
That should read, thanks bro.
Posted by Jon on June 23, 2010 at 12:36 PM
This beer is definitely my favorite sour from RR, but their entire lineup of Belgian and barrel aged beers is outstanding. I’ll keep my eye out for some 375ml bottles, but all I’ve seen to date has been the 750ml. I am seeing the recent 375ml Consecration bottling now on the shelf.
Posted by Big Mike on June 23, 2010 at 1:05 PM
I just picked up 3, 375′s of consecration yesterday.
Posted by theReaper16 on June 23, 2010 at 3:59 PM
*drools* I need to crack the bottle of this that I’ve been sitting on.
Posted by Bobby Digital on June 23, 2010 at 10:35 PM
This is one beer I really need to get my hands on. I loved Supplication and Consecration.
Posted by Kevin LaMar on June 26, 2010 at 11:34 PM
Have you tried Salvation? It’s my favorite belgian style Russian River beer that is not sour. Also have you had Beatification and/or Sanctification?
Sanctification is my favorite sour, but I must admit it has varies A LOT from batch to batch. I think I liked batch 2 best.
Posted by Gabriel M on October 19, 2010 at 9:12 PM
Damn, now I’m really eager to get some bottles. Tell me – are the Temptations best enjoyed fresh, or can/should they be aged? If so, what’s the best amount of time to sit on them? I’m also trying to get some Supplication, which seems like it’s one for the cellar with the 10%ABV.
Posted by Big Mike on August 26, 2011 at 6:47 PM
Lmao @ “Boy am i gonna enjoy working my way through this mug”
Popped open another bottle of this while watching some of The Hopry archives. This truely is a beautiful beer.
Cheers!
Big Mike
Posted by thehopry on August 28, 2011 at 12:53 PM
Hahaha…still my favorite “ation” beer.