Brewed exclusively for B. United International by Professor Fritz Briem in his experimental brewery in Munich, 1809 is a treat to both gaze at and smell. A very fluffy white head momentarily rests above this dark straw-colored brew, as sediment floats in the hazy liquid. In the nose, acidity is the key ingredient, which alongside a pear cider quality and moderate amount of Brettanomyces tang, plays a suitable introduction for the flavor to follow. Sourness defines 1809, but the flavor’s tempered nicely by a noticeable grain base. Still, this beer’s a palate cleanser: It pricks the front of the tongue before an unrelenting secondary sour wave bookends the experience in the back; all the while, the high carbonation works over the top of the tongue, and into the crisp, dry finish.
