The tenth bottling in our Love Child series of blended sour ales is composed primarily of a blend of Belgian-style golden ales aged in wine casks, golden ales with cherries and apricots, a golden ale fermented in a foeder and Flanders-style red ales and oud bruins. The very first release of a Love Child blend was 100% soured Bourbon Barrel Quad, but each subsequent batch has been based on golden and red ales. For that reason, the strength has been steadily declining from the 12.5 ABV of Love Child No. 1 to more recent releases in the 7.5-9.5% range.

Following primary fermentation in stainless steel tanks with our house Belgian yeast strain, the component batches of beer were aged in a variety of previously used barrels with lactobacillus and brettanomyces. Following aging, samples were pulled from like lots and blended during a tasting session attended by brewers and members of our quality assurance team. With each release of a Love Child blend, it’s not our intention to reproduce the character of the previous year’s blend, but rather to offer a blend of the very best sour beers we have on hand.

The blend for Love Child No. 10 breaks down as follows:
Belgian-style golden ale aged in previously used wine barrels – 35%
Belgian-style golden ale aged in previously used wine barrels with cherries – 14%
Belgian-style golden ale aged in previously used wine barrels with apricots – 8%
Belgian-style golden ale aged in our original oak foeder – 12%
Flanders-style red ale aged in previously used wine barrels – 6%
Oud bruin aged in Sangiovese puncheons – 12%
Dark sour ale aged in Sangiovese puncheons – 13%

Flavor Profile
Aroma – Sweet/tart cherries, citrus acidity, subtle oak
Malt – Minimal caramel and toffee, notes of plum/fig
Hops – N/A
Balance – Acidity/oak
Body – Light to medium

Characteristics
Alcohol by Volume – 7.6%
Bitterness – 7 IBUs
Color – 39 EBC
pH – 3.26
TA – 1.4%

Pairings
Charcuterie, fancy grilled cheese sandwiches, prime rib with red wine sauce, strawberry rhubarb pie, dark chocolate

Love Child No. 10 debuts on draft and in 750ml bottles in the Greater Kansas City Area starting on July 8th with other cities to follow in the coming weeks. Regions that typically see Boulevard Smokestack Series Limited Release beers like Chocolate Ale, Rye on Rye 6 or Smooth Fuzz should see distribution of Love Child No. 10. Please note that we do not have access to our distributors’ delivery schedules and will be unable to tell you when Love Child No. 10 is available near you.