Banded Charmes Hexes

Charmes Hexes is a sour beer from BANDED, the brewery and taproom in Biddeford, Maine that has been brewing since 2013. It comes in at 5.2% ABV with an IBU of 0, which tells you where the beer puts its attention: hop bitterness is effectively absent, so the structure comes from acidity rather than from hops. Sours at this strength are built to be drinkable, with enough tartness to wake up the palate and a modest alcohol level that keeps the beer light and easy to finish. Expect the profile typical of the style: a bright, lactic tang up front, a clean and fairly dry finish, and little of the resinous or grassy hop character you would find in a pale ale or IPA. Whether this particular bottling carries added fruit or leans clean and citric is not stated in the product details, so check the label or can for the exact flavor direction. The zero IBU rating does mean there is no bitter edge to compete with the sourness, which tends to make the tartness feel crisp rather than harsh. At the table, sours like this work best against rich or salty food that benefits from acidity. Fried chicken, fish and chips, and charcuterie boards are natural fits, as are soft, creamy cheeses such as goat cheese or brie, where the tartness cuts through the fat. Fresh seafood like oysters or ceviche suits the lighter body, and a fruit-based dessert or a simple tart can work if you prefer the beer as a counterpoint to sweetness. Serve it cold but not frozen, ideally around 40 to 45°F (4 to 7°C). Straight from a very cold refrigerator the acidity can read sharp and the subtler aromatics get muted, so give it a few minutes to warm slightly. A tulip glass or a stemmed teku-style glass is a good choice, since the narrowing top concentrates whatever aroma the beer offers. A standard pint glass or a wine glass will also do the job. Pour gently, as sours often carry lively carbonation.