Usually when I opine on a beer I’ll give you a few paragraphs of background and personal reflection. Then I’ll let the brewer talk and give you some information on the beer, usually a blurb from the website or the label. With a beer like Orpheus Sykophantes Fig Sour, however, I’ll cut that down to this paragraph before I let Orpheus speak. I mean, I know you want to know what the heck a Sykophantes is, right?

In ancient Greece, “showing the fig” was a vulgar hand gesture, and Sykophantes means “one who shows the fig”. Earthy and full of dark fruit flavor from hundreds of pounds of figs and dark candy syrup, but with a sourness that cuts the gentle sweetness, Sykophantes is our fall beer.

You’re welcome. Let’s see what they put in this one, shall we?

Hops: Northern Brewer

Grain: Two row barley, Munich, Double Roast Crystal

Fermentation: Belgian Abbey Yeast

Other: Black mission figs (dried, organic), Dark candy syrup

Orpheus Sykophantes Fig Sour has an alcohol content of 7.5% by volume. Last year it was draft only, but is now sold in cans as well for 2017. You’ll pay $13.99 a six-pack at Total Wine, which is high by at least two bucks if you ask me. Which you did, since you’re reading this. I got an 11-ounce draft glass at Taco Mac for $6.25.

My glass of Orpheus Sykophantes Fig Sour arrived a dark purplish ruddy color with a thin creamy head and a nose hinting at dark fruit. Taking a sip, the beer immediately appeals with its tart tarty tartness in the puckering sour palate, wonderfully accented by dark fruity figs that cut through all that and strut their stuff. The dark fruit notes permeate, and the sour quenching finish punctuates nicely.

Very nice indeed, my friends, I really enjoyed this one. It gets 4 ½ stars for style and hedonistic enjoyment, less ½ star for the high canned price. Still, this one definitely shows the fig, and I'll be buying it again.

And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.

*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.

(B)=Bottled

(D)=Draft

 

 



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