Songbird Manos Verde is a 5.5% sour / wild beer from Brewery Songbird, based in Kisarazu, in Chiba, Japan. It’s part of their bottled lineup and can be found on sale at sporadic times of the year. Songbird Manos Verde is initially fermented outside, with the hope of obtaining local wild yeast from the area. The name takes its name from Spanish with “manos verde” having the implication of “green fingers” or someone who is good at gardening.
Songbird Manos Verde Aroma and Taste
This bottle of Songbird Manos Verde was from the second batch that Brewery Songbird made – the first was shared with some friends and I loved it so much that I wanted to get another bottle. However, that first bottle had aged a little bit so I had to do the same with this second bottle of beer. Songbird Manos Verde poured out a light hazy golden straw colour with a plump white head on top that clung to the side of the glass throughout drinking. There was a definite sour funk going on – restrained but definitely there from the get-go. It had a slight mustiness to it – not the same kind you get from old or oxidised hops, but a woody one with also hints of lemon and some light grapefruit too.
Despite Songbird Manos Verde being a sour beer, though it was detectable in the nose, this beer isn’t going to make your face screw up in pain or displeasure. It’s a well-rounded sourness that fades to a vibrant and zesty lemon and grapefruit flavour with some Belgian phenols lying in the background. Once Songbird Manos Verde had warmed up – and believe me, there is no way that I am necking a 750ml bottle by myself in less than an hour – there was also some woodiness to it, almost like oak or something similar. The flavours ended up being well-balanced and smooth, making Songbird Manos Verde a moreish kind of beer. It finished off with a lingering woody and citrus flavour, with the sour notes not quite having the legs to outlast the other flavours.
Songbird Manos Verde The Bottom Line
If you like your sours light and citrusy, then give Songbird Manos Verde a try.
Where to Buy Songbird Manos Verde
Songbird Manos Verde can be bought online at the following places:
