Rare Barrel Arrows of Neon 12.7OZ

Rare Barrel Arrows of Neon 12.7OZ is a 6.0% ABV oak barrel-aged Berliner weisse brewed with lemon and lime peels in a 12.7 oz bottle. This mixed-fermentation sour ale from The Rare Barrel in Berkeley, California, holds a 4.0 out of 5.0 rating on Untappd across more than 1,200 reviews, reflecting its standing among sour beer enthusiasts.

Quick Facts: ABV: 6.0%  |  Origin: Berkeley, California  |  Style: Oak-Aged Berliner Weisse  |  Brewery: The Rare Barrel (Cellarmaker Brewing Co.)

Production & Heritage

The Rare Barrel launched in 2013 with a modest 15 oak barrels and grew its cellar to over 1,000 barrels, becoming one of the most respected American sour beer producers before its operations came under the Cellarmaker Brewing Co. umbrella. Arrows of Neon undergoes primary fermentation in stainless steel tanks for several weeks before transferring to oak barrels, where it ages for an average of nine months with lemon and lime peels and a complex blend of saison yeast, multiple strains of Brettanomyces, Lactobacillus, and Pediococcus. The brewery famously discards an average of 20% of its beer during the aging process, bottling only the lots that meet their quality standards — a practice that speaks directly to the consistency of what ends up in the glass.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Freshly zested Meyer lemon and lime zest rise immediately, layered over a subtle straw-like grain character. A gentle lemon yogurt quality and faint bourbon vanilla from the oak emerge as the beer warms.

Taste: The entry is bright and intensely sour, reminiscent of lemon drop candy and fresh lemonade. Mid-palate brings tart lime juice, a touch of citrus pith, and lemon bar sweetness balanced by dried white oak. A light, pleasant funk threads through the citrus notes without overpowering them.

Finish: Medium in length with lingering citrus pith and a crisp, mouth-puckering tartness that recalls key lime pie. The oak influence provides just enough structure to ground the finish without adding weight.

How to Drink Arrows of Neon

Serve chilled at around 45–50°F in a tulip glass or stemmed goblet to concentrate the citrus aromatics. Arrows of Neon is best enjoyed on its own as a standalone sipper, though it also works as a base for beer cocktails: a Berliner Shandy (topped with sparkling lemonade) amplifies its citrus character; a Sour Radler with grapefruit soda balances its tartness with bittersweet fruit; and a Citrus Snakebite layered with dry cider creates a refreshing, effervescent combination.

Best For

• Sharing with sour beer enthusiasts exploring barrel-aged Berliner weisse styles
• Summer afternoon sessions where bright acidity and low ABV are welcome
• Gifting to craft beer collectors who value mixed-fermentation releases
• Pairing with a charcuterie or cheese board at a dinner gathering

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Arrows of Neon taste like? Arrows of Neon delivers an intensely tart, lemon-forward profile with flavors of lemon bars, fresh lime juice, a touch of oak, and a subtle funky backbone from mixed fermentation. The overall impression is bright and refreshing, often compared to a sour lemon drop candy with a hint of key lime pie.

How does Arrows of Neon compare to other American sour ales? Arrows of Neon distinguishes itself through its specific use of both lemon and lime peels during extended oak barrel aging, resulting in a more layered citrus character than many kettle-soured Berliner weisse beers that rely on a single fermentation step. The Rare Barrel's practice of discarding up to 20% of each batch adds a quality-control dimension uncommon in the category.

Is Arrows of Neon good for sipping on its own? Yes — its 6.0% ABV, vivid citrus aromatics, and complex tartness make it an engaging standalone pour, particularly for drinkers who appreciate sour and funky beer styles.

Where is Arrows of Neon made? Arrows of Neon is produced at The Rare Barrel facility in Berkeley, California, a brewery dedicated exclusively to sour and barrel-aged beer production, now operating under the Cellarmaker Brewing Co. name.

What foods pair well with Arrows of Neon? Fresh goat cheese complements the beer's acidity; grilled shrimp or ceviche echo its citrus brightness; a lemon tart mirrors its dominant flavor profile; mild washed-rind cheeses provide a creamy contrast to the tartness; and light salads with vinaigrette dressing harmonize with its sour backbone.

What sizes does Arrows of Neon come in? Arrows of Neon is available in a 12.7 oz (375 ml) bottle, a standard format for barrel-aged and limited-release sour ales.

Is Arrows of Neon worth the price? Arrows of Neon positions as a premium craft sour ale, and its nine-month oak barrel aging, complex mixed fermentation, and the brewery's practice of culling 20% of production provide tangible justification within the specialty sour beer tier.

Why Arrows of Neon?

What sets this beer apart from the broader wave of American sour ales is the depth behind its seemingly simple citrus profile. Nine months in oak with a diverse culture of saison yeast, Brettanomyces, Lactobacillus, and Pediococcus produces layers that a quick kettle sour simply cannot replicate. The Rare Barrel's willingness to discard a significant portion of each batch means the final product consistently reflects their intent rather than the unpredictability of barrel fermentation. For anyone seeking a sour beer where the citrus character is backed by genuine barrel complexity and wild fermentation depth, Arrows of Neon delivers a compelling argument in every 12.7 oz pour.