Try All The Beers: Sonoma by Track Brewing Co

In this blog series, I’m trying all the beers!  I choose a beer from one of those books recommending the beers you should try. Check out this introduction post to read the rules of the game. 

You can also check out my beer reviews on Untappd here.

I know in my last post about Budvar Dark (which you can check out here) I said I needed to move away from British beers.  But, as I was in Manchester recently and at Track Brewing Co, I felt it would be remiss of me if I didn’t do Sonoma next.  Sonoma Pale Ale from Track Brewing Co is heralded by craft beer geeks and general beer lovers alike.  It is served on both cask and keg at Track’s taproom in Manchester and you can now get Sonoma AF.  So you have lots of options when drinking this beer.  But is the beer worth the hype and which version is the best?  Let’s take a look!

Beer: Sonoma

Brewery: Track Brewing Co

Manchester, UK

Style: Pale Ale

ABV: 3.8%

The History of Track Brewing Co

The Track taproom in 2019

Track Brewing Co's journey begins amidst the vibrant craft beer scene of Manchester, England. Founded by a collective of beer enthusiasts with a shared passion for quality and innovation, Track Brewing Co emerged as a beacon of creativity in a city renowned for its brewing heritage. The brewery's inception was fueled by a desire to challenge conventions and explore the boundless possibilities of flavour, guided by a commitment to craftsmanship and community. From its humble beginnings in a small industrial unit, Track Brewing Co quickly gained a devoted following, drawing acclaim for its bold experimentation and unwavering dedication to quality.  I remember visiting them back in 2019 when they were in a random building 3 floors up, that did not look like it had a taproom in it.  You would pass fellow beer geeks on their pilgrimage to visit Track and point them in the right direction, assuring them they were going the right way!  Even back then, Sonoma was on the menu.

The Track taproom lineup in 2019

As Track Brewing Co continued to carve its place in the ever-evolving landscape of craft beer, its ethos remained rooted in collaboration and exploration. Inspired by the diverse influences of global brewing traditions, the brewery's portfolio expanded to encompass an eclectic array of styles, each crafted with precision and passion. From hop-forward IPAs to rich, complex stouts, every beer brewed by Track Brewing Co tells a story, reflecting the brewery's relentless pursuit of excellence and innovation. Their taproom now is across the road from fellow Manchester powerhouse Cloudwater and is a beautiful venue to enjoy a beer in.  When I’m in Manchester I make sure I stop by for something on cask.

Track’s taproom in 2024

The History of Sonoma

Track Brewing Co's Sonoma has an intriguing history deeply rooted in the rich tapestry of brewing traditions. Crafted with meticulous attention to detail, Sonoma embodies the spirit of experimentation and innovation that defines Track Brewing Co. Track embarked on a journey to create a beer that would capture the essence of the California wine country while paying homage to its British brewing heritage.

The story of Sonoma dates back to the early days of Track Brewing Co, where a team of passionate brewers sought to push the boundaries of flavour profiles. Inspired by the sun-kissed vineyards of Sonoma County, they set out to craft a beer that would encapsulate the region's vibrant spirit. Through countless trials and refining processes, Sonoma emerged as a harmonious blend of American and British brewing techniques, characterised by its refreshing citrus notes, subtle hints of tropical fruits, and a crisp, clean finish. With each sip, Sonoma invites beer enthusiasts on a sensory journey, weaving together tradition and innovation in a glass.

Consumers have consistently expressed their love for Sonoma due to its remarkable balance of bold flavours and approachable drinkability. Sonoma's appeal lies in its ability to strike a perfect harmony between hop-forward aromatics and a smooth, well-rounded mouthfeel. Many fans praise its refreshing citrus notes, which evoke images of sun-drenched day, while others appreciate its subtle hints of tropical fruits that add a layer of complexity to each sip. Moreover, Sonoma's clean, crisp finish leaves a lasting impression, making it a versatile choice for any occasion. Whether enjoyed on a warm summer day or paired with hearty pub fare, consumers find themselves drawn to Sonoma's undeniable charm, making it a beloved staple in the ever-expanding landscape of craft beer.

Keg vs Cask - the dispense debate

Tasting Sonoma at the source - on the right is kegged, on the left, a cask pour

Kegged Sonoma and cask Sonoma offer two distinct experiences, each highlighting different facets of the beer's flavour profile and texture. Kegged Sonoma, served under pressure with carbon dioxide, often boasts a crisper, more effervescent mouthfeel, accentuating its bright citrus notes and refreshing character. The controlled carbonation levels in kegged Sonoma lend themselves to a clean, consistent pour, ideal for showcasing the beer's nuanced hop aromatics and balanced bitterness. On the other hand, cask Sonoma, traditionally served via hand pump directly from the cask, offers a softer carbonation and a smoother, silkier texture. This presentation allows the beer to breathe, unlocking deeper layers of flavour and enhancing its overall complexity. Cask Sonoma's subtle carbonation allows for a more leisurely drinking experience, with its flavours evolving gracefully as it warms, revealing additional nuances and notes that may be less pronounced in its kegged counterpart. Whether enjoyed from keg or cask, Sonoma captivates the palate with its harmonious blend of hop-forward aromatics, inviting drinkers to savour its distinctive character in whichever format you prefer.

I took the opportunity at Track’s taproom to try Sonoma side by side on keg and cask.

Here are my general thoughts on Sonoma:

Bright, clear yellow with a smooth white head that laces.  Pineapple and peach aroma, touch of wheat and vegetal grass as it warms. Smooth, fresh pineapple flesh, candied grapefruit peel, tangerine. Easy drinking.

On keg I found Sonoma to be sharp and punchy, more vegetal on the nose and hold a prickly carbonation. On cask however, it was smooth, more rounded and had a softer hop flavour that, to me, brought out the brightness of the hops with flavours of pineapple cubes, tangerine, grapefruit and candied peel.

I also tried Sonoma AF.  It has the bright, hoppy flavours of the original, but the body is lacking, unfortunately.

Sonoma AF on draught

When back home I had a canned version of Sonoma and took these notes:

Bright clear gold with a thick foamy white head.  Pineapple and peach aroma, grassy resin deeper in.  Lightly carbonated, pineapple, a touch floral, a light bitterness that stops it from being syrupy, crisp and easy drinking.

Sonoma can be enjoyed at home from a can.

My personal favourite is Sonoma on cask - the smooth mouthfeel brings all the flavours together beautifully and, as a person that doesn’t love the high bitterness of hops, for me it rounds out the beer.  

Should you try it?

I highly recommend that you try the variety of versions of Sonoma that are available.  Not only is it a totally beer geeky thing to compare all of them, if I had just had the kegged version, I probably wouldn’t love it.  But having it on cask totally changed my mind about the beer.  Remember, I’m a dark beer lover, so if you love hops, Sonoma should be on your definitely try list.  If you shy away from the hops, if you find it on cask, give it a go and see if it appeals to you.  It did to me!

You can find out more about the beer in the reference books here:

Modern British Beer: 125

World’s Greatest Beers: 72

Which is your fave Sonoma - can, keg, cask or AF?  Let me know!