Rodenbach Grand Cru

Product of: Belgium

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First brewed in 1885, this Flanders red ale is blended from 1/3rd young beer and 2/3rds oak vat matured beer. The young beer remains in the vats for 4 to 5 weeks whilst the older beer matures for two years. Sugar is added to the malt prior to fermentation to boost the beer’s strength.

Review and Tasting

Sampled on 29/08/2012

Appearance:

(best before 30-March-14) Clear, dark (almost opaque) red brown with lasting one finger beige head and heavy lacing.

Aroma:

Sour and rotting cherry fruit with lactic acidity, dark chocolate and toffee caramel.

Taste:

Sour cherry fruit, cider-like tart apple and apple cider vinegar acidity.

Aftertaste:

Sweet and sour cherry fruit with lingering apple cider vinegar. A beer that is revered by aficionados yet the uninitiated might consider undrinkable.