This was definitely one of my more adventurous decisions when browsing Tavour.
I’ve enjoyed a few of the Flanders Red style of beers at festivals in the past, and this one, aged in oak foeders with macerated sour cherries, sounded like the perfect beer to bring home for the holidays.
Brouwerij Rodenbach (Rodenbach Brewery) is located in Roeselare, Belgium, where they have been producing award-winning beer since 1836.
Now owned by Palm Breweries, I am not sure what that means as to their status as craft for some, but this is a classic Belgian brewery you should be aware of regardless.
As we were sitting and eating some nice appetizers at my parent’s house Christmas Eve, I opened this one up for myself, my father, and my father-in-law. It poured quite dark, but clear ruby red with the smallest tin wafer of off-white head that receded so slowly I finished the beer before it disappeared.
A spectacularly fruity and funky aroma that reminds me this is a Flanders Red Ale. The cherries are there, a battle between the sweet and a sour funk that never gets out of line. Hints of oak and vanilla as well just adding to the beautiful complexity.
As I taste I realize the perfect mix of sweet and sour wasn’t only limited to the aroma. The sweet sugar swirls around with cherry sour, finishing off with the wood and vanilla.
Combined with the medium mouthfeel and creamy body, this makes an excellent sipping beer before or after dinner, great for palate cleansing too, surprisingly enough.
Overall this was a fantastic mild sour beer. Definitely worth a try if you are fan of the Flanders Red style of beers. I’m glad I stepped out of my IPA wheelhouse for this one.
- Style: Flanders Red Ale
- ABV: 5.6%
- Taste: Sour, funk
- Rating: 4.4/5
- Untappd Reviews
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