 kepano (239), Meudon, France
May 18, 2008 Updated: May 21, 2008
I must admit, I always approach Cantillon with apprehension. I’m as fanatic about lambic as one can be, but time and time again Cantillon has never quite done it for me. Still, I appreciate the beauty of the effort; it’s sad to see the tradition wane and for that reason alone I feel compelled to continue enjoying their brews as much as I possibly can. The Iris pours a cloudy but bright orange hue, glowing deeply with the color of a fresh apricot. The creamy off-white head is fairly ordinary which makes me wonder why crazy head formations are rarely seen among lambics. The aroma is exciting, and bests most Cantillons I’ve had before. Beautifully funky, the house character is present but softer and perhaps more cheesy than usual (a positive note, in my regard). Apricot lends a certain tartness, as do the tangerines and peaches. Cheesecake and brown sugar add a luscious sweetness to balance the nose. Surprisingly ash also is apparent, giving a slight smoky note that I wouldn’t have expected. The flavor isn’t as puckering as usual but Cantillon’s touch is certainly present. Perhaps more dilute, this lambic is greatly refreshing especially served on the cool side. The minerality is pleasant, working well with both fresh hops and fresh cheese. Green apple and melon add zest and balance while the long finish continues to echo a flavorful cheesy funk profile. Didn’t think I would attain Cantillon enlightenment on this brew, but I’m certainly happy I did. An excellent lambic!
Slayer85 (540), Firenze, Italy
Jul 1, 2009 750 ml bottle, 2003 vintage. A hazy pale amber beer with a medium sized, lacing and quite persistent white head. Nice aroma, dry and tart, very yasety, lightly hoppy with notes of lemon, earth, cheese and wood. Very complex and quite powerful nose. The flavour has a light sweetness and a medium to high acidity. There’ are grapefruit and apple notes. Medium body, lively carbonation, dry long finish with light to medium bitterness. Complex and rather easy drinking, one of my favourite Cantillon.
LanceUppercut (28), Sweden
Jul 1, 2009 An aroma of green apples and yeast. Taste isn’t very acidic, but elegant and a bit sweet. A little bit of funk in the finish. I really enjoyed this one!
Jblauvs (292), Manchester, New Hampshire, USA
Jun 30, 2009 hazy nectarine pour with little head. Aroma is sharp and tangy with some funk notes, some peach and lemon, some nice vinegar as well. Taste is initially tart - some funk and vinegar but it melds into a fruity, slightly hopped finish. fantastic
craftycarl21 (400), South Hero, Vermont, USA
Jun 30, 2009 Pours a hazy apricot pour with a minimal white head. Aroma holds lots of funk, floral notes, nectar, and clearly sharp sour qualities. Flavor starts really tart, but is really quite mellow and delicious, doesn’t attack you like some lambics. Acidity is marvelous, and the finish is great, semi dry and tasty, yet relaxed. Really nice.
oteyj (549), Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA
Jun 30, 2009 Hazy peach pour with minimal white head. Lots of lemon and citrus zest aromas with tartness prevalent. Light nectar fruits also present. Flavor is quite tart, but mellows out quickly. Fermented apricot and peach combine with some cider notes to create a tart deliciousness. Palate is quite smooth, ending semi-dry. An extremely drinkable lambic indeed.
angrypirate06 (351), Texas, USA
Jun 27, 2009 Bottle. Clear orange pour with fizzy beige head. Aroma of funk, barnyard, light bleu cheese. Flavor is funky, sourness, and a nice little bite. Syrupy mouthfeel.
KyotoLefty (868), Kyoto, Japan
Jun 21, 2009 2006 vintage in the 75 cl bottle.
Wild stuff. Amber color, very pretty and different from any other lambic I’ve seen. Rich malt aroma with the sourness, with malt vinegar, dust, wood. Dry lemony flavor, with hops, cheese, dust, and a relatively strong bitterness. Hugely sour, smoky as well. Very interesting.
trapez (576), Hilleroed, Denmark
Jun 19, 2009 Bottle. Yeat, wood and flowers in aroma. Unclear orange colour with white head. Sour flavour with a very dry aftertaste.
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