 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!
TaktikMTL (2745), Montréal-Nord, Quebec, Canada
Nov 9, 2009 Cuvée 2007. Bouteille verte, avec bouchon de liège, de 375 ml dégustée au Cheval Blanc (Montréal, QC). Arôme: Odeur de citron et de foin avec une pointe de vin blanc. Apparence: La couleur est ambrée. Présence d’un mince col mousseux et d’une fine dentelle sur le verre. Saveur: Goûte de pommes vertes légèrement acide et de citron. Longue durée de l’arrière goût. Palette: Le corps est moyen avec une texture légèrement vineuse. Moyenne effervescence en bouche. (Rating #2741)
JAXSON (229), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Nov 4, 2009 750ml 2006 bottle. Darker orange pour with a large beige head. Shows much of the typical Cantillon brashness on the nose. Lemon, grapefruit, and some really funky herbal note. Not too bracing in the mouth. Very soft, in fact. Full-bodied for a lambic. Extraordinary balance, finish is long and beautiful. I prefer this to the harder Cantillons, it may be the best lambic I’ve tried in fact.
nqualls (1429), Nashville, Tennessee, USA
Nov 3, 2009
Source: 750 mL, 2006 vintage bottle.
Glass: Magic Chouffe tulip.
Appearance: Cloudy yellow/gold pour with a one finger white head.
Aroma: Stinky cheese, and a tart, sour oakiness.
Flavor: Must, dust and soaked wood. Brilliant sour finish.
Palate: Light body with solid carbonation.
Overall: Not a bad beer. Not my favorite Cantillon, but a good selection.
Argentine (9), Walla Walla, Washington, USA
does not count  Oct 27, 2009 Aroma: Dank cedar swamp, slightly nutty. Taste: Sauvignon Blanc and burning acid. Too bitter/astringent and not tart like I hoped. This one doesn’t "beat champagne at it’s own game" like other gueuzes. Flavor improves as you drink and as it approaches room temp.
* Bottle labeled 2005, cork labeled 2007.
JulienHuxley (165), Trois-Rivieres, Quebec, Canada
Oct 24, 2009 Updated: Oct 27, 20090.75l bottle @ Beerbistro, Toronto. Appearance is clear copper with persistent white head. A good foot away from our face, we already got a solid apple aroma when the waitress was pouring it into our glasses. Close up, a solid tart aroma mixed with grassy hops that gives off an aroma of fresh wet hay, sweat, barn and some winey aromas. Upfront taste is white wine grapes, herbal and fruity esters. Both bitter and sour at once with a long bone dry finish classic of the best lambics. The smooth champagne bubbles carry this perfect mouthfeel and great balance of infinitely complex flavors. This is as darned near perfect as I will go before the nirvana of beer.
DYCSoccer17 (2187), Davis, California, USA
Oct 23, 2009 12 ounce bottle. Not sure where I got this from. Aroma is very apple-cider like. Plenty of acetic, vinegar, funky notes and some woodiness is also present. Quite musty. Transparent amber body with a large, fizzy, frothy off-white head that dissipates fairly quickly. Quite tart and acidic to start. Acetic, vinegar-like flavors are present. Pimento olive flavors come through in the middle with a little dry woodiness later on. Some more acidity comes through late. Not sure if I like this.
golubj (1275), Sunnyvale, California, USA
Oct 22, 2009 Bottle. Orangey and yellow pour, small amount of white film / head. Aroma is some wet wood, light funk, sour fruit. Flavor is the same, not as repulsive as the last cantillon that I had.
hellbilly (1492), scottsdale über alles, Arizona, USA
Oct 13, 2009 on tap 8/26/2009 at papago... awesome!
hazy pour is reminiscent of the color of iced tea topped by a spongy tannish head.
a distinct smell of leather is followed by a blast of freshly cut flowers, stinky musty basement, pale malty sweetness and rotten tart red raspberries.
the palate is bracingly tart and dry though there is a lot of malt kicking around in the back. lots of subtle/refined flavors moving around and changing frequently... tart red raspberries on the verge of molding, musty funk, flowers, minerals, herbs and lemony tartness. as it warms, the barrel and it’s tannins begin showing.
intense mouth feel... it is bitter, dry, prickly and tart yet it is quite substantial.
amazing stuff... 9/5/9/5/19/4.7
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