4.2 AROMA 9/10 APPEARANCE 4/5 TASTE 8/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 17/20
UPDATED: NOV 6, 2006 Sebastian (DerDoppelbock) and I had ourselves a great lambic tasting which we kicked off with two bottles from Joris’ cellar, the first being De Troch’s Gueuze - a bottle dating from the 80s but whose precise vintage couldn’t be determined by any inquisition. Despite its age, the gueuze was still showing signs of life as it formed a presentable froth dissimulating the crepuscular brass body. Surprisingly open and airy, the aroma was showing exceptional complexity mingling the fruity tones of green apples, cherries and apricots to a distinctly sweet blend of brown sugar, mild caramel and unmistakable guimauve. The dusty oak profile adds just the necessary hint of maturity but there’s no chance I would have deduced its age in a blind tasting. On the palate, springy carbonation and dry flavors overtly remind of Champagne, subtly tangled in brown sugar, apple and vanilla. The parching finish leaves a sticky sweet Emmental aftertaste on the tongue pleasingly fading with time. I’m full of awe at how well this gueuze has aged and can only humbly thank my benefactors.
2.6 AROMA 5/10 APPEARANCE 2/5 TASTE 6/10 PALATE 3/5 OVERALL 10/20
Tour de Geuze 2007, bottle at brewery. Almost without carbonation. Simple, tart sour flavour. Tastes like a single old lambic. Pretty poor example of a geuze but a work of genius compared with the other childrens beers produced here. Not convinced they are actually brewing on site anymore, may just be aging and blending.
3 AROMA 6/10 APPEARANCE 3/5 TASTE 6/10 PALATE 3/5 OVERALL 12/20
75cl bottle at home vintage 1981. Unfortunately this was quite badly oxidized which was not what I was expecting because the cork was in excellent condition. With a 30 year old bottle of lambic its always a risk.
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