Ichtegems Grand Cru

Brewed by Brouwerij Strubbe
Style: Sour Ale
Ichtegem, Belgium

Reddish-brown. Light head. Barrely aroma with dark fruits (grape, plum) and a light chocolate note. Sweet & sour palate. Very woody, with a light plum fruitiness. Decent, wood-accented example.

Tap, at ZBF 2006. Copper bronze, thin shortlived white head and moderate condition. Slightly fruity initially in the nose with some metallic tartness and a caramel and brown sugar sweetness, more metallic notes in the mouth with some fruity sweetness and notes of burnt toffee, gently tart and somewhat nondescript finish

2005 75 cl corked bottle
Deep red colour, thick head. Sourish cherry aroma. Smooth cherry stone flavour. A bit thin.

33 cl bottle: poured brown with red highlights and a thick light tan head. Light dark fruit aroma with some cherries and sour notes. Flavor is mildly sour and just a hint of sweetness. Actually quite drier than I would have thought. Nice body though. Decent.

Bottle: caramel, nutmeg, oak and cherry in the aroma. Oak, cookie-caramel and a very slight sourness in the flavor. Tastes OK but in no way comparable to Rodenbach Grand Cru. Lacks power, complexity, sourness and character. ( 6 3 7 3 13 = 3.2) Tap, Café Morshuis Albergen. Woody, somewhat dusty aroma with some fruit in the background. Upcoming light fruity sourness (cherries, grapes) challenged by some caramel, wood and a slight bitterness. Could use a bit more authenticity, but has a tremendous drinkability. (7 3 8 4 14 = 3.6)

Bottle (6 3 6 3 13). A dark brown color with a foamy tan head. Slightly sour grape flavors with caramel, wood and light earthiness. Rating from notes. Re-Rate on 4/30/08 on tap @ Toronado (7 4 6 3 14). A dark mahogany color with a tan head. A strong tart cherry aroma with a tangy finish but less robust flavor.

Brown witht a note of red. Has an off-white head, fully lasting. Aroma of wood, acid, lactic. Candis too. Flavor starts sweet and acidic, finish light bitter. Dry, syrupy texture.

Bottle: Pours a dark brown ebony color with a thin little head and a smidge of lacing. The nose is light and fruity with some cherry and subtle sour hints. Mild caramel and dough as well. The flavor is a little tart with a dry fruity flavor, balanced finish and a tangy overall experience. Not quite explosive enough or rich enough for my liking on the style, but it’s fun to get to try sour ales whenever they come into town.