Rodenbach

Brewed by Brouwerij Rodenbach (Palm)
Style: Sour Ale/Wild Ale
Roeselare, Belgium

Serve in Snifter, Tulip, Tumbler

Sour and tasty. Lots of cherry flavor. Nice long finish.

Red, winey, cherryish, refreshing wonder. My second 20/20 after Schlenkerla Marzen. 25 cl bottles make me crazy.

Genuine Flemish style ale with unique sourness, oaky flavor and hints of cherry. Brilliant!

Taste is subjective...and while this is my very favorite beer in the world, it may not be yours. Try it and decide for yourself. I discovered this beer at the Sunset Grill and Tap in Allston, Ma. I’ve also encountered at at the Publick House in Brookline, MA. As far as bottled, I’ve found it at the Marty’s Liquors in both Newtonville, MA and Allson, MA.

UPDATED: DEC 28, 2008 I adore this beer. I have a huge affinity for sour things and this beer is like a gift from god. It pours a rich brown, and the aroma is very sour with hints of earthy berries. The flavor is heavenly. Rich, smooth, sour, just the right amount of tartness. Hints of currants, cranberries, and figs permeate the taste of this beer. It has a vinuous character to it, which makes its palate quite complex. If you like sour ales, seek this out.

750 mL bottle from the Hendersonville (NC) Food Co-Op....for $1.99/bottle!!

I’m stingy with my perfect 5’s, so I opted for a 19 on the Overall...after all, as another reviewer said, it’s hard to drink more than one of these at a go, even with the 5.1% ABV.

It is, nevertheless, an absolutely glorious concoction. I have been a champion of the Duchesse de Bourgogne for some time, but after a head-to-head with Rodenbach, the Duchess has been dethroned.

Poured into an oversize Merlot goblet.

Appearance: The color of madeira (or, for you low-brow types, Dr. Pepper. :) ). Burnt russet-brown with a lovely light-tan lacing of head. Beautifully stunning in the glass.

Nose: An extensive bouquet -- wild grapes, sour cherries, vanilla, a hint of balsamic vinegar, cloves, cardamom, white pepper, deep, dark hops, sourdough yeast, fresh-cut hay, plums, and maple syrup.

Taste: Similar to the nose -- a yummy sweet and sour! Balsamic vinegar, apple, plum, scuppernong grapes, cherries, white pepper, maple syrup, cloves, and sourdough bread.

Mouth/palate: Sharp, dry, spritzy, smooth, and full-bodied.

This really puts the Duchesse to shame. Try with artisan cheese, grilled meats (duck), or even Chinese food.

Pours dark brown ruby red with a small khaki brown head. smells sour with malty undertones. Tastes sour and sweet, front to back. Medium-bodied wiht a smooth texture and light mouth-carbonation, Rodenbach finishes with oaky sweetness.

in honor of herb spencer my beer guru, "ahhhhh there’s nothing better than a rodenbach" followed by a long deep chuckle, a toast and a drining of the glass, good ol’ herb we miss you