Zoetzuur Flemish Reserve Ale

Brewed by De Proefbrouwerij
Style: Sour Ale
Lochristi, Belgium

Opaque pinkish-tan color, minor foamy white head. Apple and cherry in the nose, some spice, near cidery... very similar to but a less desert-like New Glarus Belgian Red. Fllavor is tart, woody, lots of biting citrus and apple, some spice. Moderate palate but very prickly carbonation. Overall this is rather messy: the sweet fruits, sour elements, and spice combine for an odd mix, one that never gets beyond a summation of parts, and a contrasting summation at that.

Group share of a 750ml bottle at Two Brothers, Warrenville, IL. by manager Gabe. The sample was a hazy brown tone with some ruby hints showing through the glass. The head was modest and off white. The aroma was mixed fruit, tartness, malt, a touch of caramel and spice. The flavor was a combo of tart cherry and the sweetness of raisins/currants. It also presented a touch of earthiness and vinous notes. Although, not a big fan of sours, (probably from unfamiliarity) this was an interestingly complex brew.

Bottle. Body-deep brown quarter inch foamy head. Nose-cherry, apple, leather, clarified butter. Taste-leather, very light sour, unsweet cherry mash. Not too sweet, almost perfect mix of sweet and sour, just not quite sour enough, odd dry industrial aftertaste, soil, sawdust, pecan shells, low alcohol on the back end.

Sampled at RB Houston tasting thanks to zinister. Light brown with no head. Nose is tart and spicy. Taste at first is malty (!), then sweet, peppery, tart, a bit alcoholic considering the lowish ABV. Overall well done and tasty.

March Houston Tasting. Pours a deep copper color with thin tan head and nice lacing. Nose of sour cherries and a bit of fresh farm aromas. Flavor is light cherries and toffee. Light, fresh lingering flavor. Very easy to drink.

bottle thanks to zinister. Shared at March Houston Tasting. Pours a cloudy reddish-brown with a thin, white head. Nose is of sweet cherries. Taste is of cherries, although somewhat medicinal. Mouthfeel is sticky sweet and acidic. Somewhat sour, but not overly so.

Thanks to Shawn Dunn for this one! 750mL brown glass fake-cork finished. No date. Appearance: A medium reddish brown with thin bone-white head. Nose: Cherry skins, raw beef, leafy veg, plum. Palate: Low carbonation, moderately tart (not sour) up front, but swings to slightly sweet with flavors of dried berries and dates. There’s a brightness that comes from that "redeeming" sweetness. Lots of sweet and sour cherry notes. Medium-length finish shows a little, tiny, inkling really of that "funky" texture. Notes: A nice, very drinkable "sour" beer. The texture is smooth and round, not overly funky, not really sour, just tart. Nicely made, not great. Might drink again if the chance arises.

had byself and at the end of a tasting, exceptional at both times ... cherry and cherry skins skiing soul goodness .. great lacing .. tart and sweet slightly dry and very refined.. very delicious.. in TX!!!!!!