This is an aged Belgian red ale, which is ‘ripened quietly in oak barrels for two years’, according to the label. It has an extremely pungent aroma of rich grapey fruit, with acidic notes, very much like a slightly sour red wine or possibly a gueuze. In the mouth it is slightly sweet, extremely acidic and fruity, with grapes and even cherries discernible, and very lively. Despite the sweetness it is not at all cloying, even thin, with little or no trace of malt. Finish is sharp and fruity.
Rodenbach Grand Cru is an exceptional Flemish red-brown ale that owes its fresh and sour taste and complex fruitiness to its lengthy partial maturation in wooden oak casks.
— Rudi Ghequire, brewmaster
Characteristics:
- Alcohol percentage: 6%
- Beer style: Flemish red-brown ale
- Fermentation: Mixed
- Taste palette: Matured in oak casks
- Delicious with: Young cheese, pork and hare's back
- The tastiest at temperature: 8 °C