Rodenbach Grand Cru 11.2 oz 1.5 lb

Belgian Brown Oak-Aged Sour

Brewed by: Rodenbach Brewery
Country: Belgium
Style: Sour Red/Brown
Color: Brown

ABV: 6.0%
Cellaring: Yes
Ratebeer.com rating: 98
BeerAdvocate.com rating: 95

Rodenbach Grand Cru is a sour ale that is 2/3 aged "mother beer" - which has matured in oak at least two years - blended with 1/3 of a younger, sweeter counterpart. Considered the current benchmark of the Flemish sour ale style, the brew pours a dark ruby brown with a small beige head.

Aromas include vinegar, ripe stone fruits, candy sugar, berries, sour apple and red wine. Taste follows a similar profile with sour fruits and berries dominating but equally important are balancing notes of sweet caramel, molasses, oak, vanilla, cheese and chocolate.

The mouthfeel is medium bodied and creamy with lots of carbonation and a well hidden 6.0% ABV. The finish is dry, lingering, and tart.

Food Pairings

Pairs well with shrimp and other seafood, or try with rich, higher-fat poultry like duck; also pairs well with rich, savory game meats.

Brewery Information:

In 1821, the four Rodenbach brothers (Pedro, Alexander, Ferdinand and Constantijn) invested in a small brewery in Roeselare, In 1836 Pedro Rodenbach and his wife, Regina Wauters, bought the shares of the others, and Regina ran the business while Pedro served in the military.

Their grandson Eugene traveled to England to learn from master-brewers of porter the principles of maturing beer in oak casks (or foeders) as well as the process of properly blending the results. He returned to Roeselare and created masterful sour ales for which the family's brewery became famous.

Today the Rodenbach Brewery, since 1998 a part of the Palm Brewery Corporation of craft brewers, produces award-winning sour ales for distribution worldwide.