Rodenbach Fruitage – Session Sour

Barrel-Aged Sour Beer | Year-Round | Belgium

By James Link

Judges Rating: 96
Aroma: 23
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 39
Mouthfeel: 9
Overall Impression: 19

Poured from what appeared to be an eight-ounce bottle into a nine-ounce snifter and subsequently reviewed as per BJCP 2015 style guidelines under catagory 23B European Sour Ale , Flanders Red Ale.
A complex blend of aromatics delight the nostrils upon first pour. Dark cherries are first evidenced and combine pleasantly with a light lactic tartness and just a touch of brettanomyces.
Burgundy in color and capped with a light pink head this beer reflects a slight haze which one might attribute to fruit pectin extracted from the cherries omnipresent here.
The flavor profile manifests a quintessential balance of  fruity character and tartness along with oaky notes while the malt remains complementary. The body is thin and leads into a dry finish while alcohol is present at subdued levels which enhances the refreshing quality of this effort.
A truly one of a kind easy drinking sour that delivers a complexity of flavors and aromas without the use of higher alcohol levels.