Judge’s Review: 96 Rating – Kriek Black Pepper Lambicus by Brouwerij Timmermans

Spice, Herb or Vegetable Beer | Year-Round | Belgium

By James Link

Judges Rating: 96
Aroma: 23
Appearance: 6
Flavor: 38
Mouthfeel: 10
Overall Impression: 19

Kriek Black Pepper Lambicus by Brouwerij Timmermans was reviewed under the 2021 BJCP style guidelines for Style 30A, Spice, Herb or Vegetable Beer with the base style being 23F, Fruit Lambic.

This brew’s unique bouquet is characterized predominantly by sour cherries and accompanied by lactic and horse blanket aromatics with just a gentle wisp of black pepper.
Upon pouring, I realized this is a very pretty beer and quite clear, manifesting a red cherry hue and capped by a persistent light-pink head.
The flavor profile was thoroughly complex. The in-depth taste of fresh cherries melds well with lactic and Brettanomyces notes alongside just a faint spicy note that complements the potpourri of other flavors.
Thin in body and well-conditioned. A slightly acidic mouthfeel and lower alcohol content create both an authentic and refreshing example of the style.
This is a classic must-try fruited lambic that suggests traditional brewing methods with some unusual additions to produce a striking flavor with notable peppery elements. Lactic notes generally overstated in other examples of this style are nicely balanced here.