Cuvée René

A classic example of what some consider the oldest existing beer in the world, gueuze, Cuvée René is a traditional blend of young and old lambics produced in Belgium’s Senne River Valley. Remaining true to its lineage, this beer is effervescent, punishingly sour and almost cidery, while being possessed with an enchanting complexity of aromas and flavors unique to the region’s spontaneously fermented beers. Displaying virtually no head at all, this beer pours a rather pale, cloudy lemon yellow, as is expected of the style. Initial aromas of cider, fresh-squeezed lemons, green apple, leather and horsiness promise an unmatched drinking experience. Lee picked up some candi sugar-like sweetness under the pungent sourness, as well as a touch of sweet Gala apple. Nick, on the other hand, noted sweet pear and some tobacco complementing the overarching sourness. Though these descriptions may not sound appetizing, this beer’s aromas are desirable in a gueuze. The flavor does not deviate from the aroma and is chock-full of lemony sourness and barnyard funkiness, with alluring hints of sweet, lush fruit peeking out. Rick enjoyed the intense tartness and “tongue-tingling tannins” that contributed to the sharply dry finish, while Tim praised the pleasant, quenching lemon-lime sourness. Drinking gueuze is a singular experience, and Cuvée René is one of the most artfully produce examples around. If you’ve never explored the wild lambics of Payottenland, this is a great place to dive in.