Judge’s Review: 96 Rating – Cuvee de L’Amitie by Lindemans Brewery

Gueuze | Limited Release | Belgium

By Sal Mortillaro II

Judges Rating: 96.00
Aroma: 23.00
Appearance: 5.00
Flavor: 39.00
Mouthfeel: 10.00
Overall Impression: 19.00

Cuvee de L’Amitie by Lindemans Brewery is being judged as a Gueuze (23E) per the 2021 BJCP guidelines. 
This beer pours a deep gold color with a light amber hue. A medium sustained bone white colored head of small and medium bubbles faded but left a beautiful ring around the glass, with nice lacing on the sides. There is a light dusting of foam which persists on top of the beer. 
The aroma consists of a medium typical Pajottenland character of Brettanomyces native to the region. Beautiful notes of medium-low barnyard character and a touch of low green apple are present. There is a slight unmalted wheat aroma that peeks out behind the yeast driven character of the aroma. Initially there was a quick skunky note but it quickly dissipated after the pour. 
On first sip, the barnyard character is at the forefront. It quickly transforms into a low tart rhubarb and a touch of a tart green apple. There is a very low sweetness in the beer but is quickly overshadowed by the perceived tartness. There is no hop flavor or hop bitterness in this beer and is balanced by the tartness.  There is also a touch of barrel character that provides a supporting woody flavor which is well integrated in the beer. The finish is dry, crisp, and refreshing.
Cuvee de L’Amitie has a medium-thin body with high carbonation. The acid in this beer causes the drinker to salivate and perpetuate taking another sip. The barrel character noted in the flavor adds a very light touch of astringency, but in the way that adds structure to the beer overall.
Overall, this is a World Class, well blended authentic gueuze that hits all of the major hallmarks of the style. As one of my personal favorite styles, I can say that this beer hits all of the interesting complexities gueuze is so well known for.