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Brouwerij Timmermans CEO Anthony Martin Talks Kriek Black Pepper Lambicus

96 Rating - World Class

Brouwerij Timmermans CEO Anthony Martin Talks Kriek Black Pepper Lambicus

We spoke with Brouwerij Timmermans CEO Anthony Martin about Kriek Black Pepper Lambicus.

Who was responsible for this beer’s recipe?
Although we are the oldest lambic brewery in the world, this should not stop us from being up to date with trends. Today, people travel all over the world, discovering new cultures, new cuisines and new flavors. Some consumers are curious, looking for new and unique combinations. That's why our brewing team has added a spicy touch to our fruited lambics, to bring a unique and intriguing taste experience to our consumers. Each spice has been carefully selected to be in perfect balance with the fruit, offering an extra dimension to our beers.

What sets this beer apart from other examples within the style?
Timmermans Kriek Black Pepper Lambicus is made by adding 100% natural cherry juice to our lambic. After a period of maturation in oak barrels, the beer turns a delicate shade of red fruit that is sure to delight you. This is a beer to be sampled with finesse and elegance. It is the only fruit lambic in Belgium with a spice in it.

What makes this beer truly World Class?
Our Kriek Black Pepper Lambicus is an authentic yet bold Kriek, crafted with traditional barrel-aged lambic and 100% natural cherries, delicately spiced with black pepper. Compared to all the fruited sours available in the U.S. market, this is the queen of them all. We age the lambic for one year in oak barrels first, and then we blend it with cherry juice and add just a touch of black pepper.

What is your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, mouthfeel, etc.)?
We love them all! The color is beautiful and is a true invitation to savor it. The flavor reminds us of a fresh cherry jam from our grandma. And the aromas are powerful and last, while the black pepper enhances the taste and it dries out the aftertaste a bit, which provides a thirst-quenching feeling, while other fruit beers will stick a bit more on the palate.

How popular is this beer among your faithful fans?
Belgium is where fruit lambics are born thanks to being the home of traditional kriek. As such, krieks are popular in the country, and we wanted a version of the style to differentiate us from the others.

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