Rodenbach Grand Cru

Deep red to burgundy-brown, the Belgian red ale is defined by fruit flavors of dark cherry, plum and currant, and mild to intense lactic sourness. Woody, chocolaty or vanilla notes often add to the complexity, and malt sweetness, from Vienna and other dark malts, may provide some balance. The most vinous of beers, Flanders Red Ale has tannic and acidic qualities that suggest an aged red wine and provide a dry finish, leading some to refer to it as “the Burgundy of Belgium.” In fact, some brewers blend a portion of the beer that has aged two to three years in oak, like wine, with a newer, less-sour beer to achieve their desired flavor qualities. Various examples of this Belgian beer style are bottle-conditioned.