Saint Brewis

A St. Louis Craft Beer Blog

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Brouwerij Rodenbach – Grand Cru

Brewery: Brouwerij Rodenbach
Location Roeselare, Belgium
Style Flanders Red Ale
 ABV 6.0%
 IBUs n/a

 

Best Quote During Tasting

He just closes his eyes and suckles on them.

Justin:

Aroma - Smells quite tart and acidic.  Some floral character is there as well.  It comes across as vinous and similar to a red wine.
Score: 10/12
Appearance - Deep amber, deep caramel color.  Very clear with ruby highlights when tilted in the light.
Score: 3/3
Flavor - It's got some dark fruit character.  Black cherry and a subtle hint of apricot as well.  It's tart and acidic but not overly so.
Score: 17/20
Mouthfeel - Medium body with medium+ carbonation and a dry finish.
Score: 3/5
Overall Impression - First, let me start by saying that Flanders Red is not my favorite style.  I'm not a huge wine drinker and this beer is probably the most wine-like of traditional styles.  However this specific Flanders Red surprised me with such a great balance to such a tart beer.  The process to crafting this style is actually quite interesting to read about so when you decide to try it, pop open the Google and read about it as you enjoy each sip.
Score: 9/10

 Blake:

Aroma -  Sour cherries with a bit of funk. Some oak character behind the sweetness. 
Score: 11/12
Appearance - Deep reddish-brown. Lots of red when thrown up to the light.  Small off-white head that dissipates quickly. 
Score: 3/3
Flavor - Oak, cherries, and funk are the main things at the forefront of this beer. Plenty of acidity and tartness, but not overwhelming.
Score: 17/20
Mouthfeel -  Medium body with medium-high carbonation. Finishes very dry. 
Score: 4/5
Overall Impression - I don't believe you can pick this one up in Missouri, but I think a few stores across the river have it. It sees distribution in a lot of states. It's a Belgian beer that really nails the style, and isn't something you'll have to trade an arm and a leg for with other beer nerds. If you see a bottle of it, pick it up. It's a beer that would be good to bring a wine person into the world of beer.
Score: 9/10

 

Grand Cru Final Score
  • Aroma
  • Appearance
  • Flavor
  • Mouthfeel
  • Overall
4.3
User Rating: 0.0 (0 votes)
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Justin Phelps

Justin Phelps

Co-Founder at Saint Brewis
Justin Phelps is a Certified Cicerone® who was born and raised in St. Louis. His passion for beer goes beyond just drinking it as he is also an award-winning home brewer. While he may be a marketing professional by day, he's a blogger, brewery hopper, and beer enthusiast by night.

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