Rodenbach Classic (Red) - Brouwerij Rodenbach N.V.

jrenihan

Ontario (Canada)

4.04/5  rDev 0%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

On-tap at Beer Bistro.

Beer is ruby red, with a moderately-sized light tan head. Decent retention.

Nose is quite nice. Cherry and other dark fruits/berries. Oak. Tart.

Taste is similar to the nose; contains oak, balsamic vinegar, cherry. Fairly tart and quite dry.

Medium bodied, a bit syrupy. Strongly carbonated. Dries the mouth a bit.

Overall, quite good, but the Grand Cru is much better.

Serving type: on-tap

04-22-2013 01:36:20 | More by jrenihan

davewlfpckfan29

Connecticut

4.41/5  rDev +9.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5

This is such a beautiful, drinkable beer. I was so happy to have this on draught.
We had two glasses at Moan and Dove in Amherst Mass.

Its a dark maroon, ruby color, poured into a tulip glass.

The smell is a pleasant tartness smell, maybe some cherry. The oak is faint.

And the taste, the wonderful taste. Its a great blend of sourness and tartness. A little bit of fruitiness, as well as malt. And the oak again is in the background.

A local package store has Rodenbach in 6-packs, and I want to GO BUY IT NOW!

Serving type: on-tap

01-19-2013 04:30:56 | More by davewlfpckfan29

kylehay2004

Florida

4/5  rDev -1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Half finger head on a murky brown with golden hued body. No lacing really. Aroma is very fruity with syrup, caramel and sour cherry. Flavor is similar creamy with sour cherry, caramel and syrups. Medium body and moderate carbonation. Nice flavor. Interesting brew, not sure if I have had any from this style before. Complex and more drinkable than you would expect.

Serving type: on-tap

08-23-2012 22:51:15 | More by kylehay2004

ehammond1

California

3.78/5  rDev -6.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

On Tap

Churchill's Pub & Grille
San Marcos, CA

A dark ruby and chestnut brown. Nearly no head. Decent lacing down the glass.

A moderate level of sourness combined with cherry sweetness.

A moderately tart, vinegary, sour ale balanced remarkably well with a cherry juiciness.

Light to medium bodied. A pleasure to sip.

A well balanced sour.

Serving type: on-tap

05-11-2012 22:11:04 | More by ehammond1

KickbacksSteve

Florida

4.65/5  rDev +15.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On draft at brewery. .25 l into Rodenbach tulip.  Dark ruby.  Off white head, soapy lacing. Aroma, vinegar, sour. Mouth puckering, biting in the back of the mouth and top of throat. Smooth finish, Michael Jackson called this refreshing,I guess for the first time I understand what he meant. Delicious. 

Serving type: on-tap

02-29-2012 00:31:05 | More by KickbacksSteve

JizackFH

New York

4/5  rDev -1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had this on-tap at Sunswick 35/35 in Astoria, NY on 1/30/12.

Review taken from notes.

This beer pours a murky brownish red color. There is about a finger of off-white head resting on top. The head has decent retention, and there is some whisky lace left behind on the glass. The nose is of sour fruit up fruit, mostly cherries, raspberries, and some apple. There are some aromas of vinegar and oak. I am also getting just a little bit of funkiness coming through. The taste follows the nose pretty well. It starts off with mostly sour cherries, but the raspberries and apple flavors are their as well. There is some vinegar and acidicness. There is some oak, as well as some earthiness and yeasty esters. The finish leaves some lingering sour cherries behind on the palate. This has a medium body and high carbonation. It goes down nicely and has a good amount of sourness to it. It has some earthy bitterness to it, as well as some acidicness. This has good drinkability. The taste is quite nice, and I enjoyed it a lot. This is my first flanders red, but I definitely look forward to getting my hands on some more. I recommend checking this one out.

Serving type: on-tap

02-03-2012 13:11:09 | More by JizackFH

bwmichaud

Vermont

4.18/5  rDev +3.5%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I've had this brew numerous times over the years but I recently had it on tap for the 1st time. Faint aromas of cherries and somewhat earthy.
Taste is enjoyable. Mostly tart cherries with a subtle sour characteristic that would pair well with food. Mouthfeel was medium to light bodied and the carbonation was high but appropriate. An excellent brew.

Serving type: on-tap

01-01-2012 05:31:54 | More by bwmichaud

mdfb79

New York

3.78/5  rDev -6.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

From 12/05/11 notes. Had this on tap at St. Arnolds on Jefferson Place in Washington, DC last night. Poured into a Rodenbach tulip.

a - Pours a reddish brown color with one to two inches of ruby reddish white head and moderate carbonation evident.

s - Smells of sour fruits, cherries, balsamic vinegar, and bready malts. Not insanely sour but it's there, and pretty nice.

t - Tastes a bit tannic, of bready malts, light sour cherries, vanilla, toasted malts. Not as sour as the nose as all (which wasn't overly sour to begin with), and not a fruity. A bit of a step down for me.

m - Medium body and low carbonation. Easy to drink but a little more carbonation would have been nice.

o - Overall a pretty good, readily available flanders. Not too sour so could be good for someone looking to just get into sours. Would have it again.

Serving type: on-tap

12-06-2011 20:44:06 | More by mdfb79

merc7186

New York

3.78/5  rDev -6.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I had this beer on tap at The Deli in State College PA.

I had this beer poured on tap into a tulip glass.

A: Dark Reddish hue/Pink mild Head/Mild Lacing

S: Sour Dark Fruit (cranberry/currant)

T: Red Grape, Currant, Pinot Noir wine

M: Okay Carbonation, Light to Medium Body, Dry, Bitter

Overall, an average Flanders Red ale, not the best by any means but not the worst either.

Serving type: on-tap

11-22-2011 05:10:52 | More by merc7186

vette2006c5r

Wisconsin

4.15/5  rDev +2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Rodenbach Classic poured a very dark amber color, with little, fizzy head. There was a sweet berry like smell. The taste was dry, fizzy, had a nice tartness, and hints of different berries; the taste was similar to a red wine. Very easy and nice to drink, good strong flavor, carbonation worked out very well for this one. Overall this beer was a bit out of the norm, but very impressive and enjoyable.

Serving type: on-tap

08-19-2011 20:41:35 | More by vette2006c5r

mdaschaf

Washington

4.25/5  rDev +5.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Had on tap at the Pickled Pig Pub in Rehoboth Beach, DE.

A: The beer was a deep red/brown with a one finger tan head on top. Not much head retention and some spotty lacing that forms and is gone rather quickly.

S: Slightly tart dark fruit, some cherries, raspberries, and bruised apples. There is a bit of oak as well. Slightly acetic.

T: Nice sour cherry flavor, very nice level of acidity, with just a touch of vinegar. There is some sweet malt to balance things out. There is a bit of a nutty component as well.

M: Medium bodied with low to medium carbonation. Very smooth and incredibly easy drinking.

O: A great beer, very nice flavor profile with a perfect level of tartness. Would have certainly ordered another if not for the price. Something I will probably grab some bottles of.

Serving type: on-tap

07-24-2011 21:20:56 | More by mdaschaf

harrymel

Washington

3.13/5  rDev -22.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

From notes at bier baron in dc.

A: dark red, excellent clarity. Rim of beige foam spotty lacing.

S: wood, grapes, tartness, cherries. Not very strong or complex.

T: it's a standard Flanders red. A bit too sweet for my preferences. Wood. Cherry. Slightly tart.

M: medium bodied with low carb. A really nice creamy feel to this which matches the beer, not the style IMO. Nice though.

O: not a great Flanders red at all for me. Pretty standard and a little too sweet.

Serving type: on-tap

06-23-2011 08:05:45 | More by harrymel

smakawhat

Maryland

4.38/5  rDev +8.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Poured on tap into a snifter at ChurchKey DC.

A nice light brown head, gives way to a nice simple collar. Body is a reddish brown slightly opaque body. Real sticky pock marked lacing on the glass.

Smell is an apple cider crisp and malt chew, with tart orange and marmalade. Bretty sour and mild sort of... wine crushed grapes dregs or something, it smells almost like a winery.

Taste has a great apple chewyness and faint cider quality. Very light bodied it seems with dank must on the finish with just a hint of baked apple and bread.

Supper drinkable and a great feeling tasting beer. I am not a cider fan but this is almost a cider persons beer for someone who prefers beer more than cider, bringing in all the good qualities of cider into a beer right here, with just a touch of Saison brett and goodness.

Serving type: on-tap

04-21-2011 23:28:26 | More by smakawhat

oline73

Maryland

4.08/5  rDev +1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

I had this on-tap at the Frisco Taphouse, poured into a goblet.

Appearance: Pours a mahogany color, not cloudy at all, there is some light coming through. There is just a trace of head.

Smell: Sour fruity vinegar along with some malt sweetness.

Taste: The sourness dominates the taste a lot less than the smell, but it remains on the tongue throughout the whole sip. There is a tart fruit note, think raspberry or cranberry. The finish also has some sweetness from the malt. The flavor of this beer is quite smooth.

Mouthfeel: Medium body and mild carbonation. The carbonation feels quite appropriate for this beer. The finish has a mild dryness to it.

Overall: This is a very balanced anad smooth beer. I could have a few of these in a session, the sourness isn't too overpowering. I'm definitely open to having this one again.

Serving type: on-tap

03-24-2011 02:09:04 | More by oline73

Mosley1212

Florida

4.22/5  rDev +4.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

(From notes I took over spring break)

Had on tap at Brick Store Pub in Decatur, GA. It was an '08 Vintage.

A--Poured a ruby amber red with a thick, rich vanilla colored head that beautifully foamed and lasted a good long while.

S--The smell was of a sweet vinegar up front with a hint of fruit on the back end.

T--My face instantly puckered when I took my first sip. This beer was described on the menu as "balsamic vinegar" and it did not disappoint. I absolutely loved the sourness of the beer.

M--Light bodied with a mild carbonated feel. It was a great feel in the mouth and it left me feeling refreshed.

O--Overall, this was one of the best beers I have ever tried. It was my first sour, and after trying this I am going to try many, many more.

Serving type: on-tap

03-22-2011 18:23:42 | More by Mosley1212

kwjd

Ontario (Canada)

4.35/5  rDev +7.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had this on tap somewhere in California. Reviewing this from my notes. Pours a dark brown colour with hints of amber. Thin off-white head, leaving nice lacing down the glass. Smells of sour cherry and sweet brown sugar. Flavour has a really nice tartness to it, complemented by the sweetness. This is insanely delicious.

Serving type: on-tap

02-11-2011 20:38:54 | More by kwjd

jsanford

Georgia

3.73/5  rDev -7.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

On-tap at the Distiller in Savannah, GA on 1/27/11

A - Dark reddish-brown with a 2-inch fluffy white head. Very nice retention, leaves soapy lacing.
S - Smells of sweet cherry candy, brown sugar, and a slight whiff of red wine vinegar.
T - More sweet cherry with a grainy toasted cereal malt backbone and a touch of vanilla.
M - Slick, with a medium-thin body and low carbonation.
D - Very drinkable, almost like a cherry soda.

Serving type: on-tap

01-28-2011 01:51:46 | More by jsanford

johnmichaelsen

Oregon

4/5  rDev -1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On tap at Max's tonight.

The beer pours a reddish brown color with good head retention and lacing. Don't get a whole lot on the nose, but what I get is attractive. I get considerable cherry and strawberry, along with some very light vinegar. The flavor profile replicates the nose pretty closely, though it's a bit more sweet and fruity than I expected (a good thing in my book). There's some light sour funk in the finish, but it's very light (thankfully), and helps to balance and counter the sweet fruit pretty nicely. Mouthfeel is no more than medium bodied, and the beer finishes very cleanly and well. Drinkability is quite good, with the alcohol no more than an afterthought.

Very easy to take...

Serving type: on-tap

12-08-2010 23:47:52 | More by johnmichaelsen

johncampbell

Kentucky

5/5  rDev +23.8%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

This beer changed my life, or at least my drinking habits. It is my favorite beer (and brewery) in the world. I gave this beer all 5's because, in my opinion, it can't get any better than this. "Classic" is an understatement, this is the epitome of a Flemish Sour.

Beautiful dark amber-brown color with a nice cream-colored head and elegant lacing.

Aroma of tart fruit, wine vinegar, funk, and faint oak with flavors much the same:

puckering sour funkiness like tart cherry, sour apple, toasted wood, sweet malt, and horse blanket blended together in a dirty bucket. Delicious! Bites you right behind the ears.

It's very effervescent, but medium-bodied with a rich, creamy mouthfeel.

The most drinkable beer I know. I never get tired of it and I can never get enough.

The only place I've ever had it on tap was at the New Albanian Brewing Company Public House (formerly known as Rich O's Public House)

Serving type: on-tap

09-28-2010 01:59:20 | More by johncampbell

glid02

Georgia

4/5  rDev -1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On-tap at the Porter in Atlanta.

Pours a clear brownish-amber color with a one-finger cream-colored head. The head recedes into a thin layer on top leaving decent lacing.

Smells of mild vinegar and good amounts of tart cherry flavors. Very light hints of oak aromas waft out every now and then.

Tastes similar to how it smells. Mild dark malt flavors kick things off and are joined quickly by tart cherry flavors. Midway through the sip very light hints of oak work their way into things, carrying through to a mildly tart ending.

Mouthfeel is good. It's got a nice thickness with smooth carbonation.

Drinkability is also good. I finished my glass without any problems and could have another.

Overall I remember this one being more tart than it was here, it's a bit too subdued for the style. Still, it's a well made beer that's worth a shot, especially for those just getting into sours.

Serving type: on-tap

08-03-2010 21:16:56 | More by glid02

TMoney2591

Illinois

3.68/5  rDev -8.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Served in a tumbler at ChurchKey.

Finally, a place that has this on tap so that I don't have to buy a bottle (I'm cheap). You rock, CK! It pours a seemingly clear, though rather dark, ruby topped by over a finger of tan foam. The nose comprises light vinegar, mandarin oranges, pineapple, maple syrup, sour grapes, and raspberries. The taste begins with some o' those sour grapes and vinegar notes, followed by some wheat, lightly roasted malts, and nutmeg. The body is a light medium, with a light moderate carbonation and a sticky finish. Overall, a tasty Flemish offering, but not necessarily something I see myself drinking too often.

Serving type: on-tap

07-28-2010 04:49:35 | More by TMoney2591

drabmuh

Maryland

4.1/5  rDev +1.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Never had this on tap before. Beer is dark red and mostly clear with no head, no lacing and minimal carbonation. Looks fine.

Aroma is a little sweet and mildly acetic. I was hoping for more acid but its the young one so I guess I don't get that.

Beer is light in body and mildly acetic, sweet on the front end and slightly tart on the back. Its highly drinkable and really nice. The other is considerably more sour but this is a perfectly serviceable beer.

Serving type: on-tap

06-23-2010 18:29:04 | More by drabmuh

DefenCorps

Oregon

4.15/5  rDev +2.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

You know you're in luck when you walk into a pizzeria and see they have this beer and the Ommegang Witte on tap, and a part of their $5 slice-and-a-pint special. I then found out that it was $7 for a slice and a 9oz pour, but oh well, that still is a great deal.

The pour is solid, mildly hazy deep red with a thin beige head that vanishes quite rapidly. The nose is quite excellent, a beautiful blend of vanilla, brown sugar, cherries, red wine and a little vinegar. Tannin character is quite low, this is fruity, tart and quite vinous. These flavors are replicated on the palate, opening vinous along with vanilla, cherries, brown sugar, and drying on the finish with a some vinegar. Medium-light in body with a moderate level of carbonation, this beer is just very very enjoyable and very refreshing. I've had aged bottles of this, and I have to admit, I like this better fresh.

Serving type: on-tap

02-12-2010 02:29:20 | More by DefenCorps

DmanGTR

New York

3.73/5  rDev -7.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Review from notes (10/15/09) from Belga Cafe in DC.

A - very clear, garnet red with 1" off-white head. Dimished to a thin bubbly cap after a few minutes. 4.0

S - lots of red wine aroma. Tart and acidic, with a touch of funk. Hint of oak and relatively clean. 4.0

T - Not as pronounced as the aroma and the red wine/grape taste is prominent. Well balanced but is quite subdued in this department. 3.5

M - mildly watery. Not as full bodied as the aged version in the bottle. Smooth carbonation. 3.5

D - quite good. 4.0

Serving type: on-tap

02-10-2010 15:52:51 | More by DmanGTR

david18

New York

4.65/5  rDev +15.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

I was so happy to see this beer on tap! It was as the Amsterdam Ale House in Manhattan and almost no one knew what a big deal it was. Served in a custom Rodenbach 10 oz glass. Aroma and flavor are intensely sour with great malt character.

It's great to have a beer with so much character and complexity with a session-level alcohol by volume.

Eight dollars for ten ounces and worth every penny of it.

Serving type: on-tap

11-22-2009 22:34:16 | More by david18