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

flagmantho

Washington

4.1/5  rDev +1.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured from 750mL corked & caged bottle into a tulip.

Appearance: deep, deep amber hue, bordering on brown. Body is clear and head is two thick fingers of creamy tan foam. Looks quite nice.

Smell: sweet caramel malt aroma with a bit of tartness around the edges. Hints of cherry and raspberry are present as well; quite nice indeed.

Taste: smooth, sweet malt right up front with a nice maltiness with caramel and bready qualities. Tartness is light but enticing, and there's a light toastiness at the end. Dynamic and appealing.

Mouthfeel: medium-light body with a well-integrated carbonation yielding a bursting creaminess. The cream is pretty low-density, but overall it's very nice.

Overall: on paper this is a good but not ground-breaking beer, but I feel like there are good intangibles here. This beer is a tad sweet, perhaps, but overall I like it very much.

Serving type: bottle

05-26-2012 03:44:18 | More by flagmantho

spdyfire83

Ireland

3.28/5  rDev -18.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

215th Review
25cl bottle shared at Akkurat with a great crew
Poured in a stemmed glass
Enjoyed on 9 May 2012

Vintage: 1992 (I hadn't reached double-digits in age yet when this was brewed/bottled)
Best before: 20-08-94

A: Deep brown. Single (frothy white) fingernail head on medium pour.

S: Currants, toasted almond, apple, and cherry. Smells nice for a 20 year old brew!

T: Leathery, dull, and boring. Dried dark fruit and soft vinegar, but that's about it. This has seen better days.

M: Medium/full body with soft carbonation.

O: Age got the best of this with regards to taste, but the smell is still holding up quite well. Either way, it was a fun beer to try and the oldest I've enjoyed to-date.

Serving type: bottle

05-18-2012 20:12:12 | More by spdyfire83

tbeckett

Ontario (Canada)

3.53/5  rDev -12.4%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

Bottle from a shop in Melbourne. From notes.

A - Poured a deep mahogany colour. One finger of beige head and good carbonaiton. Spotty lace and no retention.

S - Tart, oak, some cherry-ish fruits. Good sweetness.

T - Sweet cherry candy. Quite sweet. A little tartness towards the end. Oak, dark fruit as well. Barny a bit. Lot's more sweetness than expected. Lacking balance of tart and oaky notes to balance sweetness.

M - Good carbonation, light to medium body and dry, short finish.

O/D - Not bad. Lacks depth of better examples of the style but otherwise a good intro to the style.

Serving type: bottle

05-18-2012 01:08:13 | More by tbeckett

ehammond1

California

3.78/5  rDev -6.2%
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

jonb5

United Kingdom (England)

3.5/5  rDev -13.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

250ml bottle, poured into Leffe chalice. Dark mahogany colour, a bit like red wine with a brown tint, small tanned head which disappeared fast, clear from the top but thick from the side. Smelled malts and red wine. Tasted grape, was like a light sour red wine, notes of oak, yeasty sour finish. Mouthfull smooth with deceptive carbonation. Overall I'd say the more I get used to the sourness the better I like it.

Serving type: bottle

05-09-2012 09:08:44 | More by jonb5

Tschnab

New York

4.3/5  rDev +6.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A- A dark red color with a half inch of off colored head and no lace.

S- The aroma is apple cider vinegar, green apples, rasberries, toasted oak.

T- The taste here is not nearly as sour as the grand cru, or even as sour as the nose implies. It has light apple cider vinegar notes, as well as tart rasberries, and an herbal note, almost like a rasberry hibiscus tea. Oak is there on the finish just as it is on the grand cru, although not quite as pronounced.

O- I love this beer. It is the perfect introduction to sours, but not a true sour. I drink it like a world class session beer. Extremely complex and refreshing.

Serving type: bottle

05-08-2012 14:13:31 | More by Tschnab

homebrew311

Illinois

3.93/5  rDev -2.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured into tulip glass. Appears a deep maroon with mild clarity. Tan head persists nicely with spotty lacing left behind. The nose is heavy with notes of red grapes, a touch of vinegar and oak is present as well along with some sweetness in the back. The taste has a mild tartness which mingles with a considerable amount of fruity sweetness. Tons of grape character all over, finish falls a little flat with almost a watery character. The mouth feel is less carbonated than I would hope for this style, the body is light. Overall, this is a drinkable and affordable Flanders Red. It is very approachable for those interested in the world of sours but not ready for overly mouth puckering brews.

Serving type: bottle

05-04-2012 05:35:13 | More by homebrew311

thecheapies

Pennsylvania

4.43/5  rDev +9.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Best before 08.22.12

Dark antique reddish-mahogany body with a rich light sepia head of two fingers. Looks great. 4.0

Tartness from balsamic vinegar notes and sour cherry. Some great tannic, vinous qualities and sprite oaky barrel aroma. 4.5

Vinegary and fruity. Really smoothed out and balanced with a bit of age on it. Not super-puckering or ballsy oak bitterness. More suggestion of tart cherry and red currant. The oak vats are right there in the taste. This is a wonderfully mature and complex beer. 4.5

Nice balance between body and carb, although both are on the thin side. Alcohol well-hidden. Drinks very easily, but you want to savor it. 4.0

My first Belgian love. A beer I've been drinking since I turned legal. A great Flanders Red. 4.5

Serving type: bottle

04-27-2012 02:56:17 | More by thecheapies

dbossman

Nebraska

4.08/5  rDev +1.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A: Dark mahogany color with a huge and dense and beautiful light brown head--so creamy and the lacing is subsequently intricate and beautiful

S: Tart apples, cherries, pears with a touch of cider vinegar; this smells fruity and tart and slightly sweet and earthy and musty and grainy; let's go

T: Not near as tart as aromas indicated but still plenty of tart fruits--actually a bit woody and bready too; some slight banana and bubble gum in the finish

F: Creamy with light carbonation but a touch thin

O: A very drinkable and accessible sour; obviously not as sour as the Grand Cru--though the aroma hinted like it might be--but still a nice, balanced example of the style

Serving type: bottle

04-12-2012 20:16:51 | More by dbossman

srandycarter

California

3.7/5  rDev -8.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A - Reddish brown, clear, small near white head, only a ring. No lace.

S - Sharp start nice round malt surrounding it. Musky note observed as well.

T - Juicy, malty, small bite at end. Nice, but nothing extreme.

M - Medium body, lower carb than would have liked, ok balance.

D - Liked it, but wouldn't actively seek it out again.

Serving type: bottle

04-12-2012 05:36:30 | More by srandycarter

jtierney89

New Jersey

3.65/5  rDev -9.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

pours a very murk brown with a white head. best before date 08-22-12. Lots of tart sweetness on the nose. Some citrus, raisins, lemon rind, green apples. Mildy tart, not over the top tasting. Low amount of effervescence. Malty sweetness up front, almost buttery, slides around the sides of the tongue and bright fruit sourness kicks in to balance. A wave of subtlety (for a sour anyway). Hidden notes of oak, lots of deep complex flavors if you wanna look for them. Pretty smooth and well balanced. I usually don't like sours but the sour flavors lend a nice balance to this one.

Serving type: bottle

04-09-2012 02:49:38 | More by jtierney89

JoeBCBC

Pennsylvania

4.43/5  rDev +9.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

One of my first of the style that I've tried.

I love the aroma of sour cherries and malt sweetness. You can taste the base brown ale and almost seperate it form the sourness. After Trying numerous other sour beers, I can always come back to this one. Great for a refreshing experience in hot weather or for something special over dinner.

Serving type: bottle

04-05-2012 13:57:17 | More by JoeBCBC

kc44

Pennsylvania

4.13/5  rDev +2.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Deep reddish brown, not quite opaque, no head, didn't really expect one on a beer like this one. Really nice fruity aroma, but kind of one dimensional, not picking up any funk or wood, maybe just a touch of yeast. Exceptionally delicious beer, and while I appreciate subtlety in a brew with sour character, they don't all need to be special occasion bottles that demand constant attention and reflection. This is an outstanding go to just-felt-like-a-sour beer. What I'm trying to say is that no, this isn't a hall of fame Belgian sour, but yes, it tastes absolutely incredible and is an outstanding value. What it lacks in a depth comparison to the grand cru it makes up for in casualness. Anyway, great medium body on this beer, very pleasant carbonation. All in all, like I was saying, a totally worthwhile beer, but if you came for the funk you might leave disappointed. If you wanted the sweet-tart beer combo in a sessionable beer at a legit price, this is your huckleberry.

Serving type: bottle

03-27-2012 03:20:41 | More by kc44

Airedoggie

Wisconsin

3.93/5  rDev -2.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A - A dark brown-red pour with a short-lived reddish head and slight lacing.

S - Aroma of sour cherries and a hint of grapes, followed up with a very mild yeast scent.

T - A tart and lightly sweet cherry taste followed with a bit of sourness. A nice earthy yeast and oakiness on the back end.

M - Medium-bodied, well-carbonated with a complex creamy texture and a dry finish

O - An easy drinking Flemish sour. Not as sophisticated as the Gran Cru but a nicely balanced and surprisingly complex beer.

Serving type: bottle

03-26-2012 18:55:21 | More by Airedoggie

Thorpe429

Illinois

4.25/5  rDev +5.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Bottle from Connecticut Avenue in DC. Served in a Rodenbach tumbler.

Pours a fairly-clear mahogany color with a nice off-white head with pretty good retention and a nice bit of lacing. The nose brings some beautiful notes of cream with some cherry, oak, and light vanilla. Touch of acidity, balanced between lactic and acetic. Really nice.

The flavor brings a beautiful combo of cherry and oak with accompanying acidity. Body is nice and creamy with some perceived fruit sweetness. Dry finish after a somewhat-chewy body. Really a great example of the style.

Serving type: bottle

03-24-2012 02:14:04 | More by Thorpe429

hardy008

Minnesota

3.15/5  rDev -21.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Brown with ruby highlights and a two finger foamy tan head with good retention and spotty lacing. Smells like sour and sweet cherries, vinegar, oak, and vanilla.

The taste for some reason is not as strong as the aroma. Tastes like sweet and sour cherries, oak, and vanilla, but it seems somewhat weaker than the aroma suggested. Still has a decent flavor, but it isn't tart enough.

Light bodied with modest carbonation. Almost watery. This is not as good as the Grand Cru, in fact it isn't even close. That's not to say that this is a bad beer, but it pales in comparison to the Grand Cru.

Serving type: bottle

03-16-2012 01:41:39 | More by hardy008

Swim424

Florida

3.78/5  rDev -6.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured into Ommegang chalice

A-dark red, almost brown. small head that fell quickly

S-Vinegar, very sour. Not much else to it.

T-Not as sour as I was expecting. Tastes alot like a champagne. The sour builds into the middle finishing with a maltiness.

MF-High carbonation, very light body. Nice aftertaste.

O-not as powerful as Grand Cru. this is only the second of the style I have had. But this is pretty good.

Serving type: bottle

03-13-2012 04:03:12 | More by Swim424

Rutager

British Columbia (Canada)

3.93/5  rDev -2.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Appearance Pours a deep, deep amber-brown with very little head.

Smell. Sweet and sour berries, apples and a little bit of vinegar and dank wood.

Taste. Slightly tart berries and sour cherry, slightly sweet, just a faint bitter woodyness in the back.

Mouthfeel. Medium body, below medium carbonation, slightly sticky.

Overall. Good beer. A little sweet for me, but I enjoyed it.

Serving type: bottle

03-10-2012 03:48:43 | More by Rutager

SHODriver

California

4.5/5  rDev +11.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A: Pours a deep red, nearly burgundy shade with a small off white head
S: Smells of sour cherries and other berries with a slight sweetness
T: sourness up front with a slight maltiness. Huge sour cherry toward the middle to end with a sort of funky and oaky sour aftertaste.
M: fairly light bodied with soft carbonation
O: A fantastic beer, sour yet balanced and very finely crafted. I'm very happy that I picked up a bottle.

Serving type: bottle

03-03-2012 06:23:26 | More by SHODriver

KickbacksSteve

Florida

4.65/5  rDev +15.4%
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

celticfutblclub

Massachusetts

3.25/5  rDev -19.4%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

A - dark reddish brown body with a tan head which is quickly a thin layer. whats there does leave a good etch on the glass on the way down.

S - big sour notes with a red wine backdrop. sour cherry, apple and grape. candied sugar vinegar are in there as well supported by a passive maltiness.

T - sour grape and cherry and sugary sweetness hit first. quickly dies off in the middle leaving a gap before the malts and some light hops show themselves. not enough punch on this one everything is a little too watery for me

M - light to medium bodied with a good deal of carbonation on this. some puckering from the tartness here but after a sip or two its not overwhelming.

O - meh. its a good beer but there are definitely better flanders reds out there in my opinion.

Serving type: bottle

02-24-2012 22:46:12 | More by celticfutblclub

mlazzaro

Massachusetts

4.23/5  rDev +5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Has a rusty red color. Red almost comes through in head, in a pinkish khaki color. Head holds well and clings to glass. Beer is clearly filtered, (zero sediment) which really negates beneficial cellaring. Smells good and well matured though. Musky maltiness along with sharp yeast notes. Wide range of mouthfeel and flavors from yeast and bacteria varieties. Bitterness is present and suiting to the rest of the beer. Oak isn't too much and really compliments the flavor profile. Aftertaste is pleasant. Solid tart/sour character. I find this to be an approachable beer for anybody, even though it has a true sour beer.

Serving type: bottle

02-17-2012 23:03:24 | More by mlazzaro

JizackFH

New York

4/5  rDev -0.7%
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

Philousa

California

3.93/5  rDev -2.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Pours a dark amber, almost brown with 1/4 finger head and visibly active carbonation in the glass. Dark roasty biscuit malt aroma hides behind sour cherries and currants. I also get light fruit like ripe strawberries. Toasted wheat bread taste holds up sour cherries and currants as described above. Watery, but very creamy due to the yeast and carbonation, this beer finishes wet.

This is to sours what Sierra Nevada is to Pale Ales. Very refreshing and drinkable, not too sour but lots of flavor with a full body. This isn't the most complex sour, but it's a great intro and, eventually, stand by. With such a low ABV, I like finishing my night with a Rodenbach. Go home with the one that brung ya.

Serving type: bottle

02-03-2012 05:08:18 | More by Philousa

tlazaroff

Virginia

3.03/5  rDev -24.8%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

On the nose I get a nice caramel background with a slight tart cherry hint in the tail end of the aroma.

Pours out a brown color, somewhat murky, with a light tan head that dissipates quickly into the beer.

Big sour fruits in the tasting of this beer. Cherries, apricots, peaches, all summer fruits. There is a slight sweetness in the finish, as the sourness doesn't last too long.

Highly carbonated with a medium body, this beer is quite drinkable as well.

Perhaps I shouldn't have drank it right out of the fridge, I think letting it sit would have opened it up a lot.

Serving type: bottle

02-02-2012 06:12:56 | More by tlazaroff