Rodenbach Grand Cru - Brouwerij Rodenbach N.V.

Wildman

Ohio

4.08/5  rDev -4.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

This beer poured a very dark amber color and formed an off white foamy head that coated the glass with lace as it subsided. An aroma of chocolate, caramel and cherries. The flavor was of cherries and some malt and the sourness of it is definately there in the finish of the beer.

Serving type: bottle

06-14-2003 17:22:43 | More by Wildman

jcalabre

California

3.85/5  rDev -10.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Originally sampled 19 May 2003. Rodenbach Grand Cru is brown/reddish in color with a vinuous aroma. the sourness on the tongue is quite pleasant. This is a complex brew not for a beginner; however, it is certainly a beer that any serious beer drinker should try.

Serving type: bottle

06-08-2003 18:43:48 | More by jcalabre

BeerResearcher

Massachusetts

3.98/5  rDev -7.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

While this is undoubtedly a finely crafted beer, it smells and tastes similar to a finely crafted sparkling apple wine. It pours a red tinted Oxford. A long-lasting, complex earthy aroma of malt, hops, green apples and a hint of alcohol are unusual for a beer. The medium malt body is thinner than it appears. There's a trace caramel flavor and a light sweetness to meekly counter the strong lemony citrus and acidic bitterness. Tart green apples, pear and oaky wood round out the flavors. A lemony dry clean finish leaves a slightly puckered mouthfeel.

Serving type: bottle

05-27-2003 18:51:49 | More by BeerResearcher

stcules

Italy

3.93/5  rDev -8.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Burgundy colour, compact head.
The smell is acetic, but fresh and with some notes of fruity.
The taste is sparkling, fruity (it seems "fragolino"). Cherry, sour black cherry, lime, apple.
Notes of tannin.
Good aftertaste acid and woody.
Well rounded body.
The result of ageing in wood barrel is manifest in the complexity of the smell and taste.

Serving type: bottle

12-28-2002 12:10:29 | More by stcules

aracauna

Georgia

4.53/5  rDev +5.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Mostly brown body with some reddish characteristics. Head is cream colored with fairly large bubbles. Aroma is very sharp and wine-like. Fruity, but I don't know if it's cherries I'm smelling or just something about the beer that makes me think cherries. Even with that, the fruitiness is much more subtle than in the Alexander. The beer has stinging carbonation that gradually numbs the palate. There's a crisp tartness and again the flavor is very wine-like with some sweetness. The alcohol is pretty assertive in both the nose and in the flavor. I found it hard to believe that this beer was only around 6%. I could easily learn to enjoy this beer.

Serving type: bottle

07-01-2002 10:00:32 | More by aracauna

rastaman

United Kingdom (England)

4.97/5  rDev +15.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Just an amazing beer, and really really complex. Well balanced sourness and hints of cherries, chocolate, and extremely smooth and refreshing, very yummy.

Serving type: bottle

05-23-2002 18:23:54 | More by rastaman

jreitman

California

4.72/5  rDev +10%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

I first had this beer on the recommendation of the bartender at Monk's Cafe in Philadelphia and was immediately intrigued. The beer has a tart, sweer and sour character that comes across in the smell as soon as you start pouring the glass. One of the most unique and enjoyable beers I have had. Hopefully, it will be available in the states again soon.

Serving type: bottle

04-09-2002 17:43:11 | More by jreitman

Todd

Massachusetts

4.95/5  rDev +15.4%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Presentation: 33cl European-style brown bottle. Foil neck and an illustrated label of their famous oak casks.

Appearance: Hazy dark red, almost deep brown in colour with a nice whisp of a white laced head.

Smell: Acidic, sharp fruity aroma. Hints of caramel notes and oak as the beer warms.

Taste: Crisp, dry and refreshingly tart. Has a very intense sourness and a raw cherry juice fruitiness about it. Body is perfectly balanced, full and gentle. A subtle background malt sweetness provides balance. Hops are masked by the instense flavours. Light malt grain and oak flavours as the beer warms. Finishes semi-tart, clean.

Notes: Grand Cru is probably the most famous of the West Flanders red ales. It's made with Vienna malt and 5 yeast strains. It's then aged in massive unvarnished oak casks for over 2 years. Then, it's blended with other 2 year old ales, no young ale addition. There's no fruit in this beer. All fruit flavours are imparted by its unique house blend of yeast strains.

Dear beergod, thank you. This is indeed one of the most refreshing beers on the planet. An absolute must try.

Serving type: bottle

11-25-2000 15:39:08 | More by Todd