Lambrucha - Vanberg & DeWulf

burnheartsMKE

Wisconsin

4.7/5  rDev +25%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

I finally got to stop in at the raved-about, The Map Room and immediately felt right at home. Amazing tap & bottle selection. This place warrants a visit all on it's own, but a quick stop for a Vanberg & DeWulf's Lambrucha was just what I needed to strip away all the Mexican fats & flavors of Arturo's tacos. It's probably one of the most refreshing beers I have ever tried! Two of my favorite yeasty fermented flavors (lambic & kombucha) blended into one low ABV, palate cleansing beverage. Highly recommended if you can find it (apparently it's only currently available in Chicago).

Serving type: on-tap

03-01-2011 04:41:28 | More by burnheartsMKE

weatherdog

Illinois

4.58/5  rDev +21.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

75cl bottle poured into several tulip glasses. A big thanks to Tony for opening up this beer late into a great May tasting.

It pours a hazy golden straw with a bright white head that lasts for a while.

The smell is one of the most interesting things to pass over my nose. While I've had a lot of lambics and drank a lot of tea I am completely unfamiliar with kombucha but very interested. This smells just like it should. It's as if a straight lambic and a black tea got mixed 50/50. It's almost impossible to grade it according to a style but it's totally up to personal preference. In this case I'm all over this blend.

The taste is an intense grapefruit/lemon tart and sourness. There is just a ton of lemon taste to this beer. The tea influence then becomes noticeable. This beer just is the most interesting mindfuck of a beer I've ever had. These two fermented beverages blend perfectly in my mind and I absolutely love this beer and think this isn't the last you see of beer and kombucha blended together.

Serving type: bottle

06-08-2010 07:27:10 | More by weatherdog

avalon07

South Carolina

4.58/5  rDev +21.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

A: Poured from a bottle to a flute glass. Had a pale yellow color and a slightly cloudy texture. There was a big, fizzy/foamy, long-lasting head. Not much lacing to speak of.

S: A super strong, tart, sour aroma. Very, very aromatic.

T: Tasted of citrus, malt, other light fruits, some alcohol esters, a little hops and the advertised tea thrown in. This last element is very mild by comparison. Very tart and a little sour, but extremely vibrant, complex and flavorful.

M: A whole lot of carbonation with a slightly slick finish. Light- to medium-bodied.

O: One of most interesting lambics I've tried in a while. Very focused and very easy to drink.

Serving type: bottle

05-16-2011 12:10:23 | More by avalon07

volklshred

Illinois

4.5/5  rDev +19.7%
look: 2.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Poured a bottle into a wine glass.

a-When i popped the cap it sprayed a sandy/dirt like substance everywhere. It was off putting to say the least, however, the beer poured just fine. The color was that of pineapple juice and totally opaque.

s-Tart grapes, candy, vinegar, citrus fruit, and of coarse tea.

t-I am very impressed by the taste. Much of the nose matches the taste. Fresh citrus fruit juice and a tart vinegar funk that i cant seem to get enough of. This beer is somewhat reminiscent of a qeueze or rene.

m-The medium carbonation quickly subsides to a very clean finish.

d-Can't stop drinking this beer due to the flavor which is refreshing. Its very low alcohol which helps too.

Serving type: bottle

12-09-2010 00:42:21 | More by volklshred

ktrillionaire

Florida

4.43/5  rDev +17.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

I could make no greater endorsement than to say mixing Lambic and Kombucha makes as much sense as mixing iced tea and lemonade; Lambrucha is as successful a marriage as the Arnold Palmer is.

A - It pours a pale golden-copper hue with a big white head that is short-lived. It appears to be a quality Gueuze. Closer inspection reveals the characteristic strands of Kombucha culture. Nice integration of the two components, in terms of visually.

S - It smells quite nice and inviting; it has an obvious refreshing quality. I am getting aromas of the tea, lemon juice and zest, a discernible white pepper and coriander note, and some lactic tartness.

T - It is somewhere between a Lambic and a Berliner, in terms of flavor. The themes of the nose are repeated in taste. It tastes really good. I think it is about as refreshing as a brew could be, and it also fully melds Lambic and Kombucha into a superb libation, while retaining individually identifiable traits of each.

M - Light, effervescent and very refreshing. Tart on the finish.

D - Excellent brew. My favorite Kombucha, G.T.'s Kombucha, has been pulled off of shelves by the FDA as a result of a Lindsay Lohan (seriously!) instigated investigation into alcohol content in the G.T.'s. This Lambrucha quenched my considerable Kombucha thirst, while passing muster relative to my high esteem for Lambic.

Serving type: bottle

07-26-2010 04:54:09 | More by ktrillionaire

woosterbill

Connecticut

4.35/5  rDev +15.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

750ml bottle into an Unibroue tulip. Thanks to JAHMUR for sharing.

A: Hazy pale tangerine body under a thin layer of fine, frothy white head that settles into a ring. Fine.

S: Sour, intensely lemony acidity on top of a distinct aroma that must be from the tea. Nicely herbal, fresh, and vibrant.

T: Lovely fresh tartness, mellow malt, big lemon, and some clean herbal complexity on the finish. Terrific.

M: Light body with a moderate dose of fine, lively effervescence. Great.

O: This was a terrifically refreshing beer, perfect for drinking outside on a warm summer evening. I'd rather have a straight Geuze, of course, but the Kombucha really went well with the vibrant Lambic sourness. Wonderful stuff.

Cheers!

Serving type: bottle

07-31-2011 21:34:48 | More by woosterbill

timtim

District of Columbia

4.33/5  rDev +15.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

wow. great concept. avante guarde and it works for me. hazy burnt gold with some glowing pink highlights. white head that fades pretty quick. Nose is barn, wet hay, lemon, preserved lemon, lemon rind, grapefruit, spice, minerals... sort of like a lambic, but sort of like something else. this is a very tough beer to review, and it must be even harder for people with no experience with kombucha. taste is tart/sour preserved lemon, wet hay/ barn and kombucha. perfectly blended to me. very good job. the line is blurred between what is beer and what is "tea" (or adjunct), and generally, that is the point in specialty/adjunct beers. light-medium body that seems beefed up by the prickly carbonation. supremely refreshing and super easy to drink. think gose, geuze, berliner-weisse with a little twist. great value as well as being a little milder than some of it's relatives, leaving your palate craving for more abuse. it may sound strange, but this beer reminds me of Miles Davis' Bitches Brew. It may seem harsh and biting to someone that doesn't know what they are getting in to, or to a mind that isn't open, but the raw, primal, living essence and soul of this beer speak volumes about where we've been and where we're going. extremely complex and flavorful for a beer with such a low abv. i'll be drinking several of these this summer. AND>>> I agree about this beer being classified wrong. NOT just an unblended lambic. way way way more.

Serving type: bottle

07-13-2010 11:49:42 | More by timtim

Thorpe429

Illinois

4.33/5  rDev +15.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A: Pours a really nice light peach color with only the slightest head and no lacing.

S: slightly acidic with a small amount of funk. Some slight citrus rind and fruit essence, although im having a hard time picking out specifics.

T: didn't really get much tea in he nose but i get a bt of that bitterness here. Again, slight funk and some sourness. More like.a berliner swiss in that regard as opposed to an unblended lambic.

M: mild acidity; nice and light. Fairly low carbonation.

D: all around this is a nice supper and good on a hot summer afternoon. Thanks, Alex.

Serving type: bottle

08-08-2010 17:01:16 | More by Thorpe429

craytonic

District of Columbia

4.33/5  rDev +15.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Appearance: Nice golden-straw-yellow-peach pour with a nice had and a touch of lacing

Smell: Arnold Palmer (ice tea and lemonade) almost, nice light lemon up front with perhaps a touch of orange

Taste: Again, arnold palmer with a touch of funk and a nice sourness. Light bits of funky cheese.

Mouthfeel: Very light, spritzy carbonation. Refreshing.

Overall: Very enjoyable and a charm at 3.5% abv. Well done. I'd love a few in the picnic basket.

Serving type: bottle

05-24-2011 03:44:28 | More by craytonic

gueuzer

Colorado

4.33/5  rDev +15.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Thanks to Lostcook for sharing this!

App- Straw colored with a slight white head.

Sm- Brett dominates in a medicinal way but get notes of grapefruit and mustiness.

Ta- Much more lactic than I was expecting lemons, limes and a bit of wheat. A medicinal bitterness helps to balance it all.

Ov- Really surprised this came from De Troch lambic. I think the kambucha culture really kicked this one up. Hope to find it again.

Serving type: bottle

09-22-2011 01:49:54 | More by gueuzer

Proteus93

Virginia

4.33/5  rDev +15.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A beer that blends two of my favourite beverages... I suppose I go into this a little biased.

A: Poured a somewhat hazy straw hue into a Delirium Tremens snifter. A half finger of head formed just above the plimsoll line, more robust than a typical kombucha, yet a little more fizzy and quick to recede than most beers.

S + T: I picked up a bottle of this from two different locations and tried them on separate occasions. I picked up on an almost 'meaty' quality in both, something of an element in the funkiness. It's got a pretty notable barnyard scent, perhaps some hints of lemon spritzer, modest hay and some white-fleshed fruits. The flavour is very similar, with an additional leathery taste.

M + D: Crisp, with an assertive and lightly sparkling carbonation. Like most sour styled beers, it has a very refreshing finish, with a nice hint of dryness, yet not as puckering as some. I found this to be a fantastic beer, and I hope to see other breweries experimenting with this style. In the meantime, I'll be happy with this.

Serving type: bottle

06-17-2012 00:49:12 | More by Proteus93

drpimento

Wisconsin

4.33/5  rDev +15.2%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Very interesting! Poured at a good temperature with a smallish, off-white head that soon setted to nothing and no lace. Color is a slightly hazy yellow amber and no bubble trails. Aroma is tea, spice, malt and mild. Flavor's similar to nose and the lambic really comes out and works well with the tea. Body and carbonation are great. It's kind of a tea-geuze beer and nicely done. Excellent summer beer.

Serving type: bottle

06-29-2012 01:22:49 | More by drpimento

jgasparine

Maryland

4.3/5  rDev +14.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Note: While others have reviewed this as an Unblended Lambic, this beer is should not be categorized as such. First, it is blended; Second, it is blended with Kombucha (fermented tea), not another lambic, not fruit; which IMO makes this beer more appropriately categorized as a Belgian Specialty Ale. My review was conducted as such.

A- Poured from the bottle with a diffuse white head, which was reasonably retained. The body was almost completely opaque with haze, and otherwise a strong yellow color. No visible carbonation.

S- A pungent nose; ripe with phenolics and esters of wild yeast. Impressions of wet hay, barnyard, and wet tea. Subtler impressions of fermented lemon rind as well. Intriguing... and wildly intense aroma for a 3.5% ABV beer!

T- Strong flavor, despite the fact that this beer was served cold. Starts out with flavors of wet hay, which are quickly overwhelmed by a lactic tartness midway... which ultimately finishes somewhat acetic. The finish is short-lived with a mild vinegar and citrus character. Overall intense, yet oddly "bright" and "clean" in flavor.

M- Would be a thin body if it weren't for the pervasive carbonation, which bumps it up to medium body. The carbonation is so plentiful that this walks the line of "bloating", without ever crossing said line. Moderate astringency here. Overall, this mouthfeel works well with the aroma/flavor profile.

D- Wonderfully tart, crisp and refreshing on a hot summer day. Very drinkable, and AMAZINGLY rich in aroma/flavor for such a low alcohol beer!!!

Serving type: bottle

07-07-2010 02:06:59 | More by jgasparine

Naugros

New Jersey

4.3/5  rDev +14.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

I had this at the Ginger Man in NYC and watched as the bartender opened the bottle and poured it into a stemmed snifter. The foam rose quickly and disappeared just as quickly. "Live beer", she commented as she handed me the glass and the bottle. I asked for a sample glass, so I could pour some for the writer/artist seated next to me. He had kombrucha before so was really interested in this beer.

I picked up my glass and saw a pale straw-colored beer with a lot of carbonation rising up, but not in support of any type of head. The look and feel almost approximated champagne, but not the smell...not in the slightest. This stuff is extremely interesting in aroma and is hard to nail it down in words. A lambic sour comes off with some Brett funk. Some earthy tones appear paired with a citrus/floral scent.

The taste follows the smell and the citrus turns to 7-Up, but not in a bad way at all. You just get it out of the flavor. The major flavor component is the sour. It's a dry sour, but not an over-the-top dry, like Duchess de Bourgogne or Rodenbach Grand Cru. Some sour apple strives to be noticed as a flavor that is at once both floral and earthy is content to sit in back. That must be the tea.

This is one of the most interesting beers I've ever tasted and very satisfying to drink. The whole 22 ounce bottle didn't even give me a buzz, so this one is eminently sessionable and refreshing enough to quench the thirst I built up walking from Penn Station over to East 36th...well worth the walk!

Serving type: bottle

01-26-2012 01:11:59 | More by Naugros

DmanGTR

New York

4.26/5  rDev +13.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25

Review from notes. Had this during our 10 year anniversary.

Poured brilliant hazy yellow, like a deep lemon with a nicely formed white head in my Trappistes Rochefort chalice. Left a touch of lace as it diminished into a thin froth. The nose is quite nice with a huge bouquet. I felt like I was in a citrus stand on a fine mid morning in summer near a farm. Lots of tartness of lemon, orange, and acid that is meshed with the tiniest whiff of a well tended field behind a farm. The quaff is refreshing, crisp, and effervescent. I can easily down the whole glass but I do prefer to savor it. It pairs very well with shrimp cocktail. Overall, a steal for $12/750ml. I will pick up more next time I see it.

Serving type: bottle

02-11-2013 02:40:40 | More by DmanGTR

rtepiak

Poland

4.25/5  rDev +13%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

i think i sat on this bottle for about 6 months

more so lambic yeast dominanated than kombucha and bone dry. very light in color coming in light yellow orange.. nose is crisp ashtray sour with what smells like tire inter tubes when still. mineral bare bones. palate is dry and hunger inducing. wondrous for such a low abv and of rather high standard. a sour most.

Serving type: bottle

04-23-2012 05:19:33 | More by rtepiak

cpetrone84

Pennsylvania

4.22/5  rDev +12.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

A-pours a golden straw colored ale with a bubbly white head.

S-the nose is quite spicy and big, lots of pepper, corriander, notes of lemon, a touch of citrus, fresh ginger in behind.

T-the taste is juicy and fruity. the spice is there, corriander and light pepper, hints of lemon, some lactic acid, light to moderate acidity, peaches, mango, grapefruit sweetness and bitterness.

M-soft, smooth, syrupy, medium body, great carbonation to balance, dry finish.

D-this is a solid beer, lots of good fruits and a nice spice balance with notes of acidity. easy drinking beer and quite good.

Serving type: bottle

07-29-2010 02:33:33 | More by cpetrone84

mrfrancis

Kentucky

4.2/5  rDev +11.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: Pours a pale gold with a slight hint of haze and a thin white head. Once the beer settles in the glass, a tremendous amount of effervescence can clearly be seen. Very active and lively.

S: Interesting to say the least. Aromas of tea, ginger, pepper, lemon, must, and barnyard funk are present on the nose. Smells like no other beer of which I can think.

T: Tart and funky with notes of lemon, unripened grapes, gooseberries, must, salty brine, tea, pepper, minerals, and ginger. The finish is spicy and salty with tea notes blending with citrus and lactic, funky yeast flavors.

M: Light bodied, spritzy, and very dry. Almost chalky on the palate. It feels odd, but is very drinkable.

O: I'm not really certain how to rate this beer. It's unlike anything I've had before. That being said, it is an intriguing and mostly enjoyable brew that is obviously crafted with care. I'd have no problem buying this again.

Serving type: bottle

11-14-2011 02:42:57 | More by mrfrancis

ehammond1

California

4.2/5  rDev +11.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25

Bottle (2012)

Stone Brewing Co.
Escondido, CA

Gold straw with moderate amounts of visible carbonation. Leaves the glass fairly clean.

Lots of mustard seed in the aroma, along with bright, earthy, pepper character, grass, and a touch of pickle. Some acid as well. I really like the way this smells. It may not sound that good on paper, but it really comes together. Very bright and fresh aromas.

The flavor is similarly successful as the aroma, perhaps even more so. Lots of the mustard seed, pepper, and pickle character is well, and it comes together in a very refreshing, bright, quenching fashion. Some grass and some acidic sour character. Lots of kambucha flavor.

Thinner bodied with moderate carbonation.

Fantastic. This is an incredibly successful and delicious experiment.

Serving type: bottle

04-28-2013 20:40:02 | More by ehammond1

mothman

Saskatchewan (Canada)

4.18/5  rDev +11.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Thanks to kbutler1 for sharing this one.

Poured into CCB snifter.

Pours a fizzy white head that fades down fast. Color is a clear golden orange.

Aroma: Some sour notes and oak. The tea flavors are unique, but I like it. It has some hay and barnyard funk to it with slight lemon flavors.

Taste: The funk flavors meld really well with the tea. Some light oak and light medicinal taste.

Mouthfeel: Tart and mouth puckering. Medium bodied with a low to medium amount of carbonation. Ends crisp, a bit dry.

Overall, this beer would be great on a hot summer day. Very refreshing and drinkable. I enjoyed this one.

Serving type: bottle

08-17-2010 21:57:46 | More by mothman

rwmiscik

New Jersey

4.18/5  rDev +11.2%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I love the concept of this beer. Lambic and kombucha is a great idea and works extremely well together. This beer iswell balanced between the sourness from the lambic and the tea. It is a beer I pick up almost every time i go to the liquor store, i just cant get enough of it.

Serving type: bottle

07-03-2011 13:15:37 | More by rwmiscik

ngeunit1

California

4.16/5  rDev +10.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - Clear golden-orange with a finger of frothy white head. Fades fairly slowly.

S - Wheat, lemon zest, sour and funky yeasts, tart green fruit, pepper, kombucha, some spices.

T - Wheat, lemon zest, funky and sour yeasts, kombucha, Belgian yeast, some spices, pepper, tart green fruit.

M - Medium-minus bodied moderate carbonation.Smooth with a dry, tart, and lightly spicy finish.

D - Interesting mix of flavors, but the balance is spot on. Very crisp and refreshing.

Serving type: bottle

02-16-2013 07:24:10 | More by ngeunit1

WYVYRN527

Minnesota

4.13/5  rDev +9.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I've read about this brew many times, and have always wanted to try it. Poured from a 750 ml. bottle into my Russian River glass.

A: Pale straw yellow with a slight haze, with a thick white head that settles slowly. Actually reatins head better than other sours I've tried.

S: A bit of musty funk, with lemon notes and some herbal character.

T: The tea is prominent up front, with some herbal quality and a bit of tannin, while the mid-palate is tart, somewhat funky and slightly grassy. The finish is quite dry and crisp.

Notes: Light to moderate in body with a very clean mouthfeel. It's tart, but not overly so like some younger Lambics tend to be. Very refreshing, and although a bit pricey, It's a perfect sipper for on a hot day. Reminds me a bit of sumac tea. Definitely worth trying.

Serving type: bottle

07-28-2012 04:51:40 | More by WYVYRN527

MbpBugeye

Ohio

4.1/5  rDev +9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This was generously brought to the table by ShareANevada at a recent tasting. This is one of the coolest and most unique ideas for a sour Ive heard of.
EDIT: I found a few bottles of these so this review is now revised as I am reviewing it live.

A- Cloudy and pale/pastel orange. Its really a lot like grapefruit juice. A loose, fizzy head shows up briefly.

S- Right away this beer smells odd and funky. Lots of that spontaneously fermented smell. Lemon and grapefruit juice sourness, dusty yeast, wet hay, and tea. The tea is very strong in the nose. It gives this beer a very herbal smell. There is also plenty of lactic sourness in the smell. The smell gets high marks for being strong and unique.

T- Fairly sour but mostly lots of funk. Lots more of that wet hay, lemon, apples and other light fruits. The tea comes through nicely towards the end leaving you with a green/herbal tea flavor. The beer sort of breaks into two tastes. At first its sour and nearly all lambic then it shifts abruptly to a strong tea flavor.

M- Light, prickly and dry.

D- It is quite easy to drink. The alcohol is very low, its quite refreshing and to me its not offensive. It is strange and it might not be everyone's cup of tea. (no pun intended).

Serving type: bottle

05-28-2010 16:25:42 | More by MbpBugeye

portia99

Massachusetts

4.1/5  rDev +9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

750ml bottle poured into a Duvel tulip.

A - Pours pale golden orangey in color with a mild haze and two fingers of extemely fizzy - snap, crackle, pop! fizzy white head that loudly falls to an uneven skim coat that gets constantly replenished by a steady stream of fresh bubbles eminating from the bottom of the glass.

S - Very, very funky aroma...extreme horse blankets, wet hay, horse manure, wet earth with a bit of floral aromas, some citrus, a dirty kind of tartness. One of the funkier beers I've ever experienced. This smells great!

T - Tart and quite lemony up front. Limes, perhaps other citrus also contribute to the tart fruitiness. Tartness and sourness at a medium intensity level - giving an overall brightness to the flavors and a refreshing, thirst quenching character. A bit puckering and mouth drying on the finish that makes you long for another sip. There is also an herbal coolness that crops up in the middle of each sip (perhaps the tea infusion here). Yeasty and a bit earthy, but sadly, the funk that is so prominent in the aroma is largely missing in the flavor, possibly overpowered by the tart citrus that dominates the flavor profile.

M - On the thin side of medium - definitely not heading towards watery though. Actually a surprising amount of body is present, but within style and desirable. A bit of funk, but mostly tart, lemon/limeade like and a bit yeasty. Carbonation is strong and soda-like - maybe even a bit over the top...getting a bit of a bloated feeling from downing this one in rather short order.

O - This is a bit of a surprise for me. I went into this without a lot of expectations and actually thought it might be a bit gimicky...and maybe it still is. Not sure exactly what the tea added to this. However, I really enjoyed this beer - this makes for a good summer refresher - low alcohol and going down like lemonade. Definitely worth a shot...price point will likely keep me from getting this too often, but I see myself buying this again in the near future.

Serving type: bottle

08-07-2011 22:22:46 | More by portia99