Amsterdam Framboise - Amsterdam Brewing Company

Seanstoppable

Nova Scotia (Canada)

1.7/5  rDev -51.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 1.5 | overall: 1.5

Some family members in Ontario are big fans of the Raspberry wheat beers that are available locally. Given that they only visit once a year, I have been trying to find them something in their area that would act as a reasonable substitute. This is the latest attempt.

Pouring into a glass results in a dark, opaque red color with a finger of fizzy head.

Scent was raspberry, but a very sour raspberry. Given that the bottle was clear, that might be part of the cause.

Taste was a very sour, tart raspberry taste, almost syrupy in nature. Sourness continues through into the aftertaste, lingering. There was also a weird carbonation taste that I can't quite define.

This is like the complete opposite end of the spectrum for a raspberry wheat beer in comparison to their KLB brand (which I thought was a very weak tasting Raspberry Wheat). Perhaps if they managed to find some happy median between the two flavors they would have something better, but currently I found it very unappetizing and have no plans to try this again.

Serving type: bottle

08-15-2009 19:07:09 | More by Seanstoppable

Viggo

Ontario (Canada)

1.9/5  rDev -46.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2

Pours a hazy ruby red, very small off white head forms and leaves, some spotted lace on the glass. Smell is raspberry juice and I couldn't pick up anything else. Taste is the same, not much more than fermented raspberry juice. Mouthfeel is light bodied, medium carbonation and pretty watery. Not recommended.

Serving type: bottle

10-18-2005 15:14:00 | More by Viggo

TerryW

Ontario (Canada)

2.55/5  rDev -27.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 2 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2

Great presentation in a sharp looking ceramic flip top bottle. Also comes out of the bottle looking pretty darn good. Attractive red colour, pinkish tan head.

Good whiff of raspberries on pouring, much more subtle after that. Smells quite promising.

Past that, however, I'm afraid it didn't work for me. Came across as quite harsh and chemical in nature with a metallic bitterness. Not enough raspberry in there for my liking. None of the subtleties I would expect from a decent fruit lambic.

It's a big bottle and I had a hard time working my way through it. Couldn't even give it away. Stopped trying after a few too many negative reactions.

This is the second raspberry wheat I've tried and I was equally disappointed in the other. Maybe I just can't appreciate the style or the particular recipe.

Sorry, but not recommended.

Serving type: bottle

01-20-2004 04:50:01 | More by TerryW

Popsinc

Ontario (Canada)

3.23/5  rDev -8.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Appearance: 750ml bottle. Poured a ruby red with lots of carbonation. The head was light pink.

Smell: The nose was sweet but not overpowering. A touch of raspberry jam in there somewhere. Overall the fruity smell was mild if not hidden.

Taste: Very little of anything up front. Then, and very quickly, the beer turns slightly fuity and very tangy. Not tangy as in tart, but tangy as in almost sour. The finish disappears before i even get the chance to savour any raspberry hints that may be present.

Mouthfeel: Fizzy and then smooth. It leaves a dry finish at the back of my mouth.

Drinkablilty: Today is a very hot day (35 degrees C) and this beer isn't cutting it. I just can't get inot this beer. Given the choice there are other fruit beers i would much rather drink.

Serving type: bottle

06-25-2003 08:51:44 | More by Popsinc

jcalabre

California

3.4/5  rDev -3.7%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

This beer is beautifully packaged in a white ceramic 750ml resealable bottle. Upon opening, the wonderful aroma of raspberries hits you. In the glass, the color is dark red, with some brown notes in the background. It is not transparent but a bit hazy.
The flavor is decidedly sour, which is no surprise for a lambic. However, the raspberry is missing, in my opinion from the flavor. I was expecting more raspberry taste.

Serving type: on-tap

10-20-2003 04:26:25 | More by jcalabre

Goldorak

Quebec (Canada)

3.43/5  rDev -2.8%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Thanks to Northyorksammy for trading this off with me.

Appearance: Brownish amber with a little bit of reddish hues, the head was soapy and didn't last long.

Smell: Raspberry jam with tons of pectin, like the brand I usually prefer, it just smells fruity and sweet, and thankfully not a fake raspberry flavored extract odor, this smells like the real McCoy. Maybe I spotted a little hops in there but it was faint at best.

Taste: Very lively carbonation, which helps tame a lot of the cloying fruit flavors, it tastes like those fruity zinfandels they sell for a dollar a gallon in the states. Refreshing, and my girlfriend liked it a lot. I wouldn't drink tons of the stuff but on a hot summer day by the pool, why not.

Serving type: bottle

11-15-2005 01:03:55 | More by Goldorak

peensteen

Ontario (Canada)

3.48/5  rDev -1.4%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Pours a bright red, one finger of white head, dissipates quickly, no lace to speak of. Smell is of raspberry, malty, hoppy notes, slight grassy presence, sour notes are there from time to time. Taste is tart raspberry, slightly sour, mild hop bitterness, malty finish. Mouthfeel is light to medium, high carbonation, good weight and syrupy at points. Good overall, not my favorite but it is pleasant and refreshing and I would have it again down the road.

Serving type: bottle

04-14-2011 00:08:13 | More by peensteen

kwjd

Ontario (Canada)

3.5/5  rDev -0.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Had this on tap at Volo. I somehow haven't ever tried this beer and I've seen it 1000 times. Pours a reddish-orange colour with very thin pink'ish head. Mild lacing on the glass. Smells of raspberry with some bready/grainy malt. Flavour is of sweet and tart raspberry mainly. Carbonation is a bit high. Overall a nice enough fruit beer.

Serving type: on-tap

02-02-2011 16:38:55 | More by kwjd

northyorksammy

Ontario (Canada)

3.53/5  rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Lambicy on the sourish side, which people who like it like it for this reason Dark pink, and some lighter pink foam, and lace. Definite aroma and some real raspberries in thereI had a year later and it was understated in carbonation at Victory Cafe, which I generally lkie, Soda pop sweetish., Raspberry syrup.
Much bolder raspberry taste put in Cask Days 2008

Serving type: on-tap

08-17-2006 00:57:00 | More by northyorksammy

biegaman

Ontario (Canada)

3.53/5  rDev 0%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

The beer's appearance wouldn't necessarily suggest that anything artificial was used, or not much of anything anyhow. Its reddish hue isn't inherently plastic or pretended; it looks far more at place in an Irishman's beard than a bowl of bubbly, market-fresh raspberries. Its head - where any exists - is without any complementing colour.

The isn't much synthetic about the aroma either. Sadly, there also isn't too much grabbing about it. That's not to say it isn't pleasant, but it doesn't have the sweet and enticing (albeit sickly and simulated) fruitiness of most commercial fruit beers nor does it have the distinctive, good in its own right base beer that fruit lambics provide...

But something about it works for me. As well as raspberries I note black cherry and dark caramel, both flavours that also appear in the taste. Its flavour, however, unlike its aroma, does not work for me. Some of that synthetic sweetness might have been welcomed, some of that unmalted wheat too. This is good but painfully average and unexciting.

Most brewers lower the alcohol content on their fruit beers, Amsterdam has raised it. I like that. For one, it can't be detected and secondly, it seems to have added some body to a style that is often far too watery and light. There is also a smidgen of tartness that is most appreciated (and nearly disguises the element of diacetyl).

This isn't quite your typical commercial fruit beer - it has more body and less artificial fruit - but it's still one more likely to appeal to casual, summertime drinkers than anyone who has a strong appreciation for the art of malted beverages. Although aspects of it should appeal to both crowds, I doubt it's something that will please either category of drinkers.

Serving type: bottle

10-13-2006 19:56:03 | More by biegaman

crwills

Ontario (Canada)

3.53/5  rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

On tap at Victory Cafe. Surprised to see this was 6.5%, as it seemed much lighter. Poured a deep red with a pinkish bubbly head into a thin glass. Aroma is fairly one-dimensional -- raspberries and champagne. Both the aroma and flavour carry real raspberry flavour and not just artificial flavouring; definite seedy, wild notes of real fruit in there. High on the carbonation level, but not bad for the style. One of the more enjoyable, drinkable fruit beers I've had. Worth trying, and I'd like to get my hands on one of the cool white swing-tops if they still exist.

Serving type: on-tap

09-21-2007 17:59:42 | More by crwills

hopdog

Pennsylvania

3.55/5  rDev +0.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

341ml bottle acquired in trade with radiomgb (thanks!).

Poured a darker reddish color with a brown tinge to it and a smaller sized pinkish head. Aromas of sweet and tart raspberries. I like the way the aroma is. Tastes of sweet raspberries and other berries. Light tart finish. Syrupy body. Not that bad for a fruit beer.

Notes from 8/9/07

Serving type: bottle

11-20-2008 02:10:57 | More by hopdog

Phyl21ca

Quebec (Canada)

3.58/5  rDev +1.4%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5

750ml ceramic bottle bought at the LCBO. Cork open with a huge pop, poured a medium pink beer with a super huge head with excellent retention. Carbonation is just perfect and aroma is great with what I can tell are real raspberry. Taste is not too sweet but still very refreshing with just enough tart. Limited hops but then that is to be expected of a fruit beer. This is a truly great fruit beer but the alcohol is just a bit too strong too make it truly great. Very good beer to enjoy during summertime.

Serving type: bottle

07-05-2004 15:08:45 | More by Phyl21ca

allergictomacros

Ontario (Canada)

3.58/5  rDev +1.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

A - Cloudy red with a big rocky head of foam. Drops quickly though.

S - Nose is very raspberry fruity, with a hint of earthiness.

T - A little tart up front but not lactic - more like some sour fruit. Lots of raspberries and maybe a hint of bitterness in the finish.

M - A bit on the astringent side with a sharp carbonation and light body.

D - Easy drinking, refreshing brew, but seems somewhat lacking. Needs something to give it some extra oomph.

Serving type: bottle

08-15-2008 00:26:48 | More by allergictomacros

psugrad98

Pennsylvania

3.6/5  rDev +2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

I first have to say that I am not a big fan of raspberries.
Dark red in color with medium head, smells of fresh raspberries. Lollipop like mild sweetness is nicely blended with a hint of maltness. Tart and refrehshing. I like this blended with Guinness. 50-50

Serving type: on-tap

06-05-2002 11:54:00 | More by psugrad98

biboergosum

Alberta (Canada)

3.6/5  rDev +2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

On-tap at C'est What.

This beer appears a clear light amber hue, with one finger of soapy white head, which renders not a speck of lace it its retreat. It smells of light green raspberry essence, and a bit of bready malt. The taste is sweet grainy malt, and strained cooked raspberry. The carbonation is moderate, the body medium weight, but thinning somewhat towards the end, and it finishes off-dry, with a fruity malt push.

Kind of thin, but definitely redolent of raspberry, and easy enough to drink.

Serving type: on-tap

02-08-2010 01:52:08 | More by biboergosum

baiser

Massachusetts

3.63/5  rDev +2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a neat looking ceramic bottle. Body is deep ruby red, with a pinkish white head. Aroma is loaded with sweet, fresh raspberries and a slight sourness. Taste is moderately tart, with a tonne of raspberry flavour. Ends astringent, and slightly bitter from the alcohol. Carbonation is just right. Would've liked to seen a little more tartness. Interesting fruit beer nonetheless.

Serving type: bottle

05-09-2005 04:37:33 | More by baiser

Mit

Ontario (Canada)

3.78/5  rDev +7.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

Grabbed this pricey offering at an LCBO in Hamilton.

Pours a really nice looking ruby red colour with a pinkish lasting head.

Sourish raspberry reaches the nostrils first....very nice....Not overwhelming

Raspberry dominates the palate but there are hints of other dark fruits...slight burn of alcohol at the back end...very slight. Very refreshing....

Mouthfeel is perfect for the abv.

Overall I loved this beer....you probably couldn't drink too many of them before you got sick of em but I could def handle a couple bottles of this in a row. The price would be an obstacle for me at times I think.

Serving type: bottle

05-19-2013 19:42:44 | More by Mit

JustinBathurst

Ontario (Canada)

3.83/5  rDev +8.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Bought a couple of these in 341 mL bottles straight from the brewery.

Pours a nice brownish-red with a lightly pink head of pearls. Aroma has that raspberry beer tart with cough syrup and sour apple.

Body is nice and crisp, with a slight slick on the tongue. Good carbonation here.

Taste is just a bit sweet (not too much at all) and mostly citrus, some bitterness on the finish. A bit of an earthy tone in the aftertaste that lingers--the only really unpleasant note. Doesn't bash you over the head like Belle Vue (something more likely attributed to Amsterdam's more natural approach). Instead it has a pleasant and enjoyable taste that could allow you to drink more than one. Nice.

Serving type: bottle

05-25-2004 03:07:42 | More by JustinBathurst

Antilochus

Ontario (Canada)

3.83/5  rDev +8.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Bottle from the LCBO. 6.50% abv, 341mL clear twist bottle. Fridge temp into a wine tumbler.

Looked a lot more red in the bottle. Maroonish now, with a tan/pinkish head. Quickly to cloud and collar.

Raspberries are up front. A bit sour and seedy, not syrupy like other framboises I've had. You know which one. Yeasty, a hint of bread.

Big carbonation. Definitely rather sour, less sweet than the nose which is rather nice. Alcohol very well hidden. Finish is long and balanced.

Let's just say that this puts fruit wine to shame.

Serving type: bottle

06-06-2008 19:47:42 | More by Antilochus

the42ndtourist

Ontario (Canada)

3.85/5  rDev +9.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

this had a fairly bright red colour, with a small amount of head. The smell was strongly raspberry, with a taste of a tart raspberry. Very much a natural taste, just quite strong. Good to drink, but not more than one or two at a time...

Serving type: on-tap

08-13-2002 19:00:43 | More by the42ndtourist

3Vandoo

Quebec (Canada)

3.88/5  rDev +9.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Sampled it at Goldorak's, with Gordero, Beersignal.

First of all this is a weird beer, appearance reminds me of a rasperry carbonated juice. Little head that left right away, smell of rasperries of course, actually it smells like rasperry jam. Open a jar of jam and put your nose in and take a deep smell it is the same experience.

Taste is very fruity of course, rasberrish, carbonated, refeshing.

Serving type: bottle

11-18-2005 22:58:46 | More by 3Vandoo

cyrenaica

Ontario (Canada)

3.88/5  rDev +9.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12oz draught
6.5% ABV
I tried this beer on August 1, 2008 at "Smokeless Joe's" in Toronto, Ontario, Canada. The beer poured a deep semi-translucent red with a thick pink head. The aroma was raspberry with a malt hint. The mouthfeel was medium bodied, and highly carbonated. The flavour was sour raspberry, and a little grainy malt.

Serving type: on-tap

07-06-2009 18:15:22 | More by cyrenaica

pootz

Ontario (Canada)

3.9/5  rDev +10.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Ceramic swing top .75 liter bottle...no date code or freshness best before date. The pour reveals a brilliant berry red liquid with amber shades...leaves a rocky light pink head that reduces to a fine lace and ring that virtually disappear half way through the drink. Mildly carbonated...just right for this type of drink...carbonation does not detract from the falvor departures. Nose is of fresh crushed berrys which seem to dominate the aroma. Starts very fresh and tart filled with sour berry and mildlt sweet malts then the mouth feel becomes silky but very dry with just hints of malt and light hopping...the finish is crisp of medium duration where the berries slowly give way to a dry malty aftertaste mingling with the fruit acerbity...very nice summer drink for the patio with mixed company....or good for serving with desert. Once of the best fruit beers I’ve seen domestically.

Serving type: bottle

08-01-2004 23:47:16 | More by pootz

bobsy

Ontario (Canada)

3.93/5  rDev +11.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Bottle at Volo. Ruby coloured pour with a foamy white head - reminded me somewhat of the nicely rhyming St. Ambroise Frambroise. Retention seems to be somewhat limited, but a few spots of lace are laid down, and it does look good in a flute. Smells of real raspberries, not syrup, and very little else. Tastes of real raspberries, and maybe a little bit of grain in the finish. Body is light with a medium-soft carbonation. Surprisingly nice and refreshing, but definitely one for the summer months.

There's really not much that can be said about Amsterdam Framboise. Its a very pleasant fruit beer, with a straightforward flavour, and seemingly natural contents. It lacks the tartness and intensity of something like a Lindeman's, but it also veers away from the saccharine nature of a Chapeau. Its just a good, honest Summer beer for those moments you feel like something that doesn't particularly taste like a beer.

Probably one of Amsterdam's finest offerings.

Serving type: bottle

03-26-2008 20:17:37 | More by bobsy