Now here is a strange label for a beer.  It is distinctively seductive and sexy like lambics themselves.  Rose de Gambrinus is a Framboise (raspberry fruited) version of the style.  As I’ve said before, most fruited beers tend to lean towards sweetness or sourness.  Cantillion is of the latter variety, which is, in some people’s estimation, the truer version of the style.  At any rate, it is always a unique experience when one drink a lambic.  At only 5% ABV, it’s still at the higher end of the lambic scale.  Here is my experience:

The Pour: Upon pouring this beer, there was a nice pinkish head (which is always weird to see, no matter how often it occurs).  The head was bubbly and retained well.  The body was a lovely rose-colored beauty.

The Nose:  Sourness on the nose was one of Rose de Gambrinus most enduring impressions.  Touches of berry were present, but not at the same level of something like Lindeman’s version.  I noted on the nose what I can only describe describe as a greasy, oil, machine shop aroma (I know that sounds strange).

The Taste:  Puckeringly sour…this describes the most present quality of the taste on Gambrinus.  However, the sour tartness had some raspberry tones that made a wonderfully restrained appearance early on.  Dry woody tones also created a pretty dry and oaky taste.  On the finish, there was a distinct and sour grapefruit quality.  According to Cantillion’s website, the lambic will dominate and the fruit will recede over time.  I would be interested to taste a fresh bottle; mine was two years-old.

Overall, if you like wonderfully sour and edgy beers, try this one.  This is not the style that many people have come to love.  For those who are used to the sweeter versions like Lindeman’s, expect a mind expanding experience.  As a funny aside, I’ve seen this same label where the woman is wearing a dress.

Mike’s Rating:

Overall Satisfaction: ★★★★½ 


Rating For Style: ★★★★½