Rodenbach Alexander
What the brewers say
“This mixed-fermentation beer consists of two thirds beer that was matured in oak casks for 24 months and one third young beer, and has been subjected to maceration with sour cherries. This extraordinary beer has a unique, balanced palate, complex finish, and subtle fruit and wood. Its aftertaste is reminiscent of a Burgundy wine, and its freshness makes this beer the perfect aperitif or accompaniment to cheeses or dessert.”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “Big cherries—like someone just threw a cherry pie in your face, in a pleasant way! Deep stone-fruit aroma. Tartness with just a touch of sweetness.”
Flavor: “Cherry flavor is relatively restrained compared to the aroma. There’s a nice underlying melanoidin malt sweetness with hints of dried fruit, and this pairs nicely with the pie-cherry sweetness. The sourness balances well. Light hops bitterness somewhat balances the sweetness.”
Overall: “If you like cherries, this is a beer for you. It’s not a one-note wonder, though; there’s a nicely crafted beer underneath that balances well with the fruit and adds dark malt complexity.”
