Rodenbach Brewery Caractere Rouge

__Aroma:__ “Clean cherry, with hints of raspberry and lemon tartness. Wet hay and earthy *Brett* funk, cork, wood, and floral notes. Light medicinal aroma, like fluoride. A flowery perfume emerges as it warms, similar to carnations.” __Flavor:__ “Dark, full, rich cherries, with a mix of sweet and tart that’s wine-like. Complex woody background, with deep, dark forest earth and cork, with some Belgian-like wet hay. Lemony acidity, intense lactic, and a big carbonic bite. Very assertive mix of flavors. Good carbonation, and a tart finish that lingers.” __Overall:__ “The cherries were showcased with such a pure cherry flavor. The cherry aroma and flavor with the hay, cork, and earthy funk really work. But the acidity is so intense and almost makes it difficult to drink this otherwise fantastic beer. The balance is excellent, and the medium-dry finish, with the lingering fruit and funk, is out of this world.”

“Green tobacco-like notes in the nose with hints of tar, wet hay, light fruit. Rustic and earthy with hints of smoke, leather, dried fruit, and a rich umami mushroom finish. Soft tartness lingers on the tongue as pineapple but blends well.”

**Aroma:** “Light ginger, honey floral, and vanilla notes balanced with very light pepper phenols, a bit of banana, and light pear. Some alcohol and a hint of solvent/acetone. Honey with malt notes and a bit yeasty in aroma.” **Flavor:** “Fruit forward, mild sweetness blends well, and slightly tart in finish. Touch of oak tannin and vanilla with a light lingering acidity and moderate sweetness. Light carbonation enhances mouthfeel. Wood is mild but gives a very nice balance plus coconut and banana esters. Light oak and semisweet honey finish with moderately high puckering tartness and light tannic drying that helps its structure.” **Overall:** “Good mead. This semisweet mead with touches of oak and citrus is just a bit heavy on the alcohol, perhaps due to yeast choice? Ale yeast comes through minutely with touches of phenols and fruity esters. It’s a spritzy, tart easy drinking beverage with nice fruitiness and balanced structure.”