Before we get to the beer a little story. Davis was lucky enough to have a Beer Shoppe open up last year. I am somewhat surprised one did not exist before… Considering the univeristy and students’ penchant for drinking. Anyway, the Beer Shoppe does tasting and has a very large (over 500 I think) selection of beers available. I still haven’t found or made time to go into the Shoppe but D and some friends did late last year. At the time the Shoppe happened to be taste testing some sour beers. D found the Duchesse De Bourgogne to be the most enjoyable and thought I’d like to give it a try seeing as I have this here blog and a series of entries on beers. She picked up a bottle ($8?!) and brought it home for me.
A few weeks later while doing our grocery shopping at our Food Co-op I noticed that they too were now selling this beer. The cost? Just over $4… Anyway, to the beer.
From the label:
Belgian top-fermented reddish-brown ale, a blend of 8 and 18 months old beers following the careful maturation in oak casks
From my notes:
A dark cherry color with large bubbled head that quickly dissipates, leaving a foam ring. Smells sour, reminds me of sour candies maybe a hint of vinegar? Taste tart and sweet, Green apples and almost ripe cherries, hints of berries as well. Reminds me of lambics and strong ciders. No hops in the finish. No bitterness at all. Slight sticky feel in the mouth from the sweetness. This would be a good dessert beer. Perhaps good with a good cut of beef, better I imagine with venison or lamb.
This was my first sour beer. I’d had Lambics before and was immediately reminded of them with this. Which isn’t all that surprising as the process for both appears to be the same. This was an interesting beer. I don’t see myself drinking it regularly but I can see pairing it up with foods that have strong flavors that can match the flavor of this beer. As I said in my notes. I think this would pair nicely with venison or lamb. Such meats have a robust flavor profile that I feel this beer would complement nicely. Or you could use this as a dessert beer?
Rating (out of five):
