De Ranke Cuvée De Ranke

Brouwerij De Ranke continues to put out creative and interesting beers that represent the best mix of Belgian tradition and craft beer innovation.  Cuvée De Ranke fits that bill.  It uses two methods to achieve is characteristic sour flavor.  The first method is similar to the Flemish Red/Browns in which a controlled mix of souring fermenters, bacteria and yeast, are pitched.  For the other part, they blend in spontaneously fermented Lambic from Brouwerij Giradin, hence the “cuvée” or blend nature of the beer.

Appearance: Hazy peach, off white head, good retention.

Aroma: Winey, white pepper, elegant funk, vanilla, floral, grapefruit, grapes, mushrooms, cilantro, coriander.

Taste: Lemon juice, lime, funk, vanilla, grapefruit.

Overall Impression: Cuvée De Ranke is nicely tart.  It’s also very elegant and quite complex.  It’s a mix between the tartness and funk of a Lambic and the sweet/sour flavor balance of a Flemish Red.  De Ranke isn’t the biggest brewery, so if you see this treat in your local store, jump on it.  You’ll be very happy you did.

Availability: In limited quantities year round. Imported by Shelton Brothers.

7% ABV

Notes: Best by 25/04/2018 (April 25, 2018), Bottled on 25/04/2013