Sometimes, beer can be sneaky. That’s because sometimes beer doesn’t have to taste like beer at all, either in the traditional sense or when compared to the mass-brewed American Light Lagers many people think is the standard for beer. Case in point: Lindeman’s Pomme, a Belgian Lambic brewed with real apples and wild yeast.

Introduced in 2006, Pomme is a relative newcomer to the Lindemans line of spontaneously fermented brews. Pomme is, of course, French for apple, bue even if you don’t speak of word of that language the images on the label should give you a hint.

From the bottle:

"Lindeman's Pomme is a lambic made from local barley, unmalted wheat, and wild yeast. After spontaneous fermentation, apples are added, creating a secondary fermentation and yielding a beer of exceptional flavor and complexity."

Lindeman's Pomme Lambic pours to a light amber color with a thick rocky head formation and an intensely fruity green-apple nose. A thick layer of Brussels lace follows the liquid down the sides of the glass. Taking a sip, it's clear that this one is going to be apple all the way, with little chance for malt, tart wheat, or anything else to make an appearance. Sipping the beer is like taking a big bite out of a huge Granny Smith apple, taking a sip of Jones Green Apple soda, or perhaps sucking on a Jolly Rancher candy of the same flavor.

Should that surprise? Not at all, as the label prominently features green apples, the glass is green, and the foil neck is green. The beer becomes slightly sweet as it progresses through the palate, but in the finish the sourness reemerges and balances the beer somewhat. To be fair, part of that tartness may be from the lambic, but the net effect is green apple, green apple, green apple.

I had expected this one to have something of a cidery character, and while that's present, the beer is not so dry as most ciders. The tart sourness makes the beer refreshing and drinkable and the apple character is pleasing. It may be just a bit too over the top, which somewhat precludes the beery character, but this one is still very enjoyable indeed.

Pricey at $5 for a 12-ounce corked bottle, and that bottle does appear to hold more than you’ll actually get. I enjoy this one from time to time all the same for its uniquely refreshing character and easy drinkability. Delicious on a warm spring or hot summer day, perhaps with a flaky apple tart fresh from the oven.



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