I had a bottle of Rodenbach Ale in the beer fridge, this much was known. I had just polished off a bottle of Samuel Adams Longshot Neighborino Flanders Red Ale, a very well done example of the style indeed, and that made me think of drinking the Rodenbach next. Neighborino, of course, is more akin to Rodenbach Grand Cru, but I didn’t have any of that. So Rodenbach Ale it was.
I’ve long enjoyed this beer, though I’ll confess that I do prefer the more puckering Rodenbach Grand Cru. As far back as January 7th of 1997 I remarked:
I was hooked on the wonderfully tart Grand Cru the first time I tried it. Lately, the Grand Cru has been unavailable for some reason. We still get Rodenbach, and though a very enjoyable brew it doesn't quite match the kick of it's bigger brother.
Rodenbach Ale is a sour Flanders Rd and one of the inspirations for sour beers that are all the rage these days. Sorry, beer geeks of the 21st century, but you didn’t invent this.
From the label:
RODENBACH is a unique Belgian ale known as the FLEMISH RED-BROWN ale, . It is recognized throughout Belgium as a “Traditional Regional” product. A mixed fermentation ale, Rodenbach is matured in oak vats, giving it a sweet-sour taste and complex bouquet. A very drinkable ale, RODENBACH is a blend of “young” ale (3/4) and ale that has matured over two years (1/4).
Rodenbach Ale has an alcohol content of 5.2% by volume and runs about $12.99 a 4-pack of 11.2 ounce bottles.
Rodenbach Ale pours to a dark russet color with a thick creamy head and a soft sour cherry and almond nose. Taking a sip, the beer is smooth malty up front with a subtler, but still noticeable, dry sourness than the grand cru has. It’s bold with sour black cherry fruitiness and an acidic tartness. It’s creamy and has a soft sugary sweetness as well, becoming pleasantly sour in the finish. The sweet and sour character is appealing and appetizing. Soft oaky notes poke through too.
Quite tasty, a world classic for sure and a beer that every beer enthusiast should have in their resume.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.
(B)=Bottled
(D)=Draft
(G)=Growler