It’s funny how these things work out, and over the years I learned that it’s just SO much better to simply roll with the punches. What am I talking about? Well, for many years I;ve stared at bottle of this on the shelves in Atlanta and decide to pass – not a huge fan of Lambics. Then, as usual, all hell breaks loose with massive hysteria when news comes that Cantillon is/was will be/may be, NOT brewing this anymore. Cue panic buying and extreme geekery. I shrug my shoulders and content myself with knowing these just a huge amount of other, great beer that I can easily out my hand on.
….then, out of the blue, while visiting The Blind Tiger in NYC last Friday, there it is, on tap, right in front of me!
Poured into a small glass that was reminiscent of an Allagash White glass, the beer has a surprisingly bright orange hue with the usual cloudy body. To be honest, the cloudy body gives the beer a real depth, and it starts to look a little like a glass of orange juice. Th the extremities there is a little, watery lightness. Some delicate head and lace complete the picture.
The nose gives up very little to me, except a fresh, apple like acidity,
Tastes a re of some light fruit that I would not be able to recognize as a particular entity, but more than that the beer just has an extraordinary balance. It’s tart, but very delicately so; it’s fruity but in a very light way; it’s also slightly sweet but in a manner that’s lightly acidic. The combo certainly oozes class, as understatement is the watchword.
Insanely drinkable, and difficult to put down, and given the ABV this beer is really quaffable. The beer offers a really light touch all around without ever losing it’s credibility or authenticity.
A lovely beer that I’m glad I got to – eventually and in a round about way!