$8.99 at Green’s on Ponce, Atlanta, GA, USA. 12.7 oz bottle corked (with that nasty, synthetic cork) and caged. Lot #02, bottled in December 2005. Label declares that this is good for at least 10 years after the bottling date.
As expected, very little “pop” on opening. Carbonation on the pour is nearly zero.
Poured into the Brasserie de l’Abbaye des Rocs chalice the beer has a dark magenta/blood red color that is completely opaque. Completely bereft of carbonation or head.
Nose and taste lack much SPECIFIC cherry presence, rather they combine to yield an acidic/tart combination of “fruitiness” that lacks definition to me. Finishes with vinegar like acidity.
I dunno, even after years and years of drinking these Lambic beers, AND knowing exactly what to expect, AND understanding the whole Lambic “thing”, I just don’t find these beers especially drinkable. I am beginning to think it’s a big con, along the lines of the Emperors new clothes! ;-). having said that, I think a lot of the problems with this particular beer could be erased with age. At less than three years old I think this is simply way too young.