Cuvee des Jacobins Prestige

Cuvee de Jacobins Prestige is a Flanders Red Ale, BJCP Category 23B.  Flanders Red Ales are always a treat; most examples have a flavor and aroma complexity not found in other beer styles. In fact, this style is often compared to red wine (despite the consensus that wine is an inferior beverage). 

This example's aroma is predominantly, but not overwhelmingly, sour, supported by berry-like fruitiness and a very light buttery undertone.  As it warms up--and you should let it warm up--spice is added to the mix and the fruit character becomes vivid and cherry-like. This beer pours a very clear, reddish amber color with a low layer of white head.  It tastes cleanly acidic and has a spicy, prickly, and sweetish finish, yet feels fully attenuated. 

This beer has a nice, slick mouthfeel that creates roundness and fullness. The flavor's sourness intensifies as it warms, and the spicing in this beer adds truly unique complexity to every angle.  This beer's moderately-high carbonation really helps bring out its best characteristics. Some might notice the lack of multi-dimensional fruitiness beyond the berry and cherry, but it's a small sacrifice. It's a fantastic beer all around.