Grand Cru

St. Feuillien Grand Cru features a massive, distinctively tart aroma that rolls from the glass in alternating waves of sour cherry, sherry vinegar, and faintly syrupy malt. Tom enjoyed the “nose tickling acetic acid, balanced by sour berry notes,” but wished for a bit more malt sweetness to balance the overall tartness. Contrarily, Mike found pleasing hints of “warm, caramelized brown sugar” to offset the upfront “chocolate covered sour cherry tang.” Sporting a small beige head, Grand Cru is brilliantly clear and fills the glass with a lambent reddish-copper glow. Carrying through from the nose, this beer evinces a perfectly harmonized mélange of sweet, sour, and fruity flavors. Lee was surprised by the initial “lip-puckering smack of acidity,” yet noted the ensuing “battalion of juicy, fruity flavors” lent an incredible depth and complexity on the palate. A blast of “passion fruit reduction and vinegar stewed sweet fruit” caught Rick’s attention, but he delved a bit deeper to find a “subtly complex blend of lactic and acetic sourness,” leading to a perfectly integrated drinking experience. St Feuillien Grand Cru is a true classic and a cornerstone of Flanders brewing tradition for nearly 200 years. This Grand Cru is well worth the search for those lucky enough to find a steady supply.