Driftwood Brewery Belle Royale Kriek 2017 Kriek at 7.6% ABV (C$13.59 at Oak & Vine, 650 ml, packaged on 27-Mar-2017, acquired 26-Apr-2017, reviewed 10-Sep-2017)
Appearance: slightly hazy deep ruby with a short, short-lived fizzy off-white head diminishing rapidly to a thin skim, no lacing. (3/5) Aroma: tart cherries, balsamic vinegar, red wine, oak, floral. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate tart, minimal bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium body, lively to moderate carbonation, slightly sweet moderate tart finish. (3/5)
All things considered, not a bad little Kriek. Decent depth and complexity, including real-tasting cherries, and some red wine barrel notes. Has some Flanders Red characteristics, perhaps – particularly with the slightly umame balsamic vinegar notes – but I don’t really consider that a negative. (15/20)
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
