Brouwerij Rodenbach Caractère Rouge – Flanders Red Ale at 7% ABV (C$16.99 at Willow Park Wine & Spirits, 750 ml, best before 7-Nov-2019, acquired 27-May-2019, reviewed 23-Apr-2020)
Appearance: slightly murky amber-brown with one finger of loose light beige head diminishing gradually to a thin ring, no lacing. (3/5) Aroma: tart cherry, raspberry, oak, balsamic vinegar, light funk. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate tart, low bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium-light body, lively carbonation, tart crisp lightly funky finish. (4/5)
Not sure why this isn’t wowing me, but it isn’t. A bit too fruity and simplistic, perhaps. I’d like a bit more complexity, instead of being beaten over the head with cherrie and raspberries. Yes, it’s very “red”, fine, but eventually it ends up being slightly a one-trick pony. Good, but there’s many other “true” Flanders Reds I’d rather have. (15/20)
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
