Oude Geuze Boon

A one-of-a-kind style, Gueuze is a carbonated blend of aged and young Lambic.  Its rustic flavors provide a window into Lambic's traditional fermentation environment.  This example starts with a pleasantly earthy, musty aroma with a spicy -- almost peppery -- quality, balanced evenly with acidity. It pours orange-gold and hazy from the corked bottle, with the off-white head crackling as it falls. This beer's flavor is sharply acidic but supported by sweet yet well-attenuated maltiness. Like the aroma, it tastes earthy with mild spice and toast. The finish is acutely tart and feral. Highly carbonated, this example is cleansing and full of texture. It is difficult not to drink this Gueuze too quickly; to truly enjoy it is to witness it evolve over time. The aroma becomes more floral and distinctly lactic as it warms, with notes of grapefruit and honey. Its flavor settles into a sweet, fruity maltiness that retains its acidity, but at the expense of carbonation. Typifying both art and craft, this Gueuze is wonderful.