Belgian-Style Fruit Lambic - CraftBeer.com
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Beer Styles

Belgian-Style Fruit Lambic

Often known as cassis, framboise, kriek, or peche, a fruit lambic takes on the color and flavor of the fruit it is brewed with. It can be dry or sweet, clear or cloudy, depending on the ingredients. Notes of Brettanomyces yeast are often present at varied levels. Sourness is an important part of the flavor profile, though sweetness from fruit may diminish the perceived intensity. These flavored lambic beers may be very dry or mildly sweet.

Category: Wild/Sour Beers

Food Pairings

  • Pineapple Ceviche
  • Chèvre
  • Chocolate Creme Caramel

Glassware & Serving Temperature

Tulip
45-50 °F

Commercial Examples

Commercial Examples

Appearance

Color

Hued with color reflecting the choice of fruit

Clarity

Varies

Carbonation (Visual)

Fast Rising Bubbles

Flavor/Aroma

Alcohol

Varies

Hop

Hop aroma, flavor and bitterness are not perceived to very low, and can include cheesy or floral lavender notes

Malt

Sweet malt characters are not perceived

Esters

Can be present.

Phenols

Can be present

Fermentation By-Products

Cloudiness is acceptable

Sensations

Body

Varies

Carbonation

High

Finish Length

Varies

Attenuation

Medium - High

Ingredients

Hops

Aged, stale hops

Malt

Pilsner, Flaked Wheat

Water

Varies

Yeast

Ale, Brettanomyces possible

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