Belgian-Style Flanders - CraftBeer.com
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Beer Styles

Belgian-Style Flanders

The Belgian-style Flanders is an ale with character and balance, thanks to lactic sourness and acetic acid. Cherry-like flavors are acceptable, as is malt sweetness that can lend bitterness and a cocoa-like character. Oak or other wood-like flavors may be present, even if the beer was not aged in barrels. Overall, the style is characterized by slight to strong lactic sourness, and Flanders reds sometimes include a balanced degree of acetic acid. Brettanomyces-produced flavors may be absent or very low. This style is a marvel in flavor complexity, combining malt, yeast, microorganisms, acidity and low astringency from barrel aging.

Category: Wild/Sour Beers

Food Pairings

  • Beef Carbonnade
  • Mimolette
  • Pumpkin Pie

Glassware & Serving Temperature

Tulip
45-50 °F

Commercial Examples

Commercial Examples

Appearance

Color

Copper to Very Dark

Clarity

Brilliant to Slight Haze

Carbonation (Visual)

Medium to Fast Rising Bubbles

Flavor/Aroma

Alcohol

Not Detectable to Mild

Hop

Hop aroma and flavor are not perceived. Hop bitterness is perceived to be very low to medium-low

Malt

Roasted malt aromas including a cocoa-like character are acceptable at low levels. A very low degree of malt sweetness may be present

Esters

Fruit-ester aromas, which are often cherry-like, are apparent. May also have notes of raisins, plums, figs and prunes

Phenols

Not common to style

Fermentation By-Products

Some versions may be more highly carbonated and, when bottle-conditioned, may appear cloudy when served

Sensations

Body

Varies

Carbonation

Medium to High

Finish Length

Medium to Long

Attenuation

Medium - High

Ingredients

Hops

Kent Goldings

Malt

Vienna, Munich Special "B", Aromatic

Water

Varies

Yeast

Brettanomyces

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