Grande Rivière
Les Brasseurs Du Temps

 

 

 

This river runs red, or more accurately a pinkish orange-y colour. Regardless, cranberries have definitely made their mark on Grande Rivière. The lack of visible carbonation (either within or on-top of the beer) lends it great resemblance to a hibiscus tea or some kind of refreshing fruity concoction.

But it doesn't end with the appearance. The aroma could also pass for some kind of berry-infused tisane and has no shortage of herbal undertones that include not just hibiscus but peppermint, ginger, rosehip, and loads of lemon myrtle. I think of cranberries as an autumn thing but this smells summery.

The floral, fruity, and herbal notes march right on through to the palate. This being a Belgian recipe at its base there's of course a typical, underlining farmhouse quality and minor notes of raw grain and spicy pink peppercorn which prevent the tartness of the cranberries from becoming too puckering.

However, this does have a good deal more bitterness than a standard fruit beer - cranberries don't provide the same sweetness as raspberries or strawberries, as anyone who's eaten them raw knows well. The lemon myrtle note keeps things light, though carbonation should be given a bigger boost.

Quebecers have arguably the best palates in the country and it's reflected in many of their beers, such as this cleverly constructed Grande Rivière which blends tart cranberries with rosehip-like florals and herbal tea notes. I'm starting to simply expect this kind of quality and creativity from Brasseurs Du Temps.

Bottle: Poured a light reddish color ale with a large white foamy head with good retention and light lacing. Aroma of light tart cranberry notes with nice cereal notes. Taste is a mix between some nice cranberry notes, with clean cereal notes and very subtle residual sugar notes. Body is pretty full with good carbonation. Interesting take on the cranberry and more attenuation overall then I am used from this brewer.