Lyderic Blanche
Brasserie Lilloise

Lilloise' presentation is more interesting than this wit. I bought Blanche at Nicolas in London's Kew Gardens.

Lilloise draws on their uniqueness of being an established micro in Lille, bordering Belgium; seemingly that is closer to the Flemish brewing traditions than those in Wallonia. In addition to their great positioning to counter the wine culture of France, Lilloise also plays on Lille's lore. Lyderic comes from a line of 8 brews named after the founder of Lille. (Each probably has a story if you read French.) Then Lilloise has a line called Achilles which is like the Eastern European Kvass that is made from unspoiled bread, but makes you feel good about using all the world's resources economically. And Lilloise has an organic line called Phinaert.

Lilloise seems prolific, but that doesn't impress me. (I assume the recipe for the Tripel in the Lyderic line is closely related to the Tripel in the Achilles line.) What impresses me is how their website presents them as prolific with three lines of brewing... which is not easy for a 7 year old micro. Anyhow, look at their website; but bring your translator.)

Despite this average wit, I give Lilloise very good Overall Hugs for all of the above; particularly for fomenting the brewing culture in a wine country. And blanche paired well with cheeses; its lemon cutting thru the butter fat.

Lyderic Blanche Looks average; losing its foam too fast and appearing flat. For Smells, Lilloise got the style's citrus better, but they choose lemon over the traditional wit's orange. Tastes follow but also are barely above average and indistinct. Just under medium-mouthed in a light style.

If Lilloise wants to improve Blanche, get a better yeast from across the border. A Sante' !