Scarenbecca Kriek
Hanssens Artisanaal bvba
Beer Geek Stats
| Print Shelf Talker
- Style:
- Lambic - Fruit
Ranked #131 - ABV:
- 6%
- Score:
- 89
Ranked #12,153 - Avg:
- 3.95 | pDev: 14.43%
- Reviews:
- 81
- Ratings:
- From:
- Hanssens Artisanaal bvba
- Belgium
- Avail:
- Rotating/Seasonal
- Wants
- 16
- Gots
- 45
SCORE
89
Very Good
89
Very Good
Notes:
Lambic brewed with wild Belgian Schaerbeek sour cherries.
Reviews: 81
| Ratings: 225
| Log in to view all ratings and sort
rodbeermunch from Nevada
3.81/5 rDev -3.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Had this at March Madness 2019, it was one of the bottles left over from a previous March Madness that chilled in the borrowed storage shelf in my cellar for the homies.
Pours purple, of the darker variety. Almost no head on it, even though carbonation was lower, I didn't see it as a problem. Right about that 1/6" light tan colored head. Aroma was cherry, I wonder why the color is so dark, I don't recall these being so dark like black cherries before. Relatively familiar territory, cherry and oak, seemed pretty clean.
Taste is nice. Its not 3F Schaerbeekse, but its still good. Darker, less sour journey with this one. Acidity is non problematic and average. Light burn from the acidity, sourness and alcohol. Light cranberry feels. The lower carbonation seems to give more depth to the cherry taste.
I guess if you think about the shortage with the cherries, its relatively affordable compared to other belgian lambics that have them. I wouldn't drink with any noobs who regurgitate "robitussin" for every cherry beer you crack.
Aug 16, 2019
3.81/5 rDev -3.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Had this at March Madness 2019, it was one of the bottles left over from a previous March Madness that chilled in the borrowed storage shelf in my cellar for the homies.
Pours purple, of the darker variety. Almost no head on it, even though carbonation was lower, I didn't see it as a problem. Right about that 1/6" light tan colored head. Aroma was cherry, I wonder why the color is so dark, I don't recall these being so dark like black cherries before. Relatively familiar territory, cherry and oak, seemed pretty clean.
Taste is nice. Its not 3F Schaerbeekse, but its still good. Darker, less sour journey with this one. Acidity is non problematic and average. Light burn from the acidity, sourness and alcohol. Light cranberry feels. The lower carbonation seems to give more depth to the cherry taste.
I guess if you think about the shortage with the cherries, its relatively affordable compared to other belgian lambics that have them. I wouldn't drink with any noobs who regurgitate "robitussin" for every cherry beer you crack.
Aug 16, 2019
macrosmatic from Florida
4.31/5 rDev +9.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.25
Reviewed from (very) long-standing notes. Notes are from a 2015 vintage bottle. Poured from 375 mL bottle into an El Catador Barrel-Aged glass. Consumed 9/12/16.
A: Pours a very dark red with minimal (if any) head formation. Fairly low levels of visible carbonation. Very, very hazy - looks almost like red wine.
S: Bit malic acid, less lactic, and a touch of acetic acid. Funky – feet, cheese, and horse blanket – and a backbone of tart cherry. Some funky Lactobacillus, and likely Brettanomyces, as well. But this is acidic. Like a “my nose has heartburn” kind of acidic. Never one to give up, I dig further finding undertones of plums, black currants, and oak barrel with mild dry tannins. Sticky black cherries that are overripe to the point of fermentation.
T: Funk, malic and lactic acids, and fruity cherry lactic burning acid. Tart and horse blanket, plus some feet and a mild cheesiness. Black cherry juice and currants with more acid. It finishes dry with residual funk and woodiness plus more cherry juice. Fruity and acid and funk are all persistent after the swallow.
M: A medium to light body. Alcohol seems about average - I think the majority of the burn is from the acid rather than the alcohol. Very low carbonation - this bottle, at least, is nearly flat.
O: I quite enjoyed this. For my tastes, it's too acidic to become an all-night drinker. But for a beer to pop on an occasion, it's excellent. Nice cherry flavors while not being candy sweet – paying homage to the funk and acid. I don't know if it's intentionally a very low-carbonation beer of if there was a problem with this bottle. But while I did think it detracted a bit, it certainly didn't ruin the experience.
Aug 16, 2019
4.31/5 rDev +9.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.25
Reviewed from (very) long-standing notes. Notes are from a 2015 vintage bottle. Poured from 375 mL bottle into an El Catador Barrel-Aged glass. Consumed 9/12/16.
A: Pours a very dark red with minimal (if any) head formation. Fairly low levels of visible carbonation. Very, very hazy - looks almost like red wine.
S: Bit malic acid, less lactic, and a touch of acetic acid. Funky – feet, cheese, and horse blanket – and a backbone of tart cherry. Some funky Lactobacillus, and likely Brettanomyces, as well. But this is acidic. Like a “my nose has heartburn” kind of acidic. Never one to give up, I dig further finding undertones of plums, black currants, and oak barrel with mild dry tannins. Sticky black cherries that are overripe to the point of fermentation.
T: Funk, malic and lactic acids, and fruity cherry lactic burning acid. Tart and horse blanket, plus some feet and a mild cheesiness. Black cherry juice and currants with more acid. It finishes dry with residual funk and woodiness plus more cherry juice. Fruity and acid and funk are all persistent after the swallow.
M: A medium to light body. Alcohol seems about average - I think the majority of the burn is from the acid rather than the alcohol. Very low carbonation - this bottle, at least, is nearly flat.
O: I quite enjoyed this. For my tastes, it's too acidic to become an all-night drinker. But for a beer to pop on an occasion, it's excellent. Nice cherry flavors while not being candy sweet – paying homage to the funk and acid. I don't know if it's intentionally a very low-carbonation beer of if there was a problem with this bottle. But while I did think it detracted a bit, it certainly didn't ruin the experience.
Aug 16, 2019
SLeffler27 from New York
3.81/5 rDev -3.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Pours brown but is gem clear and bright ruby red in a PBGC cider tulip glass. There is also a faint ring of fine lace.
The aroma is that of tart cherry vinegar. Earthy brettanomycies and oak tannins are secondary players. All of these aromas are quite powerful.
Raspberries and cherries are definitely prominent and the tartness is off the chart. Oak flavors are not lost. Sweetness is also strong, but is overwhelmed by the tartness. A long, tart, acidic finish dries out dramatically. Warmth allows the oak flavors to come forward while the fruit flavors diminish.
There is a medium body with a smooth but scratchy woolen texture and light carbonation. Alcohol is stronger than expected in this very dry Kriek.
There is a point where more is just more. Then after that, more becomes too much. While this beer is enjoyable, it is a workout that ventures well beyond too much. I will finish the bottle while listening to music after a long day of Spring yardwork. I suspect this would pair better with Brie cheese on a hot day.
Sep 30, 2018
3.81/5 rDev -3.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Pours brown but is gem clear and bright ruby red in a PBGC cider tulip glass. There is also a faint ring of fine lace.
The aroma is that of tart cherry vinegar. Earthy brettanomycies and oak tannins are secondary players. All of these aromas are quite powerful.
Raspberries and cherries are definitely prominent and the tartness is off the chart. Oak flavors are not lost. Sweetness is also strong, but is overwhelmed by the tartness. A long, tart, acidic finish dries out dramatically. Warmth allows the oak flavors to come forward while the fruit flavors diminish.
There is a medium body with a smooth but scratchy woolen texture and light carbonation. Alcohol is stronger than expected in this very dry Kriek.
There is a point where more is just more. Then after that, more becomes too much. While this beer is enjoyable, it is a workout that ventures well beyond too much. I will finish the bottle while listening to music after a long day of Spring yardwork. I suspect this would pair better with Brie cheese on a hot day.
Sep 30, 2018
clayrock81 from Florida
3.85/5 rDev -2.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Poured a purplish-red body with minimal head and no lace. Sour aroma, mostly sour cherry, hints of funky tartness. Sweet and sour cherry flavors with a thickness to it and then an acidic/tart crisp finish. Not too much going on but it's easy to drink and has some tastiness to it.
Oct 03, 2017
3.85/5 rDev -2.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Poured a purplish-red body with minimal head and no lace. Sour aroma, mostly sour cherry, hints of funky tartness. Sweet and sour cherry flavors with a thickness to it and then an acidic/tart crisp finish. Not too much going on but it's easy to drink and has some tastiness to it.
Oct 03, 2017
unclekeith from Alaska
2.95/5 rDev -25.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 2.75
7/8/16
375 into a snifter - unsure of the vintage, but at least 3 years old.
Flat, ugly, some decent sour cherry aroma, but taste is overwhelmed by a very off putting soapiness. No sweetness. This is probably what cherry dish soap taste like.
Jul 09, 2017
2.95/5 rDev -25.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 2.75
7/8/16
375 into a snifter - unsure of the vintage, but at least 3 years old.
Flat, ugly, some decent sour cherry aroma, but taste is overwhelmed by a very off putting soapiness. No sweetness. This is probably what cherry dish soap taste like.
Jul 09, 2017
pagriley from Illinois
3.45/5 rDev -12.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 2.25 | overall: 2.75
375ml cork and cage into snifter
pours ruby red but no carb at all - not even a glimmer of head or cascade of beading
Sweet cherries with hints of funk.
More of the same on the palate with an almost medicinal backdrop
Fuller bodied and a bit sticky. Dead flat - not even a spritz.
Overall the lack of carbonation really hurt this beer - without it the cherries are overpoweringly sweet and needed a lift badly from more bright and effervescent carbonation. Reading reviews of many flat bottles and given the price I am supremely pissed at Hannsens for releasing this beer - I am sure it was expensive to make, but when it doesn't re-ferment you can't up-charge for a failed beer.... Not pleased
Jun 21, 2016
3.45/5 rDev -12.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 2.25 | overall: 2.75
375ml cork and cage into snifter
pours ruby red but no carb at all - not even a glimmer of head or cascade of beading
Sweet cherries with hints of funk.
More of the same on the palate with an almost medicinal backdrop
Fuller bodied and a bit sticky. Dead flat - not even a spritz.
Overall the lack of carbonation really hurt this beer - without it the cherries are overpoweringly sweet and needed a lift badly from more bright and effervescent carbonation. Reading reviews of many flat bottles and given the price I am supremely pissed at Hannsens for releasing this beer - I am sure it was expensive to make, but when it doesn't re-ferment you can't up-charge for a failed beer.... Not pleased
Jun 21, 2016
VelvetExtract from Massachusetts
3.66/5 rDev -7.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
Bottle. This has got to be at least 5 years old. Pours flat and dark red. Like a really concentrated Shirley Temple. Aroma is of earthy funk, sweet red fruit, and tart cherry. Flavor doesn't add much complexity but it is fairly yummy. Unfortunately, this is flat as hell. 4-6 years was too much for this cork. Tastes decent but it needs some bubbly pick-me-up.
Apr 27, 2016
3.66/5 rDev -7.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
Bottle. This has got to be at least 5 years old. Pours flat and dark red. Like a really concentrated Shirley Temple. Aroma is of earthy funk, sweet red fruit, and tart cherry. Flavor doesn't add much complexity but it is fairly yummy. Unfortunately, this is flat as hell. 4-6 years was too much for this cork. Tastes decent but it needs some bubbly pick-me-up.
Apr 27, 2016
breadwinner from California
4/5 rDev +1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Not really a love it or hate it thing here, the bottle I had just sort of dutifully checked off the boxes without any one outstanding feature. Apparently there are rather still bottles of this out there, but mine easily had enough carbonation. Nice cherry presence on the nose, tart, some rubber/marker phenols at first blush but those cleared up within several minutes. Color is a lovely claret, zero head, clear with a careful pour but a ton of straight up Mississippi River-level silt at the bottom of the bottle. Palate is puckery cherries, really nice flavor, no cough syrup, super light oaky funk, a touch thin maybe, and an acidic/vinegary character that grows over time. That last part is what, pardon the pun, soured me on this one. A nice kriek, but that emergent stomach acid note leaves a sour (sorry, had to do it again) taste in your mouth.
Feb 25, 2016
4/5 rDev +1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Not really a love it or hate it thing here, the bottle I had just sort of dutifully checked off the boxes without any one outstanding feature. Apparently there are rather still bottles of this out there, but mine easily had enough carbonation. Nice cherry presence on the nose, tart, some rubber/marker phenols at first blush but those cleared up within several minutes. Color is a lovely claret, zero head, clear with a careful pour but a ton of straight up Mississippi River-level silt at the bottom of the bottle. Palate is puckery cherries, really nice flavor, no cough syrup, super light oaky funk, a touch thin maybe, and an acidic/vinegary character that grows over time. That last part is what, pardon the pun, soured me on this one. A nice kriek, but that emergent stomach acid note leaves a sour (sorry, had to do it again) taste in your mouth.
Feb 25, 2016
7Sport from Massachusetts
3.89/5 rDev -1.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Ratings are after I force carbonated it with my soda stream. As it poured straight from the bottle with no carbonation I found it almost completely undrinkable. The carbonation really changed everything about this beer.
Dec 12, 2015
3.89/5 rDev -1.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Ratings are after I force carbonated it with my soda stream. As it poured straight from the bottle with no carbonation I found it almost completely undrinkable. The carbonation really changed everything about this beer.
Dec 12, 2015
GoldyD from Florida
2.5/5 rDev -36.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 1.5 | overall: 2.25
Horrible waste of money, no carb, zero, thick sour syrup mess. Tastes nothing like cherries, more like unsweet cranberries. Aectic acid is the only flavor profile, so if you want to drink a glass of red wine vinegar seek this out. I don't write too many BA reviews, but this is to warn people from wasting your money, people are being nice with past reviews!
Nov 21, 2015
2.5/5 rDev -36.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 1.5 | overall: 2.25
Horrible waste of money, no carb, zero, thick sour syrup mess. Tastes nothing like cherries, more like unsweet cranberries. Aectic acid is the only flavor profile, so if you want to drink a glass of red wine vinegar seek this out. I don't write too many BA reviews, but this is to warn people from wasting your money, people are being nice with past reviews!
Nov 21, 2015
Mnelipovich from Texas
3.27/5 rDev -17.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25
You can smell the funk right away. It tastes maybe more like cranberries rather than cherries. Woody. Very little cinnamon undertones. Honestly, not worth the money spent on it. I could have bought 3 Marriage Parfiat Krieks, which, in my opinon, is WAY better.
Oct 16, 2015
3.27/5 rDev -17.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.25
You can smell the funk right away. It tastes maybe more like cranberries rather than cherries. Woody. Very little cinnamon undertones. Honestly, not worth the money spent on it. I could have bought 3 Marriage Parfiat Krieks, which, in my opinon, is WAY better.
Oct 16, 2015
Taybeh from Minnesota
4.11/5 rDev +4.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
375 ml bottle into a teku
No pop from the cork, pours w/o any head and very low carb, kind of a light brownish reddish plum. Nose is a little overwhelming..yes some sour cherry, but more musty leathery oak and tart plum...a little vanilla there too. On the tongue the cherries become dominant...primarily sour but some sweet juicy cherry notes as well, especially as it lingers on the back. Nice pucker, not bright though; really nice to sit, sip, and savor.
Jul 28, 2015
4.11/5 rDev +4.1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
375 ml bottle into a teku
No pop from the cork, pours w/o any head and very low carb, kind of a light brownish reddish plum. Nose is a little overwhelming..yes some sour cherry, but more musty leathery oak and tart plum...a little vanilla there too. On the tongue the cherries become dominant...primarily sour but some sweet juicy cherry notes as well, especially as it lingers on the back. Nice pucker, not bright though; really nice to sit, sip, and savor.
Jul 28, 2015
superspak from Ohio
3.97/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
375 ml bottle into tulip glass; no bottle dating, but was recently released locally. No pop on the cork upon opening. Pours slightly hazy dark ruby red color with no head or lacing to speak of. Some light bubbles do appear on the sides of the glass eventually. Aromas of sour cherry, lemon, green apple, raisin, plum, red wine vinegar, leather, hay, straw, musty funk, brown sugar, toasted oak, light vanilla, and yeast/oak earthiness. Very nice aromas with good balance and complexity of sour cherry, fruity/funky/acidic yeast, oak barrel, and malt notes; with good strength. Taste of big sour cherry, lemon, green apple, raisin, plum, red wine vinegar, leather, hay, straw, musty funk, brown sugar, toasted oak, light vanilla, and yeast/oak earthiness. Large amount of acidic/tannic sourness on the finish; with lingering notes of sour cherry, lemon, green apple, raisin, plum, red wine vinegar, leather, hay, straw, musty funk, brown sugar, toasted oak, and yeast/oak earthiness on the finish for a while. Damn nice complexity, robustness, and balance of sour cherry, fruity/funky/acidic yeast, oak, and malt flavors; with a good malt/acidity balance and zero cloying flavors after the finish. Zero carbonation and medium bodied; with an acidic and lightly slick/syrupy mouthfeel that is nice. Alcohol is very well hidden with minimal warming present after the finish. Overall this is a very nice kriek lambic style. All around good robustness, complexity, and balance of sour cherry, fruity/funky/acidic yeast, oak, and malt flavors; and smooth to sip on with the moderately balanced acidity. Would have liked to see some carbonation to lighten up the mouthfeel a bit; but was still a very enjoyable offering.
Jul 25, 2015
3.97/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
375 ml bottle into tulip glass; no bottle dating, but was recently released locally. No pop on the cork upon opening. Pours slightly hazy dark ruby red color with no head or lacing to speak of. Some light bubbles do appear on the sides of the glass eventually. Aromas of sour cherry, lemon, green apple, raisin, plum, red wine vinegar, leather, hay, straw, musty funk, brown sugar, toasted oak, light vanilla, and yeast/oak earthiness. Very nice aromas with good balance and complexity of sour cherry, fruity/funky/acidic yeast, oak barrel, and malt notes; with good strength. Taste of big sour cherry, lemon, green apple, raisin, plum, red wine vinegar, leather, hay, straw, musty funk, brown sugar, toasted oak, light vanilla, and yeast/oak earthiness. Large amount of acidic/tannic sourness on the finish; with lingering notes of sour cherry, lemon, green apple, raisin, plum, red wine vinegar, leather, hay, straw, musty funk, brown sugar, toasted oak, and yeast/oak earthiness on the finish for a while. Damn nice complexity, robustness, and balance of sour cherry, fruity/funky/acidic yeast, oak, and malt flavors; with a good malt/acidity balance and zero cloying flavors after the finish. Zero carbonation and medium bodied; with an acidic and lightly slick/syrupy mouthfeel that is nice. Alcohol is very well hidden with minimal warming present after the finish. Overall this is a very nice kriek lambic style. All around good robustness, complexity, and balance of sour cherry, fruity/funky/acidic yeast, oak, and malt flavors; and smooth to sip on with the moderately balanced acidity. Would have liked to see some carbonation to lighten up the mouthfeel a bit; but was still a very enjoyable offering.
Jul 25, 2015
cultclassic89 from Texas
4.25/5 rDev +7.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
This review is definitely going to come off as biased. Reviewed 7/12/15, not sure of the bottle date, but seemed to be a bit older.
Bright red appearance, no carb. Really pretty.
Smells like soft cherry juice with a bit of funk. Very enticing.
Taste is fantastic, wonderful balance of sweet and tart cherry, funk, slight oak. Almost mead like.
No carbonation, which I think most people won't enjoy, but I love it. Very much like mead.
I think as a beer, it doesn't get the rating it deserves due to being still. If it was a cherry mead done by Schramm's, it would be getting rave reviews.
Jul 14, 2015
4.25/5 rDev +7.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
This review is definitely going to come off as biased. Reviewed 7/12/15, not sure of the bottle date, but seemed to be a bit older.
Bright red appearance, no carb. Really pretty.
Smells like soft cherry juice with a bit of funk. Very enticing.
Taste is fantastic, wonderful balance of sweet and tart cherry, funk, slight oak. Almost mead like.
No carbonation, which I think most people won't enjoy, but I love it. Very much like mead.
I think as a beer, it doesn't get the rating it deserves due to being still. If it was a cherry mead done by Schramm's, it would be getting rave reviews.
Jul 14, 2015
bnes09 from Illinois
4.1/5 rDev +3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Moderately sour. Lots of cherry aroma and flavor. Cherry quality dries over time. Tons of woody, earthy, leafy notes. Flat feel. Slightly watery. Overall, very good but there are better krieks in my opinion.
May 16, 2015
4.1/5 rDev +3.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Moderately sour. Lots of cherry aroma and flavor. Cherry quality dries over time. Tons of woody, earthy, leafy notes. Flat feel. Slightly watery. Overall, very good but there are better krieks in my opinion.
May 16, 2015
champ103 from Texas
3.69/5 rDev -6.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
A: No pop as I remove the cork. Pours an opaque cherry red color with a tiny bubbly head that fizzles to nothing.
S: Acidic cherries, vinegar, light oak. A bit of that signature Hanssens funk, but not as big as other examples I have had from them.
T: At first the acidic character is pretty strong, but seems to diminish with each sip. Tannin like oak and cherry skins. Light earthy funk as well.
M/D: A light body that is almost completely flat. Which makes this really lifeless. Because you don't get much relief from the acidic cherries, this is really one noted and a little slow to sip on.
I enjoy the tannin like oak, and acidic cherries with a bit of skin. Though there is not much else. With the flat carbonation there is no relief, and that is all you get. Because of the price, and there are much better examples, not something I am reaching for often. Though once in a while, this is enjoyable.
Jan 17, 2015
3.69/5 rDev -6.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
A: No pop as I remove the cork. Pours an opaque cherry red color with a tiny bubbly head that fizzles to nothing.
S: Acidic cherries, vinegar, light oak. A bit of that signature Hanssens funk, but not as big as other examples I have had from them.
T: At first the acidic character is pretty strong, but seems to diminish with each sip. Tannin like oak and cherry skins. Light earthy funk as well.
M/D: A light body that is almost completely flat. Which makes this really lifeless. Because you don't get much relief from the acidic cherries, this is really one noted and a little slow to sip on.
I enjoy the tannin like oak, and acidic cherries with a bit of skin. Though there is not much else. With the flat carbonation there is no relief, and that is all you get. Because of the price, and there are much better examples, not something I am reaching for often. Though once in a while, this is enjoyable.
Jan 17, 2015
Bitterbill from Wyoming
4.17/5 rDev +5.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
A small pop when I pulled the cork out, it pours a very dark...very dark red that almost looks black. A bit of foam here that has a decidedly reddish tint to it.
The smell is very sour, sour cherries and vinegar mixed with some oak barreling vanilla notes but that is pushed way to the back. I'm surprised I noticed it.
Super wine like flavours going on with tannins jumping out at me. The cherry tartness is very tasty, don't get a lot of vinegar at all, some oak vanilla, super tart in the finish.
Medium bodied with SOME carbonation, light it being.
Hey, guess what? I dig this. Another enjoyable brew from Hanssens.
Jan 17, 2015
4.17/5 rDev +5.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
A small pop when I pulled the cork out, it pours a very dark...very dark red that almost looks black. A bit of foam here that has a decidedly reddish tint to it.
The smell is very sour, sour cherries and vinegar mixed with some oak barreling vanilla notes but that is pushed way to the back. I'm surprised I noticed it.
Super wine like flavours going on with tannins jumping out at me. The cherry tartness is very tasty, don't get a lot of vinegar at all, some oak vanilla, super tart in the finish.
Medium bodied with SOME carbonation, light it being.
Hey, guess what? I dig this. Another enjoyable brew from Hanssens.
Jan 17, 2015
KFBR392 from Illinois
3.88/5 rDev -1.8%
Appearance: pours a dark rose red color. Some bigger bubbles on the edges of the glass are the only head that is present. Little to no active carbonation, has a very flat look.
Smell: Tart cherries unsurprisingly jump out on the nose. A heavy dose of acidity lingers underneath the sprite tartness. Breathable oak isn't overly complex but does pair well with the cherries. Some sourness and funk hang on the back end.
Taste: The front is a surprisingly subtle cherry sweetness with some earthy, funky, malts. Then a huge wave of tartness and deep oak blast on to the palate and do not relinquish. Some interesting white grapes and acidic notes poke their way through.
Mouthfeel: Interesting transitions from a sweet, easy front to a palate punishing finish. Carbonation could be higher though, flat mouthfeel really gives the drinker no escape from the tartness.
Overall: Cool to try a rare beer, not quite that elite level of lambic but certainly quite good. A nice slow sipper on a dreary day. I wasn't crazy about the completely flat mouthfeel, but the complex cherry and oak characteristics make up for it.
Oct 04, 2014
3.88/5 rDev -1.8%
Appearance: pours a dark rose red color. Some bigger bubbles on the edges of the glass are the only head that is present. Little to no active carbonation, has a very flat look.
Smell: Tart cherries unsurprisingly jump out on the nose. A heavy dose of acidity lingers underneath the sprite tartness. Breathable oak isn't overly complex but does pair well with the cherries. Some sourness and funk hang on the back end.
Taste: The front is a surprisingly subtle cherry sweetness with some earthy, funky, malts. Then a huge wave of tartness and deep oak blast on to the palate and do not relinquish. Some interesting white grapes and acidic notes poke their way through.
Mouthfeel: Interesting transitions from a sweet, easy front to a palate punishing finish. Carbonation could be higher though, flat mouthfeel really gives the drinker no escape from the tartness.
Overall: Cool to try a rare beer, not quite that elite level of lambic but certainly quite good. A nice slow sipper on a dreary day. I wasn't crazy about the completely flat mouthfeel, but the complex cherry and oak characteristics make up for it.
Oct 04, 2014
UCLABrewN84 from California
3.71/5 rDev -6.1%
Pours a murky dark red with a foamy reddish-tan head that fades to nothing. No lacing on the drink down. Smell is sour with malt, cherry, earth, and funk aromas. Taste is much the same with sour cherry, earth, funk, and acidic flavors on the finish. There is a mild amount of acidity on the palate with each sip. This beer has a low level of carbonation with an almost flat mouthfeel. Overall, this is a pretty good beer that is tasty, but the smell has slightly better sour cherry aspects in my opinion.
Serving type: bottle.
Sep 01, 2014
3.71/5 rDev -6.1%
Pours a murky dark red with a foamy reddish-tan head that fades to nothing. No lacing on the drink down. Smell is sour with malt, cherry, earth, and funk aromas. Taste is much the same with sour cherry, earth, funk, and acidic flavors on the finish. There is a mild amount of acidity on the palate with each sip. This beer has a low level of carbonation with an almost flat mouthfeel. Overall, this is a pretty good beer that is tasty, but the smell has slightly better sour cherry aspects in my opinion.
Serving type: bottle.
Sep 01, 2014
sjccmd from Minnesota
4/5 rDev +1.3%
Pours deep burnt red, almost amber. A very tiny amount of carbonation. Legs from barrel aging.
Aroma of rich juicy cherries. Musty funk and a surprising hint of alcohol. Lemons and hay, but mostly straight up cherries. There is a richness perhaps from the cherries that is almost meaty (not a autolyzed yeast meaty).
Prominently sour at first with rich cherry flavor and woody funk. Quite tannic. Sourness builds over time, which is usually the opposite with me and other sour beers. Oak and a hint of oxidation, but in a complimentary way.
Virtually no carbonation, but in this case, it doesn't really detract. Sourness, tannins, and rich cherries fill the palette.
Aug 16, 2014
4/5 rDev +1.3%
Pours deep burnt red, almost amber. A very tiny amount of carbonation. Legs from barrel aging.
Aroma of rich juicy cherries. Musty funk and a surprising hint of alcohol. Lemons and hay, but mostly straight up cherries. There is a richness perhaps from the cherries that is almost meaty (not a autolyzed yeast meaty).
Prominently sour at first with rich cherry flavor and woody funk. Quite tannic. Sourness builds over time, which is usually the opposite with me and other sour beers. Oak and a hint of oxidation, but in a complimentary way.
Virtually no carbonation, but in this case, it doesn't really detract. Sourness, tannins, and rich cherries fill the palette.
Aug 16, 2014
MattSweatshirt from Texas
3.94/5 rDev -0.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Fills the glass with a dark red body that is almost purple until held to the light and the thinnest ring around the edge that shows there is a slight amount of carbonation present.
Cherry, lemon, oak, and funky musty yeast. A little cherry pie like.
Plenty of tartness and cherry flavor to make me happy. Slight mustiness.
No perceivable carbonation on the tongue. Ends dry.
Worth a try if you love lambic based beers even though it carries a hefty price tag.
Feb 18, 2014
3.94/5 rDev -0.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Fills the glass with a dark red body that is almost purple until held to the light and the thinnest ring around the edge that shows there is a slight amount of carbonation present.
Cherry, lemon, oak, and funky musty yeast. A little cherry pie like.
Plenty of tartness and cherry flavor to make me happy. Slight mustiness.
No perceivable carbonation on the tongue. Ends dry.
Worth a try if you love lambic based beers even though it carries a hefty price tag.
Feb 18, 2014
StonedTrippin from Colorado
4.26/5 rDev +7.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
at 27 bucks a bottle, small bottle, this has better be as good as it is right? right. fortunately, it is. one of the most interesting cherry beers ive had, thanks to claystation for this purchase and share. dark pink in color, not too clear, with zero head, the beer appears still like much of the stuff from hanssens does. incredible nose here, layers of funk far beyond lactic lambic sourness, although that is definitely there in robust proportion. i also get a mustiness, a basement dankness, a peculiar old man funk, its long lasting, mouth watering, and covering the whole range of my senses. the cherries give some pucker, but hardly a lick of sweetness to the smell, while the yeasty weirdness carries the beat. the flavor is much the same, but unlike most krieks or lambics generally, this one isnt concentrated to the front of my tongue. it covers the whole of my palate, dry, tart, cherry heavy, and tickling, without any carbonation at all. a thin body lets the flavors do the work, and the cherry is so different, not sweet or floral, but tart and acidic, i love it. drinks a bit slow with all the sourness and complexity, but its not nearly as acidic and the nose lets on. a world class example of the kriek style, but not a beer i could ever really afford to buy. an amazing glass though, very special beer. if fruited sours are your go, find this one.
Feb 15, 2014
4.26/5 rDev +7.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
at 27 bucks a bottle, small bottle, this has better be as good as it is right? right. fortunately, it is. one of the most interesting cherry beers ive had, thanks to claystation for this purchase and share. dark pink in color, not too clear, with zero head, the beer appears still like much of the stuff from hanssens does. incredible nose here, layers of funk far beyond lactic lambic sourness, although that is definitely there in robust proportion. i also get a mustiness, a basement dankness, a peculiar old man funk, its long lasting, mouth watering, and covering the whole range of my senses. the cherries give some pucker, but hardly a lick of sweetness to the smell, while the yeasty weirdness carries the beat. the flavor is much the same, but unlike most krieks or lambics generally, this one isnt concentrated to the front of my tongue. it covers the whole of my palate, dry, tart, cherry heavy, and tickling, without any carbonation at all. a thin body lets the flavors do the work, and the cherry is so different, not sweet or floral, but tart and acidic, i love it. drinks a bit slow with all the sourness and complexity, but its not nearly as acidic and the nose lets on. a world class example of the kriek style, but not a beer i could ever really afford to buy. an amazing glass though, very special beer. if fruited sours are your go, find this one.
Feb 15, 2014
Axnjxn from North Carolina
4.3/5 rDev +8.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.25
bottle thanks to Tim at beer study. snifter.
pours a dark murky red with a slight head. lots of cherries on the nose. slight sourness. taste is very tart and tastes like cherry pie . slightly sour...its tart jammy cherry pie. mild bodied with mild carbonation.
overall recommended, but pricy.
Dec 20, 2013
4.3/5 rDev +8.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.25
bottle thanks to Tim at beer study. snifter.
pours a dark murky red with a slight head. lots of cherries on the nose. slight sourness. taste is very tart and tastes like cherry pie . slightly sour...its tart jammy cherry pie. mild bodied with mild carbonation.
overall recommended, but pricy.
Dec 20, 2013
TrappistJohnMD from Mississippi
4.08/5 rDev +3.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Ruby color in Cantillon wine glass. Absolutely still.
Smell is acidic with lots of fruit character.
Taste is tangy cherry. Not as puckeringly sour as others in this style. Good fruit flavor.
Mouthfeel is light and prickly.
Overall this was a nice example of the style. Not overpoweringly sour and lots of cherry flavor.
Sep 15, 2013
4.08/5 rDev +3.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Ruby color in Cantillon wine glass. Absolutely still.
Smell is acidic with lots of fruit character.
Taste is tangy cherry. Not as puckeringly sour as others in this style. Good fruit flavor.
Mouthfeel is light and prickly.
Overall this was a nice example of the style. Not overpoweringly sour and lots of cherry flavor.
Sep 15, 2013
Jonada from New Jersey
3.51/5 rDev -11.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
375ml. No bottled on date. Served in a Cantillon tasting glass.
Appearance: Pours a bright ruby red color with no head. Completely still. Body is hazy.
Smell: Cherry, oak, some light sour funk.
Taste: Same s the aroma. Sour pie cherries, oak, musty funk, and hay. Overall funk is character is pretty mild.
Mouthfeel: Light/medium bodied. Slick mouthfeel. Zero carbonation. Finishes dry.
Overall: This was a bit of a disappointment. It's lacking in the funk department, which by itself isn't necessarily a bad thing, but the beer lacks the intense fruit character I was hoping would fill that void. With that said, it's still a good beer, but definitely not worth the price tag.
Jul 20, 2013
3.51/5 rDev -11.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
375ml. No bottled on date. Served in a Cantillon tasting glass.
Appearance: Pours a bright ruby red color with no head. Completely still. Body is hazy.
Smell: Cherry, oak, some light sour funk.
Taste: Same s the aroma. Sour pie cherries, oak, musty funk, and hay. Overall funk is character is pretty mild.
Mouthfeel: Light/medium bodied. Slick mouthfeel. Zero carbonation. Finishes dry.
Overall: This was a bit of a disappointment. It's lacking in the funk department, which by itself isn't necessarily a bad thing, but the beer lacks the intense fruit character I was hoping would fill that void. With that said, it's still a good beer, but definitely not worth the price tag.
Jul 20, 2013
Scarenbecca Kriek from Hanssens Artisanaal bvba
Beer rating:
89 out of
100 with
225 ratings
0 characters. We love reviews! Turn your rating into one with 150 characters or more.
Protips: Explain why you're giving this rating. Your review must discuss the beer's attributes (look, smell, taste, feel) and your overall impression in order to indicate that you have legitimately tried the beer. Nonconstructive reviews may be removed without notice and action may be taken on your account.
Close