Quick question to the fellow sourheads out there. From my understanding, 3F Schaerbeekse Kriek is one made with 40% Schaerbeekse cherries. Does anyone know what the difference is between this one and 3F Oude Kriek? Is it just replacing 40% of the non-Schaerbeekse cherries with the actual Schaerbeekse cherries, or is it more in the vein of Cantillon Lou Pepe Kriek (which has 300g/litre vs 200g/litre for the Cantillon 100% Kriek) in that there is more cherries used in its production? Is the base different (e.g. different blend of young vs old lambics)? Thanks in advance and pucker on!
Yes, there is a difference. The normal kriek uses sour north cherries. The Schaarbeekse cherries are from Schaarbeek, its a municipality in Brussels. The Schaarbeekse kriek is a tree that grows in the wild and gives small, sour cherries with firm flesh. These cherries are more aromatic than other cherries. It's been two years ago since they released a new batch because of failed harvests.
This came up about a year ago. This thread has some good info: http://beeradvocate.com/community/threads/difference-between-3f-krieks.32511/ Long story short, there seem to be 4 separate 3F krieks that have made it to distribution in the last 3 or so years: Oude Kriek: not made with Schaerbeekse cherries Schaerbeekse Kriek: made with 100% Schaerbeekse cherries. I'm not sure if this is still currently in production given the Schaerbeekse shortage/expense. Oude Kriek van Schaerbeekse Krieken: made with 35% Schaerbeekse cherries. I think there were only 2 or so batches made in the 2010/2011 season that made their way to the US. Intense Red: A recent kriek (I think bottling took place around November/December 2012) that simply says "40% cherries." I'm not sure what kind of cherries were used.
I've not seen or found any of this since the 2011 bottling I found. However, if I were to find it from a more recent batch I'll pay that price again.
Thanks for that information. At least I know now why I've not seen anything since the 2011 bottling and I don't have to feel I just didn't look hard enough.
All I know is the schaerbeekse at a local shop goes for a hefty $35 and it's the only 3F product I've seen in Miami for some reason.
$35 per bottle is about what I paid here in PA for the 2 bottles of the 2011 bottling. Given how much I enjoyed that beer (see my review) I'd be seriously tempted to get one if it is in fact the 100% version. My only reservation is I don't know how much the cherries will have faded since I finished off mine.
This is was this site should be about. A place for people to ask real beer questions and get informed answers. This was a very refreshing post. Thanks, Steve
