Flanders / Sour Red Tasting

I'm not sure how many people care too much about this style, but the following beers were poured blindly today. I knew what they were ahead of time, but the other guys didn't.

Barriquee, #9, 2007 - Looks great, color and lacing retention are optimal. Smells like must and dirt with a little bit of grape. Taste follows the aroma a lot, but there is a sour bite in the finish. Overall, I'd consider cracking these if you have them. This one is still on some shelves; the years I've seen have been from 2006 - 2009.

Cuvee Des Jacobins Rouge b1 - Stood out as a fantastic representation of the style. Bang for the buck, we all liked this one a lot. It is still on the shelves all over.

Earthmonk 2006/2007 33cl, Shelton Import (cap was waxed and was stored properly) - After a vigorous pour, it looked good but was a very dark brown with a hint of red. The aroma and taste were closer to a BA Barleywine or Dark Strong Ale. Dark fruits, caramel, oxidation starting to show, then licorice and some tartness. After some time, a little more of the vinegar and leather came through. Really good, especially as it aerated, but not really what I was expecting for the style. Still, it was really good. I prefer the 75cl bottles. My notes from the 75cl bottle consumed in May 2012: "Dark brown, red hue, nice lacing. Vinegar and wood to the nose; lots of vinegar. Light vinegar and wood on the flavor, sour cherries really come through and take over. The balance is incredible."

Oerbier Reserva 2007 - Looks great, smelly like some spiced lighter fruits and tart cherries, oak. Very light vinegar. Flavors follow the aromas well and show hardly any oxidation. Really drinking well right now. I still prefer the 2006.

Dissident 2008 - Candied fruits and cheese in the aroma. Musty grapes, dark cherries, mild sourness, as well as cheese in the flavor. Seemed a little watery. This one was the least impressive for me.

Outer Banks Oak Barrel Aged Sour - Overall very impressive. Grapes, apples and must on the nose. Taste follows it well and only gives a mild sourness. More of an American version, where there wasn't really the "vinegar" note.

 

I was pretty happy with it. I don't know what it costs, but I'd buy it if it were on the shelf if reasonably priced. Tons of musty grapes.

 

I've not knowingly had it aged. Duchesse is great. We could only open so many bottles and Jacobins just happened to be an extra received in my last two trades. I had an Earthmonk '08, a couple other Oerbier Reserva vintages and a Marron Acidifie that weren't opened.