Belgian Lambic Makers Like Cantillon Bet on Cherry Orchards to Revive Traditional Kriek

Back to the future in a good way.

 

Cool read, interesting stuff.

 

I never understood what a difference those particular cherries could make. Then I had a bottle of a Kriek made using them....

 

My first experience with that style years ago wasn't very rewarding. Subsequently I've learned differently.

 

Same. A truly beautiful fruit that marries perfectly to sour beer.

I’ve been meaning to attempt to get a Belgian beer lover to send a few pits my way to attempt to grow a few trees stateside. Cherry trees grow quite well around these parts.

 

The article mentions crowdfunding by Vert d'Iris project and that they're still looking for money, but I can't find any links to it. Any help?

 

http://vertdiris.net/cherry/

 

That is a very good article. The regular bottling of Cantillon Kriek was a real eye opener for me. While I am still not a huge sour fan, I knew what that beer was. It was stark, fruity, super puckeringly dry, almost like eating a not so ripe persimmon. I loved it and it woke up my mouth and senses in general. It is a strong sensory memory. I lived on a farm for a number of years and there were some mature and very healthy cherry trees. I had to get them before the birds did, but I ended up sharing anyway. I have a weakness for really good cherries. Good luck to them!

 

YES! Great article. Does anyone have any insight/updates beyond the Embrace the Funk Q&A on the Schaerbeekse trees brought into the US by Dave Logsdon?

 

Thanks, I've added the link to the story, too.

 

Awesome to see traditional ingredients, like this, having such a high level of importance to people. Innovation is important, but only if that which is innovated from remains.

 

It hurt in that psychological financial way at the time, but man I'm glad I just kept socking away 3F Schaerbeekse krieks on those 20% off beer Fridays at Whole Foods/Paycheck before they disappeared.

Although come to think of it, I'm actually in a better place hoarding Cuvee Rene kriek at 1/3 of the price. Sure, 3F Schaerbeekse is better, but its not 3x better.

 

For those who love a good Kriek, but aren't able to make it to Belgium anytime soon, mark your calendars for October.

 

I won't be able to make it to OR unfortunately, but I am VERY excited to celebrate Zwanze outside of Boston, MA!

 

Yeah . . . I'm as likely to make it to Oregon as I am to Belgium, but that fest looks pretty damned interesting. Not to mention very reasonably priced.

 

Those were brought into the US by Dave Logsden.