Ichtegem's Grand Cru (Brouwerij Strubbe)

This Flanders Red Ale was another fine brew from the Broken Barrel Tavern that I was trying to help clear from the taps. These types of sours differ from the Saisons and other farmhouse brews in their level of mouth-puckering sour flavor, malt notes (heavy syrup instead of light honey), and type of fruit flavors (more dark fruit than citrus or pear). Monk's Cafe (one of my favorite beers) is a great example of this style.

General Thoughts
Look and Smell: This dark-red brew had a white ring for head. It had a sharp sour aroma.

Taste: This brew had the perfect balance of mouth-puckering sour flavors and sweet sugar sweetness. It blended well. The sour flavors were natural dark fruit flavors, like Michigan tart cherries. In addition to the complexity of flavors, this had a thicker, more substantial consistency. I'd order this again.