Often known as cassis, framboise, kriek, or peche, a fruit lambic takes on the color and flavor of the fruit it is brewed with. It can be dry or sweet, clear or cloudy, depending on the ingredients. Notes of Brettanomyces yeast are often present at varied levels. Sourness is an important part of the flavor profile, though sweetness from fruit may diminish the perceived intensity. These flavored lambic beers may be very dry or mildly sweet.
Belgian-Style Fruit Lambic
Category: Wild/Sour Beers
Food Pairings
- Pineapple Ceviche
- Chèvre
- Chocolate Creme Caramel
Commercial Examples
- Cherry Lambic, Upland Brewing Co.
- Coolship Red, Allagash Brewing Co.
- Hexotic, Two Roads Brewing Co.
Appearance
Color
Hued with color reflecting the choice of fruit
Clarity
Varies
Carbonation (Visual)
Fast Rising Bubbles
Flavor/Aroma
Alcohol
Varies
Hop
Hop aroma, flavor and bitterness are not perceived to very low, and can include cheesy or floral lavender notes
Malt
Sweet malt characters are not perceived
Esters
Can be present.
Phenols
Can be present
Fermentation By-Products
Cloudiness is acceptable
Sensations
Body
Varies
Carbonation
High
Finish Length
Varies
Attenuation
Medium - High
Ingredients
Hops
Aged, stale hops
Malt
Pilsner, Flaked Wheat
Water
Varies
Yeast
Ale, Brettanomyces possible
