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Grand Cru

Published March 2012, Volume 33, Number 1

Brasserie St-Feuillien
Le Rœulx, Belgium

Available: AK, AZ, CA, CO, CT, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, KY, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, TX, VT, VA, WA, WI, WY

Grand Cru is a speciality beer carefully crafted by Belgium’s St Feuillien Brewery. This extra-blond amber nectar undergoes refermentation in the bottle. The secret lies in the unique combination of the most noble hops and the finest aromatic ingredients. Grand Cru differs from other beers in the range by its absence of spices. Its full, white head is light and frothy, and when poured it creates a subtle lace effect. The very pale color of Grand Cru lends clarity and brilliance to its body.

ABV: 9.5%
ABW: n/a
Color: n/a
Bitterness: n/a
Original gravity: n/a

  • Lew Bryson

    Creamed sugar and sweet citrus mingle with wisps of clove and pineapple in the nose, yet it’s restrained; not as lush or overpowering as it sounds. A sparkling rush of fizz blasts across the tongue, laying down a smooth carpet of that restrained, creamy spiciness. You expect sweetness, but it doesn’t really come; it’s tamed by the bubbles, the spice, and the nicely done attenuation that pulls the finish taut. The Belgian obsession with yeast is clear and rewarding here.

  • Stephen Beaumont

    Very pale gold in color, this distinguished-looking ale has a sweet aroma of candied pear and florals with a slight whiff of five spice powder in the background. The softly sweet body belies its strength with an off-dry front, a mix of light fruit (Asian pear, melon, a hint of lychee) and even fainter spice in the middle and a slight hop bitterness growing towards the finish, where its potency is finally revealed in a bracing, almost eau-de-vie-like warmth. Serve with soft cheeses and a side of caution.

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