Belgian Style Red Ale

These are also known as “soured beers” and their defining character classically comes from having been aged for some years in well-used, large wooden tuns, to allow bacterial action in the beer and thus impart the sharp “sour” character. Hops do not play much role in the flavor profile of these beers, but whole cherries can be macerated with the young beer to produce a cherry-flavored Belgian red ale. These styles are almost exclusively linked to one producer in northern Belgium, Rodenbach. These ales are among the most distinctive and refreshing to be found anywhere.

Interpreting the 100-point Scale

Consumers can translate the point score to the following quality bands:

Point Range	Quality Band
96-100 points	Platinum
90-95 points	Gold
85-90 points	Silver
80-84 points	Bronze
Less than 80	Not Recommended

Legend

= Brewpub
ABV = Alcohol by volume
Date denotes the date on which the beer was tasted

94 Samuel Adams Stony Brook Red, The Boston Beer Co. (MA). 9% ABV (5/10)
Deep reddish copper color. Intense sour apple, sour cherry, nettle and herbal honey aromas have a yeasty edge and follow through on a crisp entry to a tart, dryish medium-to-full body with lush depth and intensity. Finishes with long tart, cinnamon cherry danish, praline and grassy hop accents. A very well-balanced, stylishly tart and sour red ale.

93 Flanders Ned Ale, Grumpy Troll Brewery (WI). 6.2% ABV (4/09)
Aromas of sour cherry jam, honeyed sourdough raisin toast and buttery praline have an appetizing yeasty edge and follow through on a round, vibrant entry to a dryish medium-to-full body with great depth and a touch of polished wood and new leather. Finishes with a hint of cocoa and hints of cherry yogurt, orange rind and pepper. A tangy, clean food friendly sour ale that is a spot-on example and good introduction to the style. Pair with rabbit or roasted duck and Brussels sprouts.