Photo by J.T. Wampler

This week’s beer: Ichtegem’s Grand Cru from Brouwerij Strubbe in Ichtegem, Belgium

Grand Cru literally means great growth.

Usually associated with wine, breweries put forth their best beer and call it Grand Cru, whatever the style.

This Flemish Red Ale pours a cloudy, red-brown color with barely a head.

The aroma is sharply sour like cranberries left out too long.

Its taste is like the aroma, piquant and sharp like sour cherries. Subsequent sips are more mellow and balanced, but a funky aftertaste prevails with each drink. By the end of the glass, it tastes a lot like raspberry soda.

Overall, this is a really good Flemish Red Ale, but its particular style takes some getting used to. It’s not for everyone.

Pair with chocolate or peanut brittle.

Rating: 3

J.T Wampler
J.T. is a contributor for the Fayetteville Flyer. He is also the owner and brewer at the Tanglewood Branch Beer Co., located at 1431 S. School Ave. in Fayetteville.
For more beer reviews from J.T., see his author page.