Our Score: 96/100
Vanberg & DeWulf LambickX De Troch: A Brew of Distinct Character
When you first lay your eyes, and nose, on the LambickX De Troch by Vanberg & DeWulf, you’ll already start forming your judgments. However, trust me when I say that this beer will take you for a thrilling ride of flavors and aromas. I am here to walk you through my experience of this fantastic brew, which scored an impressive 96/100 in my book.
Initial Impressions: A Basket of Aromas
The aroma hits you right off the bat. The scent of sweet grass wafts pleasantly into your nose, followed by a slight hint of smoke that has you intrigued. You then become aware of the underlying fruits – peaches, sour apples, that lend a sweetness that balances the initial grassiness. However, the true winner here is what the brewers fittingly describe as ‘barnyard funk.’ There’s just something unplaceable but charming about its smell, lazy sunny afternoons in the countryside, and tart fruits ripening in the sun.
Appearance: A Pleasing Palette
As an appearance, it bags a good 3 points. The liquid gold brew with its slight haziness makes for an appealing look. Accompanied by the perfect amount of froth, it beckons any beer lover to explore it further.
Flavor: A Symphony Of Sour-Sweet
Next comes the part we have been all waiting for – the flavor. At 20 points, the LambickX De Troch hits it out of the park here. The big, round acidity hits first, winding through your mouth with notes of lemon, tangerine, and grapefruit. The tartness is definitely bold but wonderfully balanced by the soft malt characteristics. There’s also this twist of this earthy, barnyard flavor that’s only hinted at in the aroma but takes center stage in the taste.
Mouthfeel: A Pleasant Experience
Lastly, the mouthfeel. Rounded off at 4 points, LambickX De Troch is well-balanced. It isn’t too sticky nor too dry. The smoky and pepper phenolics add to the beer’s complexity and warming character. Though there’s tartness, it has been softened by age, the main flavor being that of a very nice, comforting, earthy barnyard. It envelops your tongue smoothly, leaving behind a pleasantly lingering acidity, urging you to have another sip.
Overall Impressions
This beer is a roller-coaster ride. If you’re a fan of tart sour candy, then you’ve hit the jackpot here. There’s a wonderful marriage of sweetness, sourness, and just the right amount of funky Brett. LambickX De Troch is the embodiment of complexity well-executed.
In conclusion, this beer has earned itself a well-deserved spot on my favorites list. Whether you are looking for a novel brew to try or consider yourself a beer aficionado, give the LambickX De Troch by Vanberg & DeWulf a shot. You won’t be disappointed.
Editor’s Note
Our panel of editors has also found this brew to be very intriguing with its sour complexity and Brett. They agree that this beer has been well-aged and possess an appealing depth of flavors and a rewarding drinking experience
Pale straw-like hue captures your gaze, coupled with an effervescent body that dances in your glass. It is evident that much care has gone into brewing this ale, every sip a testament to the mastery of its creators. Barring a few flecks of sediment, the appearance is almost perfect.
Taste: Flavor Festival
As soon as the lambic hits your palate, you are bombarded with flavors. The tart fruits, the brewing yeast, the grassiness, the subtle smoke – all culminate into a spectrum of tastes that keeps you wanting more. With every sip, you discover something new, a hidden depth that the beer had previously concealed. It is an experience unmatched by any other ale I’ve had the pleasure of trying.
Overall, the LambickX De Troch is an exceptional beer that truly embodies the spirit of Belgian lambics. From its aroma to its taste, every aspect of this ale shines, earning a stellar 96/100 score. Cheers to Vanberg & DeWulf for a brew of such distinct character.
Light-bodied, cloudy, and yellowish hue fills the glass before your eyes settle on the creamy white foamy head. The color, while cloudy, has a beautiful inviting sun-soaked quality to it. It doesn’t take long for you to want to reach out for that glass. The head dissipates quickly, not leaving much behind other than a slight trace of bubbles sticking to the insides of the glass.
Tasting Notes: A Symphony of Flavor
At this point, your taste buds are aching in anticipation. At the first sip, every sip after, you don’t know what hits you first – the sourness, the tartness, or the sweetness. It all happens at once, but in a balanced, harmonious way. The sweet malty notes hit you next, bringing with them a distinct sharpness, the trademark of any great Lambic beer. The taste then concludes with the tartness of citrus fruits, leaving a fruity, citrusy aftertaste that keeps you interested and yearning for more.
Final Thoughts: A Work of Art
Vanberg & DeWulf LambickX De Troch is a beer like no other. It takes you through a journey of flavors and smells that is hard to forget. The initial impression of this beer might baffle you, but as you delve deeper, every sip will leave you intrigued and wanting more. This is truly a work of art, evident in the impressive score of 96/100. Highly recommended for those who appreciate unique, distinct, and complex flavors.
Wondrous orange hue, like glowing amber, and bottoms up. This ale boasts an aroma that’s as exotic and enticing as the flavor, so much, that you cannot resist but take a sip. Each sip promises a different burst of tart fruity flavors – from unripe pears, tangy green apples, to refreshing pineapples. As it settles on your palate, you’ll detect the taste of oak wood, earthy and comforting.
An Overall Great Brew
Overall, LambickX De Troch is an excellent brew with a unique character that commands attention. Its complex flavor profile is balanced and refined, the tartness and sweetness complementing each other perfectly. The distinct barnyard funk truly sets it apart and makes it a must-try for any beer enthusiast. With a score of 96/100, this LambickX De Troch by Vanberg & DeWulf is definitely a winner in my book. Cheers!
Quick pour later, it is evident that the LambickX De Troch lives up to its name. The light yellow/gold texture resembles a painting by Rembrandt, with the light shining on it precisely so. The tartness of the brew naturally lends its color a more golden hue, which calls to mind the idea of drinking liquid gold.
Taste: Tart, Sweet, and Unbeatable
Finally, the moment you’ve been waiting for – the taste. As expected, the tartness hits your tongue first with a bang, almost like a headlights-beaming moment. But it’s not all about the sour. There are subtle undertones, including a malty sweetness that beautifully balances the tartness. The aging process of this Lambic imparts a unique complexity, which adds a depth and character that sets it apart from other sour beers. The finish is dry, tart, and utterly satisfying.
In conclusion, Vanberg & DeWulf has crafted a brew that can hold its own amongst the finest in the world. Each sip brings forth a new layer of complexity, and the overall experience is just fantastic. It’s no surprise that it scored a solid 96/100 – a testament to its distinct character and quality.