Rodenbach goes back to its roots
Author: Erik Verdonck / Published: 2017-03-29 12:00:11 +0200 / Last Updated: about 7 years ago
Rodenbach Alexander© BeerTourism.com
ROESELARE - The origins of Flanders Red Ale (Vlaams roodbruin bier as it is known in this part of Belgium) lie in the area around Roeselare and Kortrijk. These beers are a prime example of the noble art of ‘cutting’ (blending).
_03-28-2017.jpg?1490703301)
Rodenbach Grand Cru
© Rodenbach
The Rodenbach beers are left to mature in one of the brewery’s 294 upright foeders.
At every stage of the brewing process the brewmasters and cellar masters carry out tastings of the soured foeder beer which, when the time is just right, is blended or ‘cut’ with young beer. The Rodenbach brewers have been expert at the art of ‘cutting’ (blending) ever since 1821. After almost two hundred years this ‘grande dame’ from Roeselare has been given a make-over. All of the members of the family have acquired a new look.
Do you fancy a Rodenbach Classic, Grand Cru, Vintage, Caractère Rouge, Alexander or Rosso? You will now notice the three letter R’s on the label; they stand for Red, Ripened and Refreshing. We are talking about more than a face-lift as from now on your Rodenbach Classic will be served in a stemmed glass, as well as in the familiar – but now re-launched – ribbed glass. A thirst-quencher or a degustation beer?
Up to you. Rodenbach Classic is a great thirst quencher and also makes for a great companion with crustaceans and seafood, the grey North Sea shrimp in particular. Fine dining is the domain of a Rodenbach Grand Cru or Vintage.
Add fruit to either of these beers and the outcome is a Rodenbach Alexander or a Caractère Rouge, both now served in a newly designed glass. The stronger Rodenbach beers (+ 6% ABV) will now be served in the same tall-stemmed, elegant glass that suits all of these gastronomic beers.
Head brewer Rudi Ghekiere checking the "foederbier"...
© BeerTourism.com
The Art of Cutting (blending)
“The most refreshing beer in the world.” This is how the late British beer guru Michael Jackson described Rodenbach. So what is the secret of this refreshingly sour beer? After the main fermentation stage, a proportion
Rodenbach "classic"
© BeerTourism.com
of the young beer is transferred to the foeders where it will ‘sour’ over a two-year period. The bacteria and wild yeasts contained in the foeders will produce organic acids and convert these into fruity esters.
Every single Rodenbach beer comprises a different blend of young and wood-matured or soured beers. Rodenbach Classic contains a proportion of ¾ young beer and ¼ beer matured on oak for two years.
Rodenbach Grand Cru is made with 1/3 young and 2/3 mature beer whereas the Rodenbach Vintage consists entirely of beer that has matured for two years in one selected foeder.
Add fruit and you end up with Rodenbach Rosso, macerated with the natural juices of red fruits. Rodenbach Alexander is a Rodenbach Grand Cru macerated with the natural juices of Noorderkrieken cherries.
And Rodenbach Caractère Rouge is a Rodenbach Vintage steeped over six months with cranberries, Noorderkrieken and raspberries.
All of these refined beers have an ancestor in common: Eugène Rodenbach (1850-1889). He studied the brewing process of the English porter beers, looked into the vinification of beer and also managed to fine-tune the process of maturation in oak foeders..
_03-28-2017.jpg?1490703331)
The "tour"
© Rodenbach
Unfinished Symphony
A visit to this brewery always turns into an experience, especially with master brewer Rudi Ghequire as your guide. “This brewery is unique,” Rudi finds. “Where else do you still find a malt oast or no fewer
Rodenbach Classic
© BeerTourism.com
than 294 foeders of this size, all full and all made of oak? Just imagine having lunch or dinner here amongst the foeders.
Many of our visitors enjoy the experience.” Just like the brewery, bottled beers have evolved well over the years. “Have you ever tasted a Rodenbach bottled in 1997? Or one that dates back to 2004...?” he asks me. But in Roeselare they are looking towards the future as well as honouring the past. In recent years Rodenbach has grown into a family that comprises quaffable beers as well as degustation beers.
Viki Geunes, chef at two-star restaurant ‘t Zilte in Antwerp, was involved in the development of Rodenbach Caractère Rouge, which has spent a total of 30 months maturing on wood. Rodenbach Alexander, withdrawn from the market in 1998, was re-launched last year and is now available bottled as well as on tap.
Rodenbach Rosso, called Fruitage in the USA, is a light fruit beer and is the most accessible beer in the range. Rudi: “Our refreshingly sour beers lend themselves to food pairing and give a pleasant touch to many dishes. They are quite similar to wine and provide a great counter-balance with fatty dishes like foie gras, various types of cheese and chocolate desserts.” We take his word for it.
Visit Rodenbach
Brouwerij Rodenbach
Spanjestraat 133-141
B-8800 Roeselare
Belgium
Website: www.rodenbach.be
Facebook: Rodenbach
Recent Blog Posts
Brussels Beer Challenge 2019, and the winners are...BRUSSELS/MONS - We’ve made our way down to the historic city of Mons (Bergen) for the eighth edition of the international Brussels Beer Challenge. A 90-strong jury is busy tasting; there are four morn ... [ read more ]
Brugge Tripel contributes to renovation of Burgundian chapel of worshipBRUGES - This city draws you back in time to the heydays of the Burgundian era. After years of renovation works the Gruuthusemuseum has re-opened its doors. This former city ... [ read more ]
Brewers of Europe Forum 2019: Craftsmanship on the old continentANTWERP - Brewers from 59 different countries flocked to attend the Brewers of Europe Forum 2019 in the prestigious Queen Elizabeth Hall, right next to the renowned Antwerp Central Station building. ... [ read more ]
Craftsmanship and balance at brewery Van SteenbergeERTVELDE - To track down a brewer within his own domain is a high-ranking form of sports, or that’s the impression I get. After a bit of practice I spot Jef Versele, CEO of the Van Steenberge brewery, ... [ read more ]
Brussels Beer Challenge 2018 - The results!MECHELEN - The historic city of Mechelen, halfway between Brussels and Antwerp, is truly a hidden gem. The presence of the Dukes of Burgundy, who ruled here in the late middle ages, still permeates th ... [ read more ]
Comments
You must be logged in to leave a comment
SHARE:
You Might Like
Kasteel Brouwerij Vanhonsebrouck, well known for it's "Kasteel" beer range, now offers their Bierkasteel beer experience; brewery visit, event location, restaurant, bar and shop.
Everything you ever wanted to know about (Belgian) beer under one roof. You get to feel, smell and taste ingredients and discover the typical Belgian beer styles. Come celebrate Belgian beer culture in heart of historic Bruges! Shop and bar are accessible without visiting the museum.
Brasserie Dubussion prides itself on tradition and taste and has opened a brand new visitors centre, the Beerstorium. Learn about the rich history, beers and brewing at the oldest brewery in Wallonia. You can visit this authentic Belgian brewery, see brewing in action, as well as taste some of their delicious brews for yourself, including their legendary Bush (Scaldis) beer range.
The Duvel Moortgat Brewery caters to everyone’s tastes with 3 different brewery experiences. From complete novice to experienced beer lover, Duvel has the brewery visit package for you.
This freemium App for IOS and Android lets you explore and find the best that Belgium's UNESCO recognised beer culture has to offer. Find breweries, bars, restaurants, festivals, events, experiences and beer shops; create you own beer trips and be your own tour guide!
BLOG
POSTS
Liquid heritage, Rodenbach Flemish red-brown sour ale
ROESELARE - The Rodenbach Flemish red-brown beer from Roeselare is part of Belgium’s liquid heritage. Eugène Rodenbach, its original brewer, drew his inspiration from the dark English porter beers, ... [ more ]
PALM becomes Palm Belgian Craft Brewers
STEENHUFFEL - A new name and new logo doesn't diminish this breweries' long and rich history. Palm Belgian Craft Brewers has come a long way since its foundation back in 1686. Yes, it was recently discovered that the ori... [ more ]
Hop picking time at Palm Belgian Craft Brewers!
STEENHUFFEL - The annual hop harvest at Palm Belgian Craft Brewers is truly a festival of and for the people. We survey the busy crowds on the last Sunday in August in the hop field in the shadow of the ... [ more ]
More Beer
The Rodenbach Grand Cru is the archetypal Flanders red-brown beer. Each of these beers is a unique blend, but they all share a brewing process characteristic of the area surroundin... [ more ]
Beer Tourism Newsletter Signup
Enter your name and email address on the right and click "SignUp" to join.