I’m a fan of Kriek beers and was excited to try the New Belgium Frambozen. I enjoyed a lambic with the family over the holidays. Traditional lambic beers are really sweet and you can usually only enjoy only one before it becomes too sweet.
Frambozen is derived from the Flemish word for raspberries and inspired by the Framboise beers of Belgium, where the use of raspberries in beer outdates the use of traditional hops.
The New Belgium is a nice compromise. It has hints of raspberries but is not as sweet as a traditional lambic. So if one wanted to drink a few they could.
Pours a deep ruby brown with a noticeable reddish hue. The head was small and quick and also had a bit of red in it–although this may be the power of suggestion.
While the raspberry is also present in the flavor it is more of an overall effect.
New Belgium’s Description
Frambozen begins with the aroma of fresh red raspberries, followed by the ripe seductiveness of a fruity brown ale with depth and delicate malt notes. It is deep ruby in color, with flavors just as rich. Every year, New Belgium sends a delegate to the Pacific Northwest to oversee the process of turning freshly picked berries into a pure juice to be added in fermentation. The coming of Thanksgiving at New Belgium is ushered in with the first sighting of our cellar operators scuttling about, covered head to tow in a festive crimson berry wash.
Just the facts Ma’am…
ABV – 6.5%
IBU – 15.5
Calories – 200
Hops – Target
Malts – Pale
OG – 16
TG – 2.8
