effervescent refractions

After the Gueuze, myself and Sebastian (DerDoppelbock) gave De Troch’s Kriek a try. Again the bottle was from Joris’ cellar, around 20 years of age, unlabeled and sealed with a crumbling cork that had seemingly begun rotting from the inside. Though not a single bubble formed, the aspect of the liquid itself glinted of a beautiful clear copper red shade. An herbal fragrance reminiscent of cherry tea subtly filled the nose, accompanied by thyme, rosemary and a sweet pipe tobacco blend. Luscious Charentais melon dominates followed by attenuated vanilla and brown sugar scents. The herbal tea and tobacco duo proceeds onto the palate with a medicinal but not unpleasant tonality. Sweet cherry and strawberry flavors are paired with lavender, rosemary, straw and a light coffee finish. Sourness is noticeable but far from emphasized, especially as the nearly uncarbonated texture favors a candy-like wet cherry slickness. Once more, an impressive beer that has aged with grace, though I must admit I wouldn’t hang on to these gems much longer as my example seemed noticeably downhill from its peak.