Thursday, December 14, 2023

Liefmans Goudenband

Goudenband is a good example of a (Flanders) Oud Bruin.

Beer Advocate: Liefmans Goudenband is one of the most distinctive dark beers in the world. Originally called IJzerenband (Iron Band) – a reference to the iron bands around the beer barrels – the bottle gained its champagne cork when it was renamed Liefmans Goudenband (Gold Band). Made in open vats with beer of mixed fermentation, it is left to mature for four to 12 months in the cellar. Mature beer is then fortified with younger beer, so the fermentation process starts up again.

Liefmans Goudenband is a beer for storing, and just keeps improving over the years like a fine wine. Even after ten years, this dark red beer tastes as fresh as ever. You’ll immediately pick up on the wonderful aromas of caramel, apple, rhubarb, cherries and malt. On the taste buds you will find hints of apple and cherries, combined with woody notes, while the aftertaste hints at nuts and dried raisins. The mildly acidic taste make this beer a perfect match for blue cheese.

Brewer's notes: Liefmans Goudenband is one of the most unique beers in the world. To emphasize that personality, each bottle is closed with a champagne cork. As a red-brown beer with mixed fermentation, it takes 4 to 12 months to mature to reach speed. Then the beer is ready to be cracked, unless you prefer to wait a little longer. Even after ten years you will recognize Liefmans Goudenband by its fresh nose and slightly sour aromas of caramel, apple, rhubarb and cherry.

Tasting notes
2312: The second bottle in a 4-pack was much better than I remember from the first bottle. The notes from Beer Advocate describe the taste well - woody with hints of fruit and vinegar. I liked it well enough to think about buying more for the cellar.

Rating = 5 glasses. The rating may change with more experience and aging.

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