Review – New Belgium Frambozen

From New Belgium: 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.

New Belgium Brewing – Frambozen Raspberry Brown Ale – 12oz bottle poured into a New Belgium beer glass. 6.6% abv.

Appearance: A dark mahogany with almost no sign of a head. A tad bit of light can get through this reddish brown brew.

Aroma: Raspberries, fresh baked bread, and yew hedge.

Taste: Tart raspberries, bread crust.

Mouthfeel: Tart yet thirst quenching.

Overall: A really fascinating beer to drink and smell. Doesn’t have a million things going on, but challenges you to find other flavors besides the ever apparent raspberry.