For the first time, Rodenbach Fruitage is available in the U.S. and what a treat it was to try some of the first few cans. Fruitage is blended fruit sour with a mix of fruit, young beer, and aged beer. Cherries and elderberries make up 9% of this beer and the other 91% is a split of 75% young Rodenbach and 25% aged Rodenbach, which is aged in their 294 oak cask foeders. The alcohol by volume is a sessionable 4.2%.

Founded in 1821 and located in Roeselare, Belgium, Brouwerij Rodenbach, is long steeped in the tradition of brewing and aging mixed-fermentation Flanders red-brown beer.

Date Reviewed. July 10, 2017

Serving Size. 8.5oz. can

Aroma. The aroma is that of cherries you've been keeping in the freezer. If “cold” has a smell, then this has it. You wouldn’t even know its sour until you drink it. That’s a good counterbalance.

Appearance. Pale red, as you would expect, with a thin head that disappears quickly. Regal, and wanting of special glassware.

Flavor. The can boldly asserts that it contains 9% Red Fruit, which is obvious from the first sip. What’s not obvious is that its fruit notes are refreshingly more sour than you expect. Since sour taste buds are located on the sides and back of the tongue, you can experience that roller coaster ride of flavor as it starts out on the tip of the tongue as sweet berry, then travels to the back for the sourness, then down the throat for the dryness. Perfect for a hot day.

Mouthfeel. Light and fizzy soda texture going down, and pleasantly dry afterwards, keeping you wanting more of the same.

Overall. The taste was so delicious it was hard not to just chug the whole glass down. As the can is somewhat smallish, it would not have taken more than a few gulps. Savoring it instead, you achieve that consistent dryness in the mouth, not unlike a good light red wine. Its also worth noting that my wife, a non-beer drinker by her own admission, did not take any convincing after her first sip to withhold her portion from me.

Disclosure. Rodenbach provided free samples of this beer. This review, however, remains objective.