ONCE again it’s time to dive into the world of wild yeasts and spontaneous fermentations this week, with Oud Beersel’s traditional blended lambic, Geuze Vielle.
This is a blend of traditional, wildly fermented, ales of varying ages and from different vintages to create a characterful and balanced sour beer.
Pouring a dusty gold, a thin lacy head of titanium white foam soon dissipates. The aroma is classically refreshing; dry straw is topped with lactic sharpness, honeydew melon and a touch of unripe blackberry.
Moderately acidic for the style, this is a good starting off point for those not familiar with the style.
Lemon sherbet and pink lemonade are set beside strawberry yoghurt, simultaneously sharp and lightly creamy.
Woody, old newspapers and fruity, astringent sourdough starter, coat the palate with doughy wheat.
Deeply complex and reassuringly gentle, this is an extremely good example of the style, and a wonderful beer for the coming summer.
Recommended by Michael Bates, Trembling Madness, York
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