Brouwerij Van Honsebrouck Kasteel Rouge

This was the final brew that I had at Maloney’s. I had this at a beer festival years ago. I remember enjoying it, but I also remember seeing it used in a beer cocktail. I think it was champagne and Kasteel rouge. Unfortunately, I didn’t get to try it, but it looked good. Onto the brew…

ABV: 8%

Style: Fruit/Vegetable Beer

Trivia: According to greatbrewers.com, “Castle Red is the fruit beer of the Castle range. Its unique dark red colour is obtained by mixing Castle brown that has been left to mature for at least 6 months with sour cherries. Kasteel Rouge is aptly named for it’s deep, dark red color brought on by the addition of sour cherries to a base of brown ale, which is then left in the barrel for a six month period. This ale will surprise many with the sour of the cherries and the 8% alcohol level. This beer has gastronomic qualities and can be drunk as an aperitif, with a BBQ, to accompany a dessert or simply as an outstanding real ale.”

Random: I really am not good at being sick. I’m even worse when Kate is sick at the same time.

This poured with a half a finger of pink tinged head that was slowly to dissipate and left lots of lacing. The body was a slightly hazy deep red color with moderate carbonation. The nose was definite cherries, but not an artificial cherry flavor.  The taste was fruity dominant with cherries and some yeast. Other red fruits popped up as well with a desired dose of tartness at the end. This was pretty one dimension, but well done. The alcohol was invisible on this one. I didn’t get that this had a brown ale base to it, though. The body was thick and had moderate carbonation. The finish was long with a touch of sour cherries. This one is worth a try, but may be better in a beer cocktail.

Untappd Rating: 3.0/5.0