Duchesse de Bourgogne

Newly arrived at London Bridge Bar is a beer called Duchesse de Bourgogne.

This beer is a Flanders red ale. Flanders is an area of Belgium.

The first impression is the label is of an old painting in honour of Duchess Mary of Burgundy, a European aristocrat born in 1457, and whom the beer is named after.

Upon opening, the beer is slightly gassy and pours well with minimum head. The aroma is a little like lambic beer, indeed so is the flavour. There is definitely the smell of over-ripe apple.

The taste is true to the aroma and surprises with a burst of tart fruit. The flavour is more akin to cider than beer and very well-balanced between sweet and sour. It is medium to light in body and at 6.2% alcohol, an easy drink. There is no lingering aftertaste, though some ale drinkers may find it slightly too gassy.

I would enjoy this beer with a light snack such as cheese and crackers, perhaps even game meat or poultry such as venison, wild boar or pheasant.

I recommend trying Duchesse de Bourgogne because it will definitely change your impression of beer.