Duchesse de Bourgogne is categorized on many beer-related websites as “sour ale.” To be more accurate, however, you will want to call this one a Flanders Red Ale. It is from the Flanders region of Belgium and it uses various types of wild yeasts to create its sour flavor. And Duchesse, from Verhaeghe, is without question one of the most recognizable labels of the style. I first made the mistake of trying to attack this beer via a 750ml bottle and boy was it a battle. Not because the beer is bad by any stretch of the imagination (in fact it’s off-the-hook!), but because that is a lot of sour beer for one person to finish. So with that said, I highly recommend finding the smaller 11.2 oz bottles. If it’s not to your liking the first go around – try harder! No seriously. It really does get better every time you drink it. Before you know it you’ll be enjoying all types of sours and maybe even venturing off into Gueuze or Lambic territory. Now that, my friends, will be a stretch for your palate.
This beer can be found in these states.
Brewery: Verhaeghe
Beer: Duchesse de Bourgogne
Style: Flanders Sour Ale
Location: Vichte, West-Vlaanderen, Belgium
ABV: 6.2%
Rating: 95/100
