You may or may not know this, but the city of Brussels, Belgium uses the Iris as its symbol. You may or may not know this, also, that one of my twin daughters is named Iris. Well both are true and this episode is dedicated to her. Guess I’ll now go pick up that bottle of Baladin Nora I saw not too long ago and review it for my daughter, Nora. But this specific bottle of Cantillon, in particular, was actually a surprise for me. Gueuze, somewhat similar to a lambic, are typically a blend of one, two, and three year old beers, and present some pretty funky and sour flavor profiles. This is because they are produced by spontaneous fermentation with wild yeasts like lactobacillus, pediococcus, and brettanomyces. Iris, however, is not a blend like the traditional gueuze. In fact, it is brewed and then aged in oak barrels for two years before bottling. Just before bottling, there is a second round of hops that are added to give this beer a touch more bitterness and flavor, which I am quite fond of to be honest with you. It seems to take the “punch” off the sourness. If you’ve not had a lambic before, I can’t tell you I highly recommend them. They are a different breed altogether. Unless of course you are someone who likes to be adventurous with beer. If that’s the case, you may just be a fan. If not, at least you can say you tried. Anyway, I love you, Iris!!!
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This beer can be found in these states.
On the iPod: Vivian Girls
Brewery: Cantillon
Beer: Iris (2007 Vintage)
Style: Lambic – Unblended
Location: Brussels, Belgium
ABV: 5%
Rating: 90/100
Posted by thayes1c on November 14, 2009 at 4:51 AM
Actually, only a gueze lambic is a blend of the one, two and three year old lambics. This gives it the finesse of an older beer with the bite of a younger one for the true champagne of beers. The thing that really makes Iris a unique lambic is the fact that it is 100% barley, whereas most lambics are brewed with a high percentage of wheat. A few years definitely takes the edge off, especially with the Cantillon beers which can be quite sour (The first time I had one, I thought I was drinking vinegar! I’m better now, though). A damn fine brew, and I say that if at first you don’t enjoy lambic, drink and drink again for there is no more luxurious or sublime style out there.
Posted by thehopry on November 14, 2009 at 12:19 PM
Yes, thank you thayes – you are correct. I have updated the review to reflect what I think I was trying to say, which is that gueuze are really different beasts. And I do agree that they can really be an acquired taste. Admittedly, I’m still not fully there myself…
Posted by theReaper16 on March 24, 2010 at 8:33 PM
Just had a 2005 vintage bottle. The hops are greatly diminished. Though there is a curious sweetness to it, no doubt stemming from the all malted barley grain bill.
Posted by JayZeis on September 13, 2010 at 12:37 PM
I love Iris, it is one of my favorite beers. I was able to try the Cantillon Iris, Gueuze and Rose de Grambrinus. Very nice to try all three. The Iris was definitely my favorite.