Comments on: Cantillon Iris (2007 Vintage)

By: JayZeis

JayZeis — Mon, 13 Sep 2010 17:37:09 +0000

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.

By: theReaper16

theReaper16 — Thu, 25 Mar 2010 02:33:54 +0000

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.

By: thehopry

thehopry — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 18:19:16 +0000

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…

By: thayes1c

thayes1c — Sat, 14 Nov 2009 10:51:08 +0000

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.