lindemans framboise raspberry

Lindemans Framboise: A Deep Dive into Raspberry Lambic

Lindemans Framboise is a widely popular Belgian lambic beer infused with raspberry, known for its sweet and tart flavor profile. It’s a naturally fermented beer, which relies on wild yeasts present in the Senne valley near Brussels for its fermentation process. This distinctive characteristic sets it apart from many other fruit beers.

What is Lindemans Framboise?

Lindemans Framboise is a type of fruit lambic, specifically flavored with raspberries. Lambics are unique beers produced through spontaneous fermentation, meaning that instead of adding cultured yeast, the brewers allow wild, airborne yeasts and bacteria to ferment the wort (unfermented beer). This gives lambics a tart, sour, and often complex flavor. Framboise, in particular, is created by adding whole raspberries to the lambic during the fermentation process, which imparts the beer with its characteristic pink hue and raspberry flavor.

The Brewing Process

The brewing of Lindemans Framboise starts with the production of a lambic base. After the lambic has fermented for a certain amount of time, whole raspberries are added. The raspberries undergo a secondary fermentation, further contributing to the beer’s flavor and aroma. The beer is then filtered, pasteurized, and bottled for distribution. According to Wikipedia’s article on Lambic, these beers require aging of at least one year, and sometimes up to three years for maturation.

Tasting Notes and Characteristics

Lindemans Framboise boasts a bright pink color and a frothy head. The aroma is distinctly raspberry, with hints of tartness. The flavor is a balance of sweet and sour, with a prominent raspberry taste and a subtle earthy undertone from the lambic base. It has a light to medium body and a refreshing finish. The alcohol content is usually around 2.5% ABV (Alcohol By Volume), making it a relatively low-alcohol beer.

Serving Suggestions and Food Pairings

Lindemans Framboise is best served chilled, ideally between 4-6°C (39-43°F). It’s often enjoyed as an aperitif or dessert beer. Its sweet and tart flavor profile pairs well with a variety of foods, including chocolate desserts, fruit tarts, cheeses (especially goat cheese or brie), and even salads with vinaigrette dressings.

FAQs

Is Lindemans Framboise a real beer?

Yes, Lindemans Framboise is a real beer. It is a lambic beer brewed in Belgium using traditional methods of spontaneous fermentation.

What does Framboise mean?

“Framboise” is the French word for raspberry.

Is Lindemans Framboise sweet?

Lindemans Framboise has a sweet and tart flavor profile. The sweetness is balanced by the acidity of the raspberries and the lambic base.

How is Lindemans Framboise made?

It is made by adding whole raspberries to a lambic beer during fermentation. This gives it its characteristic raspberry flavor and pink color.

What other fruit beers does Lindemans produce?

Lindemans produces a variety of fruit lambics, including Kriek (cherry), Peche (peach), Cassis (blackcurrant), and Apple.

Summary

Lindemans Framboise is a delightful and approachable fruit lambic that offers a unique blend of sweet and tart flavors. Its raspberry character, relatively low alcohol content, and refreshing finish make it a popular choice for both beer enthusiasts and those new to the world of lambics. Whether enjoyed on its own or paired with food, Lindemans Framboise offers a taste of Belgian brewing tradition.