St Ambroise Framboise — McAuslan Brewing Inc.

Another day another beer review.  If you recall from my review of Great Lakes Green Tea Ale, I’m focusing for a while on those “summer-time” brews (though I prefer to not pigeon-hole beers seasonally, most people do) that have things added to them, from fruit juices, to spices, and beyond.  Next up is this bottle from McAuslan, their St Ambroise Framboise.  Now, aside from the obvious cuteness with the name, if you follow along, you know I’m a big fan of McAuslan.  I actually say regularly that beyond not making a bad beer, McAuslan actually only makes excellent beers, or better.  There is no doubt their Oatmeal Stout and Pale Ale are exceptional. So I’m always happy when Barry Pletch messages me to say he’s got some beers for me to review.  In addition to supplying me with awesome beers to write about, Barry always adds lovely touches, like throwing in a jar or two of McAuslan’s amazing beer-based mustard, or matching glassware, as pictured below. He also happens to be (as always, it seems in this business) a super friendly dude. So, a little about Framboise, then.  Framboise beers were traditionally lambics, from Belgium.  The super tart spontaneously-fermented beers were often sweetened and softened by adding fruit juices.  Ones made with raspberry juice were called Framboise, cherry ones were Krieks, etc.  While most North American-made Framboise beers aren’t the tart lambic style in the original form, the brewers here have carefully balanced fresh raspberries and the characteristics of their beers, sometimes wheat-based, sometimes not. With McAuslan’s track-record, I’m stoked to get this in me.  Time to drink up!

St Ambroise Framboise — McAuslan Brewing Inc.

St Ambroise Framboise — McAuslan Brewing Inc.

From a 341ml with a best-before date and batch number, St. Ambroise Framboise pours a sexy opaque red, with traces of brown to the centre.  A light fluffy 2″ of head slowly drops to a dense foamy layer, and laces the glass well. Aroma is, unsurprisingly, raspberries: tart and floral.  There is a touch of spice, a bit reminiscent of a wheat beer, but I am not sure if this actually has any wheat in it.  The ingredients only say “malt”, which could easily include wheat.  Still a touch of spices, and some citrus, that could again be from wheat or possibly the hops.  Aroma is very enticing.  Taste is also bursting with raspberries, like that first handful of Ontario berries at the farmers market. Juicy and tart, but balanced well with the malts, who’s sweetness make this drink like a bubbly raspberry sorbet.  Hops are definitely present, a little leafy with a hint of black tea.  It actually gives a depth like the smell of a raspberry patch, fruity but with an herbal leafy scent, and a touch of something earthy.  While there is a tart juicy linger on the finish, there is also a touch of dry bitterness as well.  Bright carbonation keeps this beer light and refreshing, despite it’s complexity and medium body from the juices.  While not really akin to it’s lambic cousins in terms of tartness and body, this is no doubt a wonderful beer, especially for hot summer days on patios or docks.  It also would be excellent as a dessert beer, either with a light sweet frozen something, or paired with a dense rich chocolate something-else.

Sante, McAuslan! And thanks Barry!

Mike Warner also just reviewed this beer, and there’s good news: We agree! Check it out here: http://ayearofbeer.wordpress.com/2012/07/10/what-i-drank-last-weekend-st-ambroise-framboise/

About the Brewery

St Ambroise - McAuslan LogoMcAuslan Brewing began operations in January of 1989. Located at 4850 St-Ambroise Street in Montreal’s St-Henri district, it has established itself as Quebec’s foremost micro-brewery.

The brewery launched its first beer in February 1989. St-Ambroise Pale Ale was an immediate success. Its distinctive hoppy-ness and clear reddish hue set it apart and gained it an instant following. Shortly after, McAuslan Brewing became the first micro-brewery to offer its product in bottles.

http://www.mcauslan.com/

 

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