The legendary Belgian Rodenbach Brouwerij’s Alexander with sour cherries is one of the most sought after beers in the world, and this is its first release since the year 2000. When the last batch came out it was so popular, individual bottles were sold for over $1000 each on the black market.

Alexander is a Flanders style Red-- more specifically a Foederbier (blended and aged in up to 2 years in giant oak tanks) with sour cherries. Aromas of freshly spread Montmorency cherry preserves delight the nose. This sweet-tart is daringly fruity and complex. Nutty amaretto notes are released from the inclusion of the cherry pits providing even more depth. Then a finish of boozy cherry bounce liqueur drifts off the palate slow and full of satisfaction.

Alexander is the #2 rated Flanders Red in the world on BeerAdvocate and the #3 on overall RateBeer (Ranked above their Grand Cru on both lists!). It’s so obvious it almost sounds sarcastic to say but Rodenbach knows how to brew magnificent Sours. They were the original Sour Ale brewers-- It’s like saying I guess Apple knows how to make alright computers.

The new 2016 vintage of Rodenbach Alexander is quite limited and it’s an experience just getting to try it. Cheers! Here’s hoping it’s not another 16 years before they brew it again, but you never know...

Rated 4.35 on Untappd, 100 overall and 100 for style on RateBeer, 96 on BeerAdvocate

Rodenbach - Alexander - $16.99 for a 750ml bottle