The #2 rated Flanders in the world on BeerAdvocate, Brouwerij Rodenbach’s Alexander disappeared from the world for 16 years. Last year we got our hands on some of the first bottles and they vanished before we had a chance to blink, leaving us with a monstrous waitlist. We’re relieved Alexander decided to stick around – and if you missed it last year, now’s your chance to experience Flanders Red perfection with the added punch of sour cherries.

Alexander is one of the most sought after beers in the world for its nuanced flavor profile -- bottles were going for upwards of $1000 on the craft trading black market! Rodenbach blends different vintages of the ale and then ages it in Foeders for up to 3 years with macerated sour cherries, creating complex layers of sour, tart, oaky and sweet, all remarkably balanced with its Vienna Malt backbone.

Pouring a deep garnet hue, tart Montmorency cherry along with a hint of jammy sweetness compose the aroma. The body is light and lively, yet hearty enough to hold up to the sour-sweet cherry flavors and vanilla oak notes lent from the Foeders. A vinous quality and a hint of nutty amaretto are present, and Alexander boasts a smooth cherry liqueur booziness that adds even more depth. A dry and subtle sour bite round out a sublime finish.

Rodenbach has been the undisputed reigning champion of Flanders Reds for 180 years, and Alexander is a taste of their expertise with an extra tang of sour cherries. Better stock up on a few bottles now before Alexander rides off once again into a cherry-hued sunset.

Ranked #2 Flander’s Red in the World on BeerAdvocate
Rated 4.64 on Tavour, 4.42 on BeerAdvocate, 4.22 on Untappd