Rodenbach Belgian Sour Ale
 

Rodenbach Classic is the original Belgian Sour Ale. It is a refreshing blend of young and mature beer, fermented and aged for two years in Rodenbachs standing oak casks (foeders), a brewing method dating to the Middle Ages. 

A perfect balance of caramelized roasted malt and tart fruit notes, with subtle oak undertones and a refreshingly crisp yet lingering finish, all a result of maturing in our oak casks. Fantastic with food and friends.

Rodenbach's brewing methods reflect traditions developed by monks, who were among the original innovators of beer brewing. Monks in Europe began brewing beer as early as the 6th century, with the practice flourishing between the 8th and 12th centuries. These early brewers perfected techniques that remain influential in modern brewing.

While Rodenbach itself wasn't founded by monks, its brewing philosophy aligns closely with the innovations and practices pioneered by monastic communities. Rodenbach’s focus on sour ales and its use of oak foeders (large oak barrels) for aging reflect techniques that likely originated during these centuries, particularly in regions where monastic brewing thrived.

Origins of Sour Beers
Monks, especially in Belgium, were among the first to master spontaneous fermentation, relying on wild yeasts and bacteria to create sour ales. This natural process is integral to Rodenbach Original.

Traditional Techniques
The use of barrel-aging, perfected over centuries by monastic brewers, is a cornerstone of Rodenbach’s approach. Their foeder-aging process mirrors the refinement methods monks employed to enhance beer's flavor and quality.

Focus on Quality and Craftsmanship
Monastic breweries emphasized precision and community benefit, values echoed in Rodenbach's dedication to preserving time-honored brewing traditions.

A Historical Continuum
Though Rodenbach is secular, its respect for heritage, natural fermentation, and pursuit of complex, balanced flavors place it within a lineage of brewing innovation deeply influenced by monastic practices.

Thus, Rodenbach represents a continuation of the monastic brewing legacy, paying homage to the methods developed between the 6th and 12th centuries while adapting them for the modern beer enthusiast.