Can anyone suggest a good lambic beer besides Chimay?

Question

One that is NOT flavored with fruit. Any thoughts?

Answer 1

Err... Chimay's not a lambic. You may be confused because they are both Belgian, but the Chimay's about as far from a lambic as it can be.

Chimay is a (well, three different, actually, but they are all similar styles) rich, high alcohol content, heavily malted ale, almost a barleywine, sweet, strong (7-9% alcohol) and yeasty.

Lambics are very tart, light and cidery, with an alcohol content of around 4-6%. They are unique (or nearly so), in that instead of being inoculated with specific strains of yeast, they are spontaneously fermented- that is, they are exposed to the wild yeasts and bacteria prevalent in the Payottenland (the only area in the world where true lambics are brewed). This mix of wild yeasts is what gives lambic its characteristic tartness.

The most common lambic in America is Lindemans, with a Gueuze (unsweetened), Faro (crystal sugar added for sweetness), Kriek (cherry), Peche (peach), Framboise (raspberry), Cassis (black currant) and Pomme (apple) version available. The Peche, Kriek and Framboise are by far the most commonly available.

Another is Belle Vue, which has a Gueuze, Kriek, Framboise, and Kriek Extra available. They are sweeter than a traditional lambic.

Boon is fairly easy to find, with a Kriek, Framboise and Gueuze available, more traditional than Belle Vue- very dry and tart.

And you should be able to find Cantillon, in a variety of flavors an styles, such as Kriek, Framboise, Gueuze, as well as apricot and grape, with a little looking.

You might try online shopping, if none of your local liquor stores carry it. Froogle brings up a number of references.

Answer 2

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lambic
http://ourworld.compuserve.com/homepages/pvosta/pcrbier1.htm

Mmmm, I don't think that Chimay is a Lambic. It's Belgian, but it's not Lambic. It's a Trappist beer that's not made the same as a Lambic.

For other Belgian beers, I've recently discovered the 'ique' line. Diabolique, Mystique, Angelique, and one other one. Buy one of each and do a tasting - it's quite fun.

Answer 3

Foster's is crappy beer. I don't think it's even made in Australia. Australia has really high vice taxes so most of the beer there is expensive and crappy. Australia is pretty cool. Sydney and Melbourne are awesome cities - loads of stuff to do, creative arts scene, nice weather and atmosphere. The country has a great social safety net so there is very little homelessness and the economy is in a major boom. There are also tons of cute asian girls everywhere.

Answer 4

Mort Subite Gueuze

http://vetuvia.up.seesaa.net/image/mort.jpg