Belgian-Style Lambic
Belgian and French Origin Ale · Brewers Association 2025
6 SRM13 SRM
- OG
- 1.044 – 1.065
- FG
- 1.000 – 1.010
- ABV
- 5 – 7.6 %
- IBU
- 11 – 23
- Color
Belgian and French Origin Ale · Brewers Association 2025
Lambics originating in the Brussels area of Belgium are often simply called Lambic. Versions of this beer style made outside of the Brussels area cannot be called true Lambics. These versions are said to be "Belgian-Style Lambic" and may be made to resemble many of the beers of true origin. Historically, traditional Lambic is dry and completely attenuated, exhibiting no residual sweetness either from malt, sugar, or other sweeteners. Sweet versions may be created through the addition of sugars or other sweeteners. Traditionally, Lambics are brewed with unmalted wheat and malted barley. Acetic acid or any type of acidic bacterial character should not be present
Gold to medium amber
Cloudiness is acceptable
Sweet malt character should not be present
Not present to very low, and can include cheesy, floral or other attributes. Hop character is achieved by using stale and aged hops at low rates.
Very low
Characteristic horsey, goaty, leathery and phenolic aromas and flavors derived from Brettanomyces yeast are often present at moderate levels. High to very high fruity esters are present. Traditionally, Lambics are unblended and spontaneously fermented. They express high to very high levels of fruity esters as well as bacteria and yeast-derived sourness. Some versions are fermented with the addition of cultured yeast and bacteria. Carbonation can range from absent to medium. Vanillin and other wood-derived flavors may range from absent to present at up to low-medium levels.
Very low with dry mouthfeel
Brew to this style
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Style guideline data is the work of its respective publishers, reproduced here for reference: BJCP · Brewers Association · Norbrygg · SHBF · Danske Øldommere.