This 750 mL bottle was from the late 2008 or early 2009 bottling. It was corked and capped; now Upland lambics are corked and caged like a champagne bottle. The first pour was beautiful – crystal clear and the color of honey with ruby highlights. No lacing in the glass but lots of bubbles rose from the bottom of the flute. The subsequent pours were cloudier and I ended with a flute of sediment that looked like a paintbrush had been cleaned in it – murky and dull.
The smell was of cherries. Faded, subdued cherries. A faint grain presence was there too. I may have cellared this one too long; unfortunately the aroma was past its prime.
The taste was boldly sour – just as expected! Woody and vinegary – like a fine aged balsamic. Lactic with only modest cherry flavor. Wonderfully tart with just enough malts presence to give it some structure. Drying with a long puckering finish. The body was light to medium with plenty of effervescence.
Again I see the error of my hoarding, I aged this one a bit too long. It’s fruitiness and bold cherry flavors have been muted. I have several other, younger lambics from Upland that I will need to review soon.
