Description
The Vieille Kriek, Vieille Kriek-Lambic, Vieille Framboise-Lambic, Vieux Fruit-Lambic TSG are spontaneously fermented bitter beers to which fruit juices or crushed fruit are added.
Production Area
The tradition territory of Vieille Kriek, Vieille Kriek-Lambic, Vieille Framboise-Lambic, Vieux Fruit-Lambic TSG cover about the whole area of Belgium.
Production Method
Vieille Kriek, Vieille Kriek-Lambic, Vieille Framboise-Lambic, Vieux Fruit-Lambic TSG beers are blends of Lambic beers the oldest of which must have been aged for at least one year in wooden barrels and, once blended, must be aged again for at least one year. They are also fermented a second time and matured on their own dregs or sediment. Vieille Kriek, Vieille Kriek-Lambic TSG beers have cherries, cherry juice or cherry concentrate added. Vieille Framboise-Lambic TSG has raspberries added in varying quantities, between 20 kg and 35 kg for 100 l depending on the brewery. Lastly Vieux Fruit-Lambic TSG beers are made with the addition of fruit juices and syrups of fruits such as blackcurrants, apricots, strawberries, bananas, plums, pineapple or lemons, in amounts varying from a minimum of 10% to a maximum of 25% of the final product weight, except peaches which may be added by a proportion of up to 30%.
Appearance and Flavour
Vieille Kriek, Vieille Kriek-Lambic, Vieille Framboise-Lambic, Vieux Fruit-Lambic TSG beers are very distinctive beers, red in colour, highly perfumed and with a slightly sour taste. Vieille Framboise-Lambic TSG is drier on the palate, sharp and astringent with decidedly tart notes. The taste of Vieux Fruit-Lambic TSG beer varies depending on the fruit added and it is a very distinctive beer.
History
The history of Vielle Kriek TSG is linked to its method of brewing which dates back to 1559. At that time a decree passed in the city of Hal establishing that beer had to contain 16 parts of grain, 6 of wheat and 10 of corn and barley, which superseded the Reinheitsgebot, an earlier decree listing the authorized ingredients for the production of beer.
Gastronomy
Vieille Kriek, Vieille Kriek-Lambic, Vieille Framboise-Lambic, Vieux Fruit-Lambic TSG beers must be stored in a cool, dark place. They are best drunk cold as an aperitif. They are also used as an ingredient in many local dishes, particularly desserts.
Marketing
These beers are sold as Vieille Kriek, Vieille Kriek-Lambic, Vieille Framboise-Lambic, Vieux Fruit-Lambic TSG. They are marketed in glass bottles.
Distinctive Features
Vieille Kriek TSG beers are fermented twice, which gives them their very particular and distinctive characteristics.
