Originally rated August 2005. Thanks to Ms. Sénécal for this one, bought a year ago at the LCBO in Ottawa, Ontario. Comes in an awesome off-white ceramic 750ml bottle. Pours a crazy-crazy-crazy tanned head that stays long enough. Lacing is mighty fine. Colour is red-purple. The beautiful nose is of raspberry purée. The mouthfeel is slightly tarty with a sourness found in the finish. The raspberry fruit in the mouth is quite mild though. Quite refreshing and not too sweet. Overall, a good fruit beer, and surprised it comes from Amsterdam Brewing.

2005 bottle, I assume big thanks to Sammy for the trade. Had this 7/10/2005. Highly unfiltered, this beer pours a deep red-raspberry jam color with caramel undertones. Pinkish yellow head is lasting and creates sheets of lace. Plenty of raspberry seeds at the bottom of the bottle. I seem to say this often, but this one has an incredibly fresh, authentic raspberry aroma. One of the best raspberry fruit beers of which I can think. Lightly tart and with a hint of light brown bread and acidity on the end. Flavor is a expertly integrated mix of brown malts, raspberries, delicious vanilla and caramel sweetness. A fresh acidity washes over the palate on the end. Natural, moderate carbonation adds just enough zest to make it refreshing. Lightly dry yeast on the end. Really pleasing on the tongue, hitting the sour and sweet receptors almost simultaneously. Having just had Founders Rubaeus, I must say that I like the added malt on this one, you can taste light caramel and some earthy, brown-bread dough which really provides more substance. Caramelized sugar with light raspberry creme brulee comes to mind. Less tartness, but still refreshing and drinkable. I also like that this brewer does not make any pretenses with the name and simply calls it framboise. The whole raspberries really make a difference. A wonderful fruit beer, and I’d like some more.