Mus'iek
(has 2 batches)

Mixing different species of fruit in lambic is a relatively new thing, propelled by the global craft beer movement which did wonderful things to beer in general all around the globe but certainly worked its magic into the lambic world with sometimes baffling results - though it can be argued that especially Cantillon's pioneering work in experimenting with e.g. grape lambics and other formulas which were anything but standard at the time, played a vital role in this evolution as well. Anyway, when it comes to using different fruit species in one lambic, Boerenerf is already a seasoned practitioner meanwhile, with this Mus'iek being reiterated for the second time already: a fruit lambic containing both muscatel grapes and sour cherries, the first coming from the well-known domain Hoenshof, a vineyard in Limburg. This review concerns the 2024 version (released only in 2025), at only 6,95% ABV, a significant difference with the first version and perhaps enough to grant it a separate entry? Anyway: thinnish but regular and fairly stable, off-pinkish greyish white, tiny-bubbled, opening but initially edge-retaining head, later completely dissolving on a hazy, deep burgundy red robe with violet tinge, turning cloudy and even more (literally) 'deep purple' with the lower half of the bottle added. Aroma of clear muscatel grapes and grape skins, muscatel wine even, bursting ripe sour cherries (even the Bigarreau Blanc-Rose or, in colloquial Dutch, 'witbuik' variety grown by my grandmother in her garden springs to mind - even the liquor I used to make of them back then), something flowery - lavender- and violet-like, ripe red apple, unsugared fruit yoghurt, stewed vine leaves, blossoming lilacs, barnyard, homemade plum wine, sour cream, light chlorine, dry forest floor, wet clay, vague 'Bretty' leather, rainwater in the background, touch of soaking wet wood and something very vaguely (unsugared) marshmallow-like faraway in the background. Tart onset, very colourful and 'fleshy', as if actually smelling and biting in ripe sour cherries, immediately followed by a deep, juicy, almost sweet vinosity of the muscatel grapes; both fruits completely fill the onset in a deliciously juicy way and both remain equally recognisable, remaining balanced against each other in spite of being so powerful. Side notes of lime juice, wild blackberry and unripe plum abound as well, adding to the somewhat astringent tartness; the sheer juiciness of the grapes and cherries, however, keeps everything creamy and smooth. Minerally stings of carbon dioxide further accompany this smoothness and juiciness over a supple bready 'soil', with a drying yet fruity layer of yoghurt-like lactic acidity in between; tannic wood effects are present in the end, but more astringency comes from the tannins yielded by the fruit (seeds and skins). A deep lemony sourness runs underneath and accentuates this astringency in the end, but 'wild' Brett notes entertain as well as something herbal (cooked vine leaves) and that smooth, rounded juiciness of the two fruits provide balance against this astringency. Vinous, almost creamy, 'fleshy', distinct fruit lambic, one to sample slowly and mindfully, whilst enjoying the generosity of the two featuring fruits - a great 'compromise' between classic 'oude kriek' and the long-forgotten but historical muscat, which inspired Cantillon's Vigneronne already in the seventies as the world's first modern grape lambic. One worth seeking out.

2025 version. Pours dark, unclear redpurple. Small white head. Scent is rich, pure candy, cherry, with an earthy grape factor. Not a sweet impression, but oh-so-smooth. Taste is full, tart and sharp. Rich fruityness again. Super smooth, aromatic and intense cherry. So refined. Touch earthy, very warm and enjoyable cherry, fruityness lingers, supported bu great grapes. WHAT a blend. Next to 'Fluweel' this is yet another boerenerf to blow me off my socks, and way, way , way surpasses expectations, What fruits is Senne using? certainly there has to be something very different there. Very skillfull beer, with wonderfull results.

On tap at Moeder Lambic Fontainas for the Olambic Games. Pours murky ruby with a white head. Red cherries, dry grass on the nose. Flavour has tart red cherries, good tannins, some dry grass. Solid.

On tap at Van Moll Fest, on Sunday. Nicely balanced between vineous notes, tannins and almond-cherry, moderately acidic, quite dry and somewhat funky.

Sample at the roost is a starbright garnet amber with some clingy pink head. Nose of cherries and merlot, some blueberry, lacto. Flavor is all the stone fruit, cherry and raspberry, more pinot now, straw, light grist. Finishes light acid, medium bodied and just off dry.