BJCP 2021 / 23E
Gueuze
A sparkling, sour, complex blend of young and old lambic.
- Ages well
- high strength
- pale color
- wild fermented
- western europe
Serve: 46 to 52F, Champagne flute or tulip
OG1.120
1.040 to 1.054FG1.030
1.000 to 1.006IBU120
0 to 10SRM40
5 to 6ABV14%
5.0 to 8.0%Taste it in order
Aroma
12 pts- Funky barnyard, hay and leather
- Citrus, apple, and champagne-like fruit
- Bready undertone
- Vague
- Funky
- Better
- Barnyard, citrus and hay
- Best
- Moderate funky hay and barnyard aroma with lemon and apple, soft bread, gentle oak, no hop
Appearance
3 pts- Pale to deep gold
- Clear
- Bright white effervescent head
- Vague
- Gold
- Better
- Gold and fizzy
- Best
- Pale to deep gold, bright to brilliant, white head that fades quickly
Flavor
20 pts- Bright, balanced sourness
- Citrus, hay and mild funk
- Dry finish, mineral tang
- Vague
- Sour
- Better
- Citrus acid and funk
- Best
- High sourness like lemon and green apple balanced by gentle barnyard funk, dry mineral finish, no bitterness
Mouthfeel
5 pts- Light to medium-light body
- High carbonation
- Crisp, champagne-like
- Vague
- Fizzy
- Better
- Light body, bright
- Best
- Light body, high carbonation with fine bubbles, crisp and tart
Overall Impression
10 ptsLifts it
- Balance and effervescence
Drops it
- Vinegar
- Sweetness
- Mustiness
Writing tip
Say how acid and funk share the stage. Example: 'Lemony acidity with gentle hay and barnyard, bright carbonation. Balanced and refreshing.'
Pour these
- Oude GeuzeBoonClean funk and bright acidity
- GueuzeCantillonTart, dry and sharp
- Oude GeuzeDrie FonteinenComplex and champagne-like
Often confused with
- 23D LambicLambic is still, younger and unblended
- 23A Berliner WeisseBerliner Weisse has clean lactic acid and no funk
Fine here
- Sour/Acidic: Strong lactic sourness is the style
- Oxidized: A hint of sherry is tolerated
- Musty: Barnyard and leather are part of the profile
Ruinous here
- Sour/Acidic: Vinegar
- Solvent: Nail polish
Style names, numbers and vital statistics follow the BJCP 2021 beer guidelines. Descriptions and example choices are our own. Check a beer is still made before you hunt for it.