Kriek Lambic

Kriek Lambic is lambic refermented with sour cherries, adding pronounced fruit aroma, colour, and sharper acidity. Compared with Fruit Lambic in general, it is more specifically cherry-led and often drier in impression.

Defined by sour cherry refermentation on a traditional lambic base.

Also known as: Kriek
Family: Sour & Funky Beers - Sour, tart, wild, or mixed-fermentation beers
Variant of Lambic - Within the Expressive Ales, defined by a clearly dominant sensory driver such as hop intensity, yeast expression, strength, or acidity.
Variant influence: Refermentation with sour cherries adds fruit aroma, colour, and sharper acidity.
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ABV, IBU and colour

This section summarises the typical alcohol strength, bitterness level and colour range of Kriek Lambic within the GBI model.

ABV: 5,0%
IBU: 3
Colour: 17,0 SRM / 33,5 EBC

Taste profile

The sensory profile below shows the typical intensity range of the 15 core flavour dimensions.

Colour:
Deep gold Amber
Clarity:
Hazy Opaque
Aroma – Malt:
Low Medium
Aroma – Hop:
Low Medium
Aroma – Yeast:
Medium High
Aroma – Special:
Medium Very high
Sweetness:
Low Medium
Sourness:
Medium
Bitterness:
Low Medium
Body:
Low Medium
Astringency:
Low Medium
Carbonation:
None Low
Alcohol Strength:
Low Medium
Finish Length:
Long
Oxidation:
None Low

Structurally defined by clear yeast character, moderate acidity and restrained malt expression.

Defined by sour cherry refermentation within lambic structure, intensifying acidity while preserving traditional fermentation character. Brightly acidic, fruity, and complex with integrated cherry character and a long finish.

Why Kriek Lambic tastes like it does

These structural drivers explain its characteristic flavour balance.

  • Spontaneous wild fermentation creating complex, assertive lactic acidity.
  • Spontaneous fermentation with acidity, funk and complex brett character.
  • Extended aging boosts finish and special complexity.
  • Medium toast increases toasted/melanoidin character with some sweetness and light astringency.
  • Whirlpool hopping enhances aroma oils with low bitterness.

Style details

  • Origin: Belgium — Originating from Belgian brewing traditions.
  • Glassware: Tumbler — Simple straight-sided tumbler commonly used for lambic, farmhouse ales, and rustic or sour styles.
    Tulip — Stemmed tulip glass that concentrates aroma and supports a stable head; ideal for aromatic ales and Belgian styles.
    Teku — Modern universal tasting glass designed for maximum aroma capture and sensory evaluation.
  • Serving: Bottle — Served from bottle.
  • Conditioning: Bottle Conditioned — Naturally carbonated in the bottle.
    Keg Conditioned — Carbonated and served from keg systems.
  • Aging vessel: Oak — Aged on oak wood without barrels.
    Stainless — Aged or matured in stainless steel.
  • Packaging: Bottle — Packaged in bottle.

History

Kriek developed by fermenting whole sour cherries in lambic, creating one of the classic fruit lambics.

Related styles

Other variants within the same style group as Kriek Lambic.

How Kriek Lambic compares to other beer styles

Comparing styles highlights structural differences in aroma, balance, and intensity across the 15 GBI sensory dimensions.

Kriek Lambic vs Fruit Lambic

  • much deeper colour
  • fresher profile
  • sweeter profile
  • lower acidity
  • less astringency

Kriek Lambic differs substantially from Fruit Lambic in structure and balance. Acidity is more restrained. Visually, it appears darker in colour.

Kriek Lambic vs Oude Kriek

  • sweeter profile
  • fresher profile
  • lower acidity
  • less astringency
  • slightly shorter finish

Set against Oude Kriek, Kriek Lambic reveals a distinct stylistic contrast. Acidity is more restrained. On the palate, it presents a shorter finish.

Compare Kriek Lambic with:

Compare with another style

Select another beer style to see how it compares to Kriek Lambic.

Best food pairings for Kriek Lambic

These food pairings complement the dominant sensory traits of Kriek Lambic.

  • Duck
  • Dark chocolate
  • Aged cheeses

Service & Aging

Practical guidance for serving and handling Kriek Lambic.

Serving notes

  • Serve cool
  • Allow fruit aromatics to express as it warms slightly

Pouring technique

  • Open carefully
  • Pour gently to avoid disturbing fruit sediment

Aging potential

  • Can age several years
  • Cherry intensity fades with extended aging

Common faults

  • Artificial cherry character
  • Excessive sweetness
  • Acetic harshness

Commercial examples of Kriek Lambic

The following commercial examples illustrate widely recognised expressions of Kriek Lambic in the market.

  • Cantillon Kriek
  • 3 Fonteinen Oude Kriek
  • Boon Kriek

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Kriek Lambic – Competition results (2025)

Competition categories reflect the official classification used by each event and may include stylistically adjacent interpretations.

Brussels Beer Challenge 2025

Old style Fruit-Lambic

  • Gold – Oude Kriek Boon – (Brouwerij Boon , Belgium)
  • Silver – Fruited Spontanée – (Pfriem Family Brewers , United States)
  • Silver – Oude Kriek Cuvée René – (Lindemans nv , Belgium)
  • Bronze – Bogaerden oude kriek – (Sako Brewery , Belgium)

Source: Brussels Beer Challenge (official website)

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