What is a Flanders Red Ale?

A Flanders Red Ale, or Flemish, is a sour ale from West Flanders in Belgium. It gets its unique sour character from fermentation with Lactobacillus, rather than traditional yeast, which produces a sour character attributable to lactic acid. After fermentation, they are then aged for a year or more, regularly in oak barrels, after which they may then be blended with a younger beer to bring a bit of freshness.

Flavours tend to be tart and intensely fruity, with prune, raisin, plum and raspberry often in the mix, followed by a spicy finish. The oak barrels impart tannin which gives them weight and has drawn a comparison to wine on some occassions.