Today, we’re diving into the bold world of complex beers with one that’s sure to spark strong reactions among beer enthusiasts. Since the beginning of Beery Christmas, most featured brews have been accessible and refreshing—yet always unique. Madame Rose flips the script. This beer doesn't try to be like the others; it thrives on surprising even the most refined palates.
Goose Island: Craft Beer with heritage
Goose Island was founded by John Hall, a beer lover inspired by European brews. Upon returning to Chicago, he began crafting beers reminiscent of his travels and sharing his passion with others. In 1995, he opened his first brewery, which quickly gained popularity. Today, Goose Island is an internationally recognized name in craft beer, known for innovation and excellence. One of its most iconic creations is the coveted Bourbon County Stout, an Imperial Stout aged in bourbon barrels that beer geeks eagerly hunt down each year. Goose Island represents a deep respect for brewing traditions, paired with a drive for constant innovation.
Madame Rose: a complex, barrel-aged sour ale
Madame Rose is far more than just a fruit beer. Brewed in the style of a Belgian Oude Bruin, this American take is aged in wine barrels with Brettanomyces Bruxellensis wild yeast and cherries. The result? A tart, funky, and deeply complex beer that’s not for the faint-hearted. On the nose, expect aromas of sour cherry, oak, wild yeast, and subtle earthy notes. On the palate, Madame Rose bursts with tangy cherry, damp wood, leather, and the unmistakable touch of wild fermentation. It's an intentional, bold profile that speaks to Goose Island’s mastery of barrel-aging.
This beer is not flawed or oxidized—its bold character is a signature of the Belgian Wild Ale style, driven by its wild yeast. If you’re intrigued by complexity, try cellaring a bottle for a few more months. The flavours will continue to evolve over time. Goose Island set out to create a tart, complex beer that remains approachable—and they succeeded. Madame Rose is a true standout.
What Is a Sour Ale?
Sour ales and wild ales both bring acidity to the forefront, but the difference lies in the yeast. Sour ales are typically fermented with specific blends of yeast and bacteria—like lactobacillus or other "yogurt" bacteria—often sourced from specialty suppliers. Wild ales, however, rely on spontaneous fermentation, using airborne wild yeast or yeast already present in the brewing environment. Wild yeast can consume all the sugars in the beer, resulting in a more intense acidity. Mixed fermentation combines both approaches, starting with Saccharomyces and finishing with wild or sour cultures. The longer these beers ferment, the more sour and complex they become.
Tasting Tips for Madame Rose
- Serve at around 10°C
- Pairs well with beef or game meats
Discover other beers : History of the Castelain Brewery and Flemish Country Brewery !
