I am Duchesse Cherry — a royal twist on a Flemish classic, steeped in heritage and kissed by real Belgian cherries.

Unlike your typical Kriek, I am no Lambic. I’m a fruited Flanders Red Ale of mixed fermentation — bold, elegant, and unmistakably refined. My journey begins with a top-fermented base that undergoes wild secondary fermentation in oak foeders, the same grand vessels once used to age fine Bordeaux wines. This careful process imparts depth, oak character, and the signature sweet-sour balance of the original Duchesse.

But my heart belongs to cherries — 20kg of “Kriek Gorsem” Belgian sour cherries, sourced from the orchards of Sint-Truiden in Limburg, are steeped into every 100 liters of beer. For six long months, I macerate with this crimson bounty, absorbing their tart brightness and vibrant fruit notes.

After 24 months of patient transformation, I emerge as something truly special — a deep ruby-red elixir with aromas of ripe cherry, vanilla, and subtle wood. My flavour is a dance of refreshing acidity, velvety sweetness, and a bittersweet finish that lingers like the memory of a first love.