Framboos and Raspberry Lambic — What You Need to Know
Raspberry lambic is a distinctive Belgian-style fruit beer made by blending spontaneous-fermented lambic with real raspberries. Framboos, specifically, is a blend of young and old lambics macerated with raspberries from De Daalkouter and left to soak for three months before bottling. The result is a tart, aromatic beer with bright berry character and complex sourness.
What is raspberry lambic?
Raspberry lambic (often called framboise or framboos) starts with lambic — a wild, barrel-aged base beer fermented by native yeasts and bacteria. When raspberries are added and left to macerate, the sugars and acids from the fruit ferment into a lively, fruity, and tart beer. Typical characteristics:
- Pronounced raspberry aroma and flavor
- Balanced tartness and fruit sweetness
- Light to medium body with effervescent finish
- Often bottle-conditioned, sometimes slightly cloudy
How is Framboos made?
Framboos follows classic lambic techniques: a blend of young and old lambics is combined, fresh raspberries from a local farm (De Daalkouter) are mixed in, and the mixture is macerated for three months. Fermentation and maturation continue on site, and the beer is later bottled. That extended maceration gives the beer depth and a layered fruit profile rather than just a simple jammy sweetness.
How does it compare to commercial options like Lindemans Framboise?
Lindemans Framboise is a widely distributed commercial framboise known for being very fruity and approachable — usually produced at a low ABV and aimed at a broad audience. Differences you’ll notice between artisanal lambics like Framboos and large-brand framboise include:
- Complexity: Traditional blends (like Framboos) tend to show more sourness, barnyard and barrel notes from aged lambic.
- Fruit intensity: Commercial framboise is often sweeter and simpler; craft lambics can be more tart and nuanced.
- Batch variation: Small producers will have more variation from one batch to another, which many fans appreciate.
What is the ABV of Lindemans Framboise and similar fruit lambics?
Many commercial fruit lambics such as Lindemans Framboise are brewed to a low alcohol by volume (often in the 2.5%–4% range) to emphasize drinkability and fruitiness. Craft and traditional lambics vary more: some bottle-conditioned framboise will sit closer to 5–6% ABV depending on residual sugars and fermentation. Always check the label for the exact ABV.
Where can I buy framboise or raspberry lambic?
Availability depends on your region. For commercial brands, many online craft beer retailers and larger liquor stores list them. Smaller, artisanal lambics may be sold directly from the brewery, at specialty beer shops, or through limited online allocations. Trader Joe’s occasionally stocks fruit lambics, but their inventory varies widely by store and season — it’s best to contact your local location or check online listings.
How should I serve raspberry lambic?
- Serve chilled but not ice-cold (around 6–10°C / 43–50°F) to allow aromas to open.
- Use a tulip or stemmed glass to capture the aroma and show off the color.
- Pair with creamy cheeses (e.g., goat cheese), fruit desserts, or roasted poultry for a contrasting tart-sweet profile.
Is raspberry lambic considered a craft beer?
Yes — when made by small breweries using traditional lambic methods and real fruit, raspberry lambic is widely considered part of the craft and traditional beer world. There’s a spectrum: mass-market fruit lambics aim for consistency and broad appeal, while traditional lambic producers emphasize spontaneous fermentation, aging, and terroir.
Try it
If you’re curious to taste a thoughtfully made raspberry lambic with local raspberries and careful maceration, consider sampling
— its three-month maceration and on-site fermentation give a classic, layered framboos character that highlights both the fruit and the lambic base.
Whether you’re comparing well-known brands or exploring small-batch blends, raspberry lambic is a deliciously fruity, tart, and refreshing style with plenty of depth for beer lovers to enjoy.
