some seasonal color

It felt like time for red ale, being the season and all.  Something Belgian looks promising.  Ichtegem's Gran Cru has an interesting sweet and sour smell once opened.  The color is nice and ruddy and just a bit of head remains on top after a minute or two.  The first thing to hit me when tasting is the sweetness, surprisingly strong, but quickly replaced with a fuller, almost woody flavor.  In the past, woodiness has not helped a beer gain my esteem, but it's very subtle in Gran Cru and gives the beer some complexity while balancing out the sweet.  It reminds me of many fruit beers those Belgians like to mess around with, but less syrupy than many, with a sharper, more refreshing taste.