La Vie En Rose

Photo: Erik Smith

Madame Rose. You may have heard of her. She's a wild ale, conceived in Belgium, born in Chicago, raised with Michigan sour cherries, married to cabernet barrels, and released into the world back in May. Her parents at Goose Island sent yours truly a bottle, which I recently shared outside on a beautiful summer night with a few friends.

The shorthand tasting notes, as pointed out by my Sisterone-in-Law, run as follows: If you are familiar with and like Liefmans Oud Bruin, you will like Madame Rose. I don't remember that I've ever actually had Liefmans Oud Bruin, but I certainly enjoyed my date with Madame Rose.

Goose Island brewmaster Brett Porter explains the inspiration behind his brewery's latest sour creation:

You might be interested to know (if you didn't already) that Madame Rose is an homage to Belgium's first female brewmaster, Rose Blancquaert-Merckx. As the former brewery manager of the historic Liefmans brewery, Rose was dedicated to brewing beers using the traditional methods of the region. She worked tirelessly to share the Oude-Bruin style of beer with the world. Rosa's passion for the tradition of brewing at Liefmans became an inspiration to my team of Goose Island brewers.

A 765ml bottle of Madame Rose retails locally for as high as $30 or more (though I've heard tell you can find it more inexpensively if you know where to look). But if you're curious about the brew and want to give it a try without that level of commitment, it will be one of a number of special beers on tap tonight at the Heidelberg during Goose Island "Migration Week."

Brewmaster Porter and crew will be in town for this special event, which begins at 5 p.m. and includes three Bourbon County Stout blends: Proprietor's (aged with toasted coconut), Backyard Rye (mulberries, marionberries, and boysenberries), and Coffee; Rose's sour sisters Halia (peaches) and Lolita (raspberries); and two non-barrel-aged brews: The Ogden Tripel and 312 Urban Wheat Ale.

Migration Week migrates to World of Beer tomorrow night at 6 p.m., but with a different lineup: Bourbon County Stout (2012), Devon Ave. Pale Ale, Gillian (strawberries, white pepper, and honey), and The Illinois Imperial IPA.