Gueuze is a Belgian lambic-style that is made by blending young and old lambic beers—traditional Belgian brews that are fermented with wild yeasts. The blends then undergo secondary fermentation in the bottle. The combination is made by brewer’s preference, and the final character of gueuze is often unpredictable.
They are typically very effervescent, crisp, and refreshing with unique earthy aromas reminiscent of hay and leather. Usually, they will display moderate sour and malt character, and they will sometimes have nuances of citrus fruit as well as hints of vanilla and oak.
Gueuze is typically made with lambic blends that are one, two, and three-years-old, and those labeled as oude or ville are considered most traditional. This style originated in Pajottenland and Bruxelles sometime in the 19th century.
It was an invention of local brewers that blended two lambics of different ages, which resulted in a spontaneous fermentation in the bottle. Gueuze beers are usually sold in corked, wire-caged bottles, and they are best paired with oysters, mussels, and poultry.
