Timmermans Framboise Lambicus 11.2OZ 4Pk

Timmermans Framboise Lambicus 11.2oz 4-Pack is a Belgian fruit lambic beer brewed with natural raspberry at 4% ABV, sold in four 11.2-ounce (330ml) bottles. Produced by what is widely recognized as the world's oldest lambic brewery — founded in 1702 — this framboise earned a 96/100 rating from Beer Connoisseur under the BJCP Fruit Lambic style guidelines.

Quick Facts: ABV: 4%  |  Origin: Pajottenland, Belgium  |  Style: Fruit Lambic  |  Brewery: Brouwerij Timmermans (est. 1702)

Production & Heritage

Brouwerij Timmermans has operated continuously since 1702 in Itterbeek, within the Pajottenland region of the Zenne valley — the narrow corridor southwest of Brussels where wild lambic fermentation is possible. The base beer uses a traditional lambic grist of 70% malted barley and 30% unmalted wheat, then undergoes spontaneous fermentation driven by indigenous Brettanomyces lambicus and Brettanomyces bruxellensis yeasts. Natural raspberry aromas are added to the fermented lambic, which then matures in oak barrels until it develops its signature delicate pink hue and balanced fruit character.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Ripe and over-ripe raspberries dominate the nose immediately, layered with bright strawberry tones. A sweetish, jammy quality carries through, with subtle funk from the wild fermentation underneath.

Taste: The entry is decidedly sweet, with lush raspberry flavor hitting the palate first. Mid-palate, a tart sourness emerges to counterbalance the fruit sweetness, and the two contrasting elements merge into a cohesive, well-integrated profile. The body is very light, and vigorous carbonation gives it a champagne-like effervescence that lifts the fruit notes.

Finish: The finish is crisp and moderately tart, with lingering raspberry and a dry, refreshing close. Carbonation continues to tingle on the tongue, keeping the aftertaste clean rather than cloying.

How to Drink Timmermans Framboise

Pour into a flute or tulip glass at 40–45°F to showcase the carbonation and pink color. This framboise drinks beautifully on its own as an aperitif. A Lambic Kir uses Framboise in place of crème de cassis with dry sparkling wine for a Belgian twist on the French classic. A Berliner Spritz — equal parts Framboise and club soda over ice — makes a low-ABV summer cooler. It also works in a Raspberry Shandy, blended half-and-half with a Belgian witbier, where the tart fruit adds dimension to the wheat base.

Best For

• Introducing non-beer-drinkers to the world of Belgian lambics
• Pairing with brunch dishes alongside fruit courses or pastries
• Warm-weather entertaining where a light, effervescent pour is essential
• Gifting to someone exploring sour and wild-fermented beer styles

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Timmermans Framboise taste like? It leads with sweet, jammy raspberry flavor balanced by a tart sourness, all carried on a highly carbonated, champagne-like body that finishes clean and refreshing.

How does Timmermans Framboise compare to Lindemans Framboise? Both are sweetened Belgian fruit lambics from the Pajottenland region, but Timmermans tends to lean slightly more tart with a drier finish, while Lindemans Framboise is generally perceived as sweeter and more dessert-like. Timmermans also claims a longer heritage, with brewery records dating to 1702 versus Lindemans' founding in 1822.

Is Timmermans Framboise good for beginners? Yes — at 4% ABV with prominent fruit sweetness and approachable carbonation, it serves as an excellent gateway into the lambic category for those unfamiliar with sour or wild-fermented beers.

Where is Timmermans Framboise made? It is brewed at Brouwerij Timmermans in Itterbeek, Belgium, situated in the Pajottenland sub-region of the Zenne valley, the only area where the specific wild yeast strains needed for authentic lambic fermentation occur naturally.

What foods pair well with Timmermans Framboise? Fresh chèvre or brie — the tartness cuts through creamy fat. Dark chocolate truffles — raspberry and cocoa are a natural match. Crêpes with lemon and powdered sugar — the carbonation refreshes the palate between bites. Pork rillettes — the fruit acidity contrasts rich, savory pork. Mixed berry tarts — echoing and amplifying the beer's core fruit character.

What sizes does Timmermans Framboise come in? This packaging is a 4-pack of 11.2-ounce (330ml) bottles, which is the standard format widely available for this expression.

Is Timmermans Framboise worth the price? It positions as an accessible entry point into authentic Belgian fruit lambics, offering genuine spontaneous fermentation heritage and oak barrel maturation at a price tier well below many craft sour ales, making it strong value for the category.

Why Timmermans Framboise?

Few fruit lambics carry the provenance of a brewery with over three centuries of continuous operation. Timmermans' use of spontaneous fermentation — relying on wild Brettanomyces strains native to the Zenne valley — connects this raspberry beer directly to a tradition that predates industrial brewing by generations. The 96/100 score from Beer Connoisseur confirms that the balance between fruit sweetness and lambic tartness hits the mark for the style. For anyone seeking an authentic, historically rooted framboise rather than a flavored wheat beer dressed up as one, this is the real thing from the real place.