LAMBIC-A Belgian wheat beer that is spontaneously fermented.  In other words, a beer whose yeast comes from air of Belgium (though these aren't necessarily the only yeasts involved. Ingredients used to make the Lambic, like cherries, may also have yeast upon them). If the Belgians didn't work so hard to make these beers I'd call Lambic's Mother Nature's delicious accidents.  There are several beers that have the lambic's unique tangy characteristics.  However, if the yeast does not come from the Belgian sky, then the beer snobs have seen fit to deny it the "Lambic" title.  So is the English-made Melbourn Bros.' a Lambic?  Well, considering they harvested yeast from Belgium and use it to ferment their beer, the answer would seem to be, yes.  But, there are also British yeasts floating above their vats, so maybe not.

I say, "Who gives a hoot?"

Lindeman's Framboise Lambic 
Something seems to get lost in many of the lambics made with berries.  The fun bubbles and the sour taste are overcast by a sugary sweet smell and taste.  Lindeman's  Framboise (raspberry lambic) is typical in this respect.  It's light, fruity, frothiness is a delightful change from pilsners, wine, and stiff spirits.  Yet, it is so sweet that I found myself not getting the all sourness that I want in a Lambic.  Still, though, Lindeman's Framboise is a great starter for anyone who wants to know what lambic is like.  (Rating ***)

Lindemann's Cassis Lambic
Currant lovers, this is for you!  Lindeman's adds to their lambic collection with another berry based beer.  The currants are sharp and sweet.  Though not nearly as smooth as Lindeman's Framboise or Kriek, the Cassis has more character.  Unfortunately, the smell and taste will remind some of you that terrible tasting cough syrup your mom stuck down your throat when you were a kid.  You may not be able to get past that with this lambic.  For those of you that didn't have that experience, give the Cassis a shot.  (Rating ***)

Melbourn Brothers Apricot
Marmalade!  Apricot Jam!  How I love the perplexing smell of a sweet and bitter fruit!  Melbourn Brothers scores big points for making this beer.  This is a lambic!  Once you get past the heavenly aromas, the tangy wheat and apricot flavors will nip at your tongue with those characteristic "pins and needles" lambic bubbles.    Take a couple of bottles on a picnic or as a splurge during a walk in the woods.  Don't forget a loaf of sweet, light french bread and a creamy mild cheese.  What simple and inexpensive decadence!  On a hot afternoon, try serving this playful beer with a deep green salad topped with crumpled goat cheese and a good drizzling of honey.  Mmmm Mmmm.  Women no doubt will swoon at this winning number.  (Rating ****)

Melbourn Brothers Strawberry
Those of you who prefer a sweet flavored drink might enjoy this strawberry flavored beer.  F. Sot and I quarreled whether it smells like strawberry Kool-Aid, fresh cut strawberries, or Frankenberry cereal.  Bottom line:  sweet, real sweet.  Ok, so there's a slight sourness to it, but not the kind of spine I want my lambic's to have.  However, Melbourn Brothers Strawberry would be a truely stunning accompaniment to certain foods:  strawberry shortcake, sweet breads, citrus glazed muskier fowl and meats (like duck or lamb).  Drink with these foods and you'll have an orgy of  tastes in yourmouth.  Drink by itself and be reminded of your childhood...and diabetes.  (Rating ***1/2)