hopIQ
ENDE
Build your DNASign in

New Belgium La Folie

Tap to rate

Aged in oak barrels for 1–3 years. America's benchmark Flanders Red — tart, vinous and complex with cherry, plum and balsamic vinegar. 'La Folie' means 'the folly' — it was considered madness to make in Colorado when New Belgium launched it in 1997. Now a craft classic.

ABV
7%
Bitterness
Mild
SRM
deep amber20
PaceTwo or Three
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
Balance
malt-forwardhop-forward
What makes this beer itself
dark fruitsouroak
dark fruit
sour
oak
tart
funky
earthy
Aroma
Complex bouquet dominated by dark cherry and plum with prominent vinous notes reminiscent of aged wine.
also:berry
not found:hoppy,caramel,fruity,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for New Belgium La Folie

◎ Appearance

Deep garnet to burgundy red with excellent clarity and a thin, persistent tan head. The color is characteristic of a well-aged Flanders Red, displaying the wine-like hue developed through extended oak barrel aging. Moderate carbonation creates a gentle, effervescent quality.

deep garnetwine-like claritytan headruby red

◌ Aroma

Complex bouquet dominated by dark cherry and plum with prominent vinous notes reminiscent of aged wine. Oak aging contributes earthy undertones and subtle balsamic vinegar character, while bright citrus accents cut through the fruit-forward nose. The aroma is refined and inviting, showcasing the beer's sophisticated barrel-aged complexity.

dark cherrybalsamic vinegaroak agedvinous

◐ Taste

The palate enters with pronounced sourness and tartness balanced by dark fruit flavors of cherry and plum. Mid-palate reveals layers of wood aging, earthy complexity, and citrus brightness, while maintaining a dry character throughout. Medium body carries all elements gracefully without heaviness, with mild bitterness providing subtle framework.

tart sournessdark fruitdrywood aging

◑ Finish

Long, lingering finish with persistent tartness and subtle vinous notes. The aftertaste remains clean and dry with echoes of cherry and oak.

lingeringdrytart
88
hopIQ score
Aroma
87
Taste
89
Appearance
85
Finish
87
Serve at 8–11°C

Serve at 8–11°C for the best flavour balance and aroma expression.

Pint glass

The classic — versatile, comfortable to hold and keeps the beer cool. No frills, no distractions: just the beer.

+ Sign in to add your tasting note

Food Pairing

What to eat with New Belgium La Folie

More from New Belgium Brewing Company

New Belgium 1554 Black Lager
New Belgium Fat Tire
New Belgium Fat Tire
American Amber Ale
5.2% · 30 IBU
Find matches →
Voodoo Ranger American Haze IPA

About Flanders Red Ale

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Flanders Red Ale?

Flanders Red Ale is a distinctive beer style with its own characteristic flavour, aroma and colour. Discover what makes it unique and find similar beers on hopIQ.

Finding a similar Flanders Red Ale

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same dark fruit, sour, dry character as New Belgium La Folie will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

Compare with another beer →Explore all Flanders Red Ale beers in hopIQ →Browse United States beers →