Bruery Terreux is the wild and sour beer offshoot of California’s The Bruery, and Rueuze is its annual homage to traditional Belgian gueuze, blending hand-selected barrels of aged sour blonde ale rather than brewing a single batch. It has become something of a tradition at the brewery, with each year’s blend reviewed and selected specifically to hit the target house profile.
The Bruery Terreux Rueuze at a glance
| Style | American gueuze-style sour blonde ale |
| ABV | Around 5.8% to 6.7%, varies by vintage |
| Calories | Around 175 per 12 fl oz |
| Origin | Bruery Terreux, Anaheim, California, USA |
| Ingredients | Sour blonde ale base, aged in oak barrels, wild yeast and bacteria |
| Vegan | Yes |
| Gluten free | No, contains barley |
| Typical price | Around $14 to $20 for a 750ml bottle |
How it tastes, by the numbers
Rueuze aims squarely at the traditional gueuze profile, and lands close to it while retaining an American barrel-aging signature.
The full review
It pours a very lightly hazy pale gold with fine, spritzy carbonation typical of the style. The aroma opens with wild notes of sun-dried hay and barnyard funk, underscored by a peculiar, faintly savoury olive-like note that gives it a distinct signature apart from Belgian originals.
The palate arrives with an immediate wave of bright sourness balanced by a slight underlying sweetness. Mid-palate, tart vinous fruit and musky, earthy notes build complexity, with flavours of apricot and white grape moving toward a toasty, almost chardonnay-like finish.
For an American attempt at capturing the traditional Belgian gueuze experience, Rueuze gets remarkably close, while adding its own barnyard and olive-adjacent character that makes it recognisably its own beer rather than a straight imitation.
An American blend built in the gueuze tradition that develops its own distinct, slightly savoury signature.
- Hand-selected barrel blending shows real craft and attention to detail
- Gets remarkably close to the traditional gueuze experience
- Distinctive house character sets it apart from straight imitation
- Annual release means vintage variation year to year
- Limited distribution outside California and specialty retailers
- Not cheap for a 750ml bottle
Who it is for
American sour beer fans who want to see a domestic take on traditional Belgian gueuze blending, done with genuine care rather than as a novelty.
The Bruery Terreux Rueuze FAQs
What does Bruery Terreux Rueuze taste like?
Wild hay and barnyard funk with a faintly savoury olive-like note, bright sourness, tart vinous fruit like apricot and white grape, and a toasty, chardonnay-like finish.
How strong is Bruery Terreux Rueuze?
Typically between around 5.8% and 6.7% ABV, varying by vintage.
Is Rueuze the same as a traditional Belgian gueuze?
It is inspired by traditional gueuze blending methods but made in California with barrels of aged sour blonde ale rather than traditional lambic, so it is usually classified as an American gueuze-style sour.
Is Bruery Terreux Rueuze gluten free?
No, it is brewed with a barley malt base.
Is Rueuze released every year?
Yes, it is an annual blended release, with each year’s batch selected from hand-picked barrels.
Where is Bruery Terreux Rueuze brewed?
In Anaheim, California, by Bruery Terreux, the wild and sour offshoot of The Bruery.
Where to find it
Available through the brewery’s Orange County locations and select craft beer retailers, particularly in California; more limited nationally.
The verdict
Bruery Terreux Rueuze is a well-crafted American homage to traditional gueuze blending that develops its own distinct character. A rewarding four point one out of five.
