442. Southampton Grand Cru
This was purchased at Downtown Wine & Spirits on Monday. I had this tonight after seeing Snakes on a Plane, which I highly recommend. I let it warm a bit and served it in one of my Duvel Tulips.
The bottle says "Ale Brewed With Spices (Dried Orange Peel, Ground Coriander Seed, Star Anise)". The spices and the alcohol make me think this is a Witbier/Belgian Strong Pale Ale hybrid.
Brewery: Southampton Publick House
Alcohol: 9.50%
Serving: Bottle, 750 mL
Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (5.0): Pours a lightly hazy golden-orange. A thick, fluffy, off-white head fades to a persistent half-inch layer, leaving fluffy lace that coats the inside of the glass.
Smell (4.5): Grainy maltiness, yeast, orange, hints of other fruitiness, coriander, pepper and alcohol. There's a lot going on without seeming muddled.
Taste (5.0): Sweet bready malts upfront move into a tart citric sweetness in the center, followed by spicy pepper and alcohol with faint coriander. The peppery spice remains on the tongue creating an almost effervescent sensation while the alcohol warms the throat. Very nice, worth all of the praise on BA.
Mouthfeel (4.5): Medium-bodied, oily, with prickly carbonation.
Drinkability (3.5): Flavorful, but perhaps a little too spicy for some.
Overall (4.7): Wow, an excellent Belgian Ale with a nice strong spicy character that's balanced well by bready and fruity sweetness.
This was purchased at Downtown Wine & Spirits on Monday. I had this tonight after seeing Snakes on a Plane, which I highly recommend. I let it warm a bit and served it in one of my Duvel Tulips.
The bottle says "Ale Brewed With Spices (Dried Orange Peel, Ground Coriander Seed, Star Anise)". The spices and the alcohol make me think this is a Witbier/Belgian Strong Pale Ale hybrid.
We designate this special ale "Grand Cru" with utmost respect for Belgian brewing tradition. Southampton Grand Cru exhibits extraordinary complexity and strength of character. Enjoy now or cellar for years to come.Beer Stats:
Brewery: Southampton Publick House
Alcohol: 9.50%
Serving: Bottle, 750 mL
Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (5.0): Pours a lightly hazy golden-orange. A thick, fluffy, off-white head fades to a persistent half-inch layer, leaving fluffy lace that coats the inside of the glass.
Smell (4.5): Grainy maltiness, yeast, orange, hints of other fruitiness, coriander, pepper and alcohol. There's a lot going on without seeming muddled.
Taste (5.0): Sweet bready malts upfront move into a tart citric sweetness in the center, followed by spicy pepper and alcohol with faint coriander. The peppery spice remains on the tongue creating an almost effervescent sensation while the alcohol warms the throat. Very nice, worth all of the praise on BA.
Mouthfeel (4.5): Medium-bodied, oily, with prickly carbonation.
Drinkability (3.5): Flavorful, but perhaps a little too spicy for some.
Overall (4.7): Wow, an excellent Belgian Ale with a nice strong spicy character that's balanced well by bready and fruity sweetness.
Labels: Belgian Strong Pale Ale, Reviews, Southampton Publick House
