1186. Fluffy White Rabbits
Fluffy White Rabbits is a "Hoppy Triple" from Pretty Things. Jadyn and I split a bottle with friends over dinner.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Pretty Things Beer and Ale Project
Alcohol: 8.50%
Serving: Bottle, 22 oz.
Style: Tripel, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance: 4.0 | Smell: 4.0 | Taste: 4.0 | Mouthfeel: 3.0 | Drinkability: 4.0
Overall: 3.9
This Tripel pours a cloudy, golden-tinged, straw color. It's topped by a sudsy, white, short-lived head that fades to a sudsy, patchy film. The aroma is that of a classic tripel. There are fruity notes of banana and citrus, subtler notes of yeast, and grassy hops. The hop aromas are well within the range of a standard tripel.
There's a mildly sweet grainy maltiness upfront. Banana and citrus appear in the center. The finish has a bit of pepper, and a strong, grassy bitterness. This beer is medium-bodied, and moderately carbonated, but it feels a bit thin, which is my only complaint.
Fluffy White Rabbits is a very refreshing beer, and it has a nice interplay between fruity yeast flavors and hops. My only complaint is that it feels a bit thin.
Fluffy White Rabbits is a "Hoppy Triple" from Pretty Things. Jadyn and I split a bottle with friends over dinner.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Pretty Things Beer and Ale Project
Alcohol: 8.50%
Serving: Bottle, 22 oz.
Style: Tripel, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance: 4.0 | Smell: 4.0 | Taste: 4.0 | Mouthfeel: 3.0 | Drinkability: 4.0
Overall: 3.9
This Tripel pours a cloudy, golden-tinged, straw color. It's topped by a sudsy, white, short-lived head that fades to a sudsy, patchy film. The aroma is that of a classic tripel. There are fruity notes of banana and citrus, subtler notes of yeast, and grassy hops. The hop aromas are well within the range of a standard tripel.
There's a mildly sweet grainy maltiness upfront. Banana and citrus appear in the center. The finish has a bit of pepper, and a strong, grassy bitterness. This beer is medium-bodied, and moderately carbonated, but it feels a bit thin, which is my only complaint.
Fluffy White Rabbits is a very refreshing beer, and it has a nice interplay between fruity yeast flavors and hops. My only complaint is that it feels a bit thin.
Labels: Tripel
1062. Trade Winds Tripel
Jadyn and I had dinner at Christopher's on July 8th. I had the Bruery's Trade Winds Tripel with dinner.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: The Bruery
Alcohol: 8.10%
Serving: Tap
Style: Tripel, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance: 4.0 | Smell: 3.5 | Taste: 4.0 | Mouthfeel: 4.0 | Drinkability: 3.5
Overall: 3.85
Trade Winds Tripel pours a cloudy golden color, and is topped by a bright white head that fades to a film. The head leaves sheets of lace as it fades. The aroma is classic Belgian. The spicy notes of pepper are the strongest. Secondary are the fruity aromas of bananas and apples. Swirling the beer brings out grainy and yeasty notes and a bit more spiciness.
The prickliness of the carbonation gives an initial impression of spiciness. As the carbonation mellows a grainy, malt backbone makes a brief appearance. Fruitiness in the center quickly takes hold with notes of banana, apples and citrus. The finish has an intense peppery spice. This Tripel is on the light side of medium-bodied. The spiciness of the initial carbonation provides a nice bookend to the peppery finish.
I thought this was a good Tripel. The spiciness was strong, but I thought it was a net positive.
Jadyn and I had dinner at Christopher's on July 8th. I had the Bruery's Trade Winds Tripel with dinner.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: The Bruery
Alcohol: 8.10%
Serving: Tap
Style: Tripel, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance: 4.0 | Smell: 3.5 | Taste: 4.0 | Mouthfeel: 4.0 | Drinkability: 3.5
Overall: 3.85
Trade Winds Tripel pours a cloudy golden color, and is topped by a bright white head that fades to a film. The head leaves sheets of lace as it fades. The aroma is classic Belgian. The spicy notes of pepper are the strongest. Secondary are the fruity aromas of bananas and apples. Swirling the beer brings out grainy and yeasty notes and a bit more spiciness.
The prickliness of the carbonation gives an initial impression of spiciness. As the carbonation mellows a grainy, malt backbone makes a brief appearance. Fruitiness in the center quickly takes hold with notes of banana, apples and citrus. The finish has an intense peppery spice. This Tripel is on the light side of medium-bodied. The spiciness of the initial carbonation provides a nice bookend to the peppery finish.
I thought this was a good Tripel. The spiciness was strong, but I thought it was a net positive.
Labels: Tripel
864. Petit Mort
I had this with lunch at the CBC in early August (yes I'm that far behind).
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Cambridge Brewing Company
Alcohol: 8.00%
Serving: Tap
Style: Tripel, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance: 3.5 | Smell: 4.0 | Taste: 4.5 | Mouthfeel: 4.0 | Drinkability: 4.0
Overall: 4.1
Pours a hazed copper golden. A wispy, white head tops the beer and lingers until the beer is finished. The nose has notes of peppery spice, honey, floral aromas and citrus.
Sweet, bready and fruity malts upfront. Banana and honey notes in center moving towards spicy and citric finish with a light bitterness. Medium-bodied with a nice prickly dose of carbonation.
Bright, summery and very tasty
I had this with lunch at the CBC in early August (yes I'm that far behind).
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Cambridge Brewing Company
Alcohol: 8.00%
Serving: Tap
Style: Tripel, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance: 3.5 | Smell: 4.0 | Taste: 4.5 | Mouthfeel: 4.0 | Drinkability: 4.0
Overall: 4.1
Pours a hazed copper golden. A wispy, white head tops the beer and lingers until the beer is finished. The nose has notes of peppery spice, honey, floral aromas and citrus.
Sweet, bready and fruity malts upfront. Banana and honey notes in center moving towards spicy and citric finish with a light bitterness. Medium-bodied with a nice prickly dose of carbonation.
Bright, summery and very tasty
Labels: Cambridge Brewing Company, Tripel
After leaving d.b.a, David and I headed to Burp Castle for more beer. The inside is small, with medieval religious themed paintings on the wall, and high, wooden tables and chairs.
819. Sterkens Dubbel Ale
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij Sterkens
Alcohol: ?
Serving: Bottle
Style: Dubbel, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance: 3.0 | Smell: 4.5 | Taste: 4.0 | Mouthfeel: 4.0 | Drinkability: 3.5
Overall: 3.85
Pours a hazy brown with tints of red. Topped by a brown head that thins to a film leaving some lacing. Large yeast particles float around in the beer. The aroma is rich and malty, raisins, and dates are dominant. Smells very nice.
Mellow flavors all in all. It's malty with some brown sugar sweetness. Raisins and dates appear in the center and meld with a light alcoholic spice in the finish. Light-bodied bordering on medium-bodied, moderatley carbonated.
Strong and a tad sweet, but still tasty.
820. St. Feuillien Triple
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brasserie St. Feuillien
Alcohol: 8.50%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Tripel, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance: 4.0 | Smell: 4.0 | Taste: 4.5 | Mouthfeel: 4.0 | Drinkability: 3.5
Overall: 4.15
Pours a hazy golden. Topped by a thick, off-white head that fades to a substantial film. Aromas are fruity: bananas, apples and a light spice.
Sweet and fruity upfront, predominantly bananas. Peppery spiciness appears in the center followed by a light bitterness in the finish. Medium-bodied, moderate carbonation.
Sweet but nicely balanced by the spiciness.
821. Organic Münster Alt
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brauerei Pinkus Mueller
Alcohol: 5.10%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Altbier, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a lightly hazed golden. The white head fades to a thin film. The aroma hints at a grainy sweetness. Neutral graininess upfront that moves through to a light sweetness and a grassy bitterness in the finish. Light-bodied, moderate carbonation, husky graininess. Pretty drinkable.
822. Svyturys Ekstra
Beer Stats:
Brewery: AB Svyturys
Alcohol: 5.20%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Euro Pale Lager, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a clear straw color. The white head fades to a ring. The aroma is grassy and grainy. neutral upfront, sweet in the center with a light bitterness in the finish. Light bodied and moderately carbonated. Fairly generic.
819. Sterkens Dubbel Ale
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij Sterkens
Alcohol: ?
Serving: Bottle
Style: Dubbel, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance: 3.0 | Smell: 4.5 | Taste: 4.0 | Mouthfeel: 4.0 | Drinkability: 3.5
Overall: 3.85
Pours a hazy brown with tints of red. Topped by a brown head that thins to a film leaving some lacing. Large yeast particles float around in the beer. The aroma is rich and malty, raisins, and dates are dominant. Smells very nice.
Mellow flavors all in all. It's malty with some brown sugar sweetness. Raisins and dates appear in the center and meld with a light alcoholic spice in the finish. Light-bodied bordering on medium-bodied, moderatley carbonated.
Strong and a tad sweet, but still tasty.
820. St. Feuillien Triple
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brasserie St. Feuillien
Alcohol: 8.50%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Tripel, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance: 4.0 | Smell: 4.0 | Taste: 4.5 | Mouthfeel: 4.0 | Drinkability: 3.5
Overall: 4.15
Pours a hazy golden. Topped by a thick, off-white head that fades to a substantial film. Aromas are fruity: bananas, apples and a light spice.
Sweet and fruity upfront, predominantly bananas. Peppery spiciness appears in the center followed by a light bitterness in the finish. Medium-bodied, moderate carbonation.
Sweet but nicely balanced by the spiciness.
821. Organic Münster Alt
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brauerei Pinkus Mueller
Alcohol: 5.10%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Altbier, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a lightly hazed golden. The white head fades to a thin film. The aroma hints at a grainy sweetness. Neutral graininess upfront that moves through to a light sweetness and a grassy bitterness in the finish. Light-bodied, moderate carbonation, husky graininess. Pretty drinkable.
822. Svyturys Ekstra
Beer Stats:
Brewery: AB Svyturys
Alcohol: 5.20%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Euro Pale Lager, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a clear straw color. The white head fades to a ring. The aroma is grassy and grainy. neutral upfront, sweet in the center with a light bitterness in the finish. Light bodied and moderately carbonated. Fairly generic.
Labels: Altbier, Brasserie St. Feuillien, Brauerei Pinkus Mueller, Brouwerij Sterkens, Dubbel, Tripel
After leaving The Spotted Pig David and I went to a few galleries in the area, and then headed to The Blind Tiger for more beer.
809. Pleasantville Smoked Porter
I'd never had any Captain Lawrence beers before, so I tried two while at The Blind Tiger and was impressed with both of them.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Captain Lawrence Brewing Co.
Alcohol: 6.40%
Serving: Cask
Style: American Porter, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance: 3.5 | Smell: 4.0 | Taste: 4.0 | Mouthfeel: 4.0 | Drinkability: 3.5
Overall: 3.85
Pours a dark black with a brown tint. The head is a light brown, sudsy film. The aroma has notes of alcoholic spice, intense chocolate, dark fruit, toffee and a hint of smoke.
The flavor is sweet, but not too sweet. The dark fruit flavors are subdued. The finish has strong notes of chocolate and roastiness. There's an undertone of smoke throughout that never overpowers. Full-bodied and smooth with light carbonation.
The flavors are tasty, but a bit much for multiple pints.
810. Xtra Gold Tripel
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Captain Lawrence Brewing Co.
Alcohol: 10.00%
Serving: Tap
Style: Tripel, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance: 4.0 | Smell: 4.5 | Taste: 4.0 | Mouthfeel: 3.5 | Drinkability: 4.5
Overall: 4.1
Pours a lightly hazed golden with a white head that fades to a ring. The aroma is interesting: honey, strong floral aromas, and some spice.
There's an initial honey-like sweetness that's met by a mild spiciness in the center. The finish is floral, citric and lightly bitter. Medium-bodied and highly carbonated, but smooth despite the carbonation.
I thought this one was very tasty and refreshing, despite the high alcohol.
811. Green Flash Trippel
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Green Flash Brewing Co.
Alcohol: 8.50%
Serving: Bottle, 22 oz.
Style: Tripel, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance: 3.5 | Smell: 3.0 | Taste: 2.5 | Mouthfeel: 3.5 | Drinkability: 3.0
Overall: 2.95
Pours a cloudy, golden amber . A fizzy, off-white head fades quickly leaving a patchy film. he aroma is predominantly bananas and not much else, maybe a hint of graininess and a little bit of a floral element.
A honey and fruity banana sweetness dominates the taste of this beer. There's alcoholic spice in the center with peppery notes in the finish and a light bitterness. Medium-bodied with light carbonation.
Way too sweet in my opinion.
809. Pleasantville Smoked Porter
I'd never had any Captain Lawrence beers before, so I tried two while at The Blind Tiger and was impressed with both of them.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Captain Lawrence Brewing Co.
Alcohol: 6.40%
Serving: Cask
Style: American Porter, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance: 3.5 | Smell: 4.0 | Taste: 4.0 | Mouthfeel: 4.0 | Drinkability: 3.5
Overall: 3.85
Pours a dark black with a brown tint. The head is a light brown, sudsy film. The aroma has notes of alcoholic spice, intense chocolate, dark fruit, toffee and a hint of smoke.
The flavor is sweet, but not too sweet. The dark fruit flavors are subdued. The finish has strong notes of chocolate and roastiness. There's an undertone of smoke throughout that never overpowers. Full-bodied and smooth with light carbonation.
The flavors are tasty, but a bit much for multiple pints.
810. Xtra Gold Tripel
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Captain Lawrence Brewing Co.
Alcohol: 10.00%
Serving: Tap
Style: Tripel, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance: 4.0 | Smell: 4.5 | Taste: 4.0 | Mouthfeel: 3.5 | Drinkability: 4.5
Overall: 4.1
Pours a lightly hazed golden with a white head that fades to a ring. The aroma is interesting: honey, strong floral aromas, and some spice.
There's an initial honey-like sweetness that's met by a mild spiciness in the center. The finish is floral, citric and lightly bitter. Medium-bodied and highly carbonated, but smooth despite the carbonation.
I thought this one was very tasty and refreshing, despite the high alcohol.
811. Green Flash Trippel
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Green Flash Brewing Co.
Alcohol: 8.50%
Serving: Bottle, 22 oz.
Style: Tripel, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance: 3.5 | Smell: 3.0 | Taste: 2.5 | Mouthfeel: 3.5 | Drinkability: 3.0
Overall: 2.95
Pours a cloudy, golden amber . A fizzy, off-white head fades quickly leaving a patchy film. he aroma is predominantly bananas and not much else, maybe a hint of graininess and a little bit of a floral element.
A honey and fruity banana sweetness dominates the taste of this beer. There's alcoholic spice in the center with peppery notes in the finish and a light bitterness. Medium-bodied with light carbonation.
Way too sweet in my opinion.
Labels: American Porter, Captain Lawrence, Green Flash, Tripel
I apologize for the tardiness of this post. Over a month and a half late, I'm beginning to feel like Ward.
Jadyn and I went to the afternoon session of Beer Advocate's Belgian Beer Fest on the 27th of October. We arrived early enough to be within a half-block of the doors. This year's fest seemed less crowded than last year's. The middle row of booths was removed and replaced with seating. Overall I think this was an improvement, there's still more than enough variety and it's far less crowded.
As with other fests the notes are more general, abbreviated and are probably to be trusted less as the fest progresses.
715. Ommegang Chocolate Indulgence Stout
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brewery Ommegang
Alcohol: ?
Style: Belgian Strong Dark Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Pours an opaque black, with a foamy brown head. Aroma is roasty with dark fruit and chocolate. Sweet, stoutish roastiness, dark fruit, chocolate, with a roasty bitterness in the finish.
716. The Lost Abbey Mother Pucker
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Port Brewing Company/The Lost Abbey
Alcohol: ?
Style: Fruit Lambic, BJCP Style Guide
This is an apricot lambic-style beer. Pours a hazy straw color with a wispy white head. The aroma is strong apricots with a funky aroma underneath. Sour, but has a nice sweet-apricot flavor. Mild earthiness in the finish. Nice and dry. One of my favorites from the fest.
717. Brooklyn Abbey Singel
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brooklyn Brewery
Alcohol: 6.00%
Style: Belgian Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a hazy straw. Fizzy white head. Aroma is fruity: bananas, clove, Belgian yeast. Crisp maltiness, followed by characteristic Belgian yeast fruitiness, and a peppery graininess in the finish.
718. Bam Noire
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales
Alcohol: 4.30%
Style: Saison, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a clearish brown, topped by a beige head. The aroma is predominantly Brett, with a light fruitiness underneath. The flavor is predominantly Brettanomyces with a roasty finish. An odd combination, but interesting.
719. Cantillon Lambic Aged in Cognac Casks
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brasserie Cantillon
Year: March 2005
Alcohol: 5.00%
Style: Unblended Lambic, BJCP Style Guide
A rare Cantillon, I had to try it. Looks much like the Gueuze, hazy straw colored with a faint head. The aroma is smooth, with the cognac making the funkiness less powerful. The beer is still sour, but is smoothed out nicely by the cognac flavors. This was tasty, but I still prefer the bright sourness and earthy funkiness of the original.
720. Ommegang Abbey Tripel
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brewery Ommegang
Alcohol: ?
Style: Tripel, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a hazy, light-golden with a wispy white head. The aroma is fruity with bananas predominating, also notes of grain and more substantial malt (caramel maybe). Sweet malts and the banana heavy Belgian yeast profile. The finish is peppery with a light bitterness.
721. Black Jacob
Beer Stats:
Brewery: American Flatbread Burlington Hearth
Alcohol: 5.50%
Style: Saison, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a brown color, topped by a beige film. The aroma is yeasty, grainy and roasty. Toasty, dark fruit, with a roasty finish. I like Saisons with a little bit of earty/funky flavors that I felt that this one was lacking.
722. Dogfish Head Red & White
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Alcohol: 10.00%
Style: Witbier, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a hazy red with a very light, pink, foamy film. Aroma is fruity, yeasty, Witbier characters seem muted. Malty upfront, moves into a fruity center with a citric bite and a peppery finish.
723. De Ranke Père Noël
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij De Ranke
Alcohol: 7.00%
Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a very cloudy, light amber. White film of a head. Mellowed hop aroma with a hint of fruitiness. Light bready sweetness upfront, moves through a fruity center before a pleasantly hoppy finish.
724. Kasteel Rouge
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij Van Honsebrouck N.V.
Alcohol: 8.00%
Style: Fruit Beer, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a light red with a fizzy pink head. Cherry smell with only a little bit of tartness. Sweet cherry flavors throughout with minimal tartness. I remember being unimpressed.
725. Smuttynose Brett & I
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Smuttynose Brewing Company
Alcohol: 7.00%
Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
A beer brewed with Brettanomyces, I had to try it. Pours a hazy golden, topped by a smooth, filmy head that leaves sheets of lace. The aroma is characteristic Brettanomyces with some nice medicinal characters. Toasty upfront, clean, light sweetness in the center, and an herbal, bitter finish with a hint of Brett.
726. Lost Abbey Veritas 002
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Port Brewing Company/The Lost Abbey
Alcohol: ?
Style: Belgian Strong Dark Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Hazy brown, beige ring lines the glass. The aroma is earth raspberries and tart medicinals. Lightly sweet raspberries, earthy and malty.
727. Dogfish Head Fluckey's Fest
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Alcohol: ?
Style: Fruit Beer, BJCP Style Guide
From the website
728. Infusco
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Rock Art Brewery
Alcohol: 8.00%
Style: Belgian Strong Dark Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Dark brown with a faint, beige ring of a head, can see floating aggregates. The aroma is sweet, candi sugar with a light phenolic touch. Sweet, chocolatey, lightly sharp medicinal finish.
729. Sixpoint Belgian Rye-PA
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Sixpoint Craft Ales
Alcohol: 7.70%
Style: Belgian IPA
Pours a hazy amber. Topped by a sudsy beige head. Aroma is peppery spice with a touch of sweetness. Toasty upfront with a sweet center. The finish is spicy and hoppy.
730. Ølfabrikken Abbey Ale
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Ølfabrikken
Alcohol: 8.50%
Style: Dubbel, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a cloudy brown with floating particles. The aroma is of sweet, dark fruit. High carbonation upfront, sweet caramel malts, apricot fruitiness. Sweet, but very nice.
731. Urthel Vlaemse Bock
Beer Stats:
Brewery: De Leyerth Brouwerijen
Alcohol: 9.00%
Style: Belgian Strong Dark Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a clear, brown amber with a sudsy beige head that leaves sheets of lace. The aroma is very malty: butterscotch, caramel, dark fruit. Lightly sweet upfront (flavors the same as the aromas). The finish is lightly grainy and bitter.
732. Nøgne Ø Saison
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Nøgne Ø - det kompromissløse bryggeri
Alcohol: 6.50%
Style: Saison, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a very cloudy straw-golden topped by a white sudsy head. Funky aroma with tart citrus. Bready, citrus, funky and bitter. I liked this one, it's hard to find a saison with a good amount of funk to it.
733. Troublette
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brasserie Caracole
Alcohol: 5.00%
Style: Witbier, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a very cloudy straw color. The aroma is soda like with lots of citrus and fruit. Carbonation is high, grainy, citrus, banana, fairly sweet.
734. Weyerbacher Quad
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Weyerbacher Brewing Co.
Alcohol: 12.20%
Style: Quadrupel, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a hazy amber with a beige head. Lightly fruity aroma with some nice malts. Very smooth, malty with some nice dark fruit.
735. Gouden Carolus Ambrio
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij Het Anker
Alcohol: 8.00%
Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a hazed amber with a fuzzy, beige head. The aroma is a nice mix of malty and fruity. Sweet upfront, nice maltiness with some hints of fruit. Lightly bitter finish. Moderately carbonated.
736. Malheur Brut Noir
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij De Landtsheer
Alcohol: 12.00%
Style: Bière de Champagne / Bière Brut
Pours a hazy brown with a light brown head. Aroma is tart with a bit of roastiness. Sweet throughout, finish is fruity.
737. Sixpoint Belgian IPA
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Sixpoint Craft Ales
Alcohol: 6.00%
Style: Belgian IPA
Hazy golden. Sweet fruity aroma, citrus and banana. Sweet banana fruitiness. Light, citric, hop bitterness in the finish.
738. Harpoon Munich Dark Barrel Age: The Funk
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Harpoon Brewery
Alcohol: ?
Style: American Wild Ale
Pours a clear brown with a hint of amber. The aroma is sour and Brett-like. Light flavors at the onset, but moves into a nice fruity sourness. The finish is dry.
739. Harpoon Quad
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Harpoon Brewery
Alcohol:?
Style: Quadrupel, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a hazy amber with a beige head. Aroma is malty and fruity with a hint of bananas. Flavor is Belgian yeast fruitiness, banana, alcoholic spice, peppery.
Jadyn and I went to the afternoon session of Beer Advocate's Belgian Beer Fest on the 27th of October. We arrived early enough to be within a half-block of the doors. This year's fest seemed less crowded than last year's. The middle row of booths was removed and replaced with seating. Overall I think this was an improvement, there's still more than enough variety and it's far less crowded.
As with other fests the notes are more general, abbreviated and are probably to be trusted less as the fest progresses.
715. Ommegang Chocolate Indulgence Stout
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brewery Ommegang
Alcohol: ?
Style: Belgian Strong Dark Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Pours an opaque black, with a foamy brown head. Aroma is roasty with dark fruit and chocolate. Sweet, stoutish roastiness, dark fruit, chocolate, with a roasty bitterness in the finish.
716. The Lost Abbey Mother Pucker
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Port Brewing Company/The Lost Abbey
Alcohol: ?
Style: Fruit Lambic, BJCP Style Guide
This is an apricot lambic-style beer. Pours a hazy straw color with a wispy white head. The aroma is strong apricots with a funky aroma underneath. Sour, but has a nice sweet-apricot flavor. Mild earthiness in the finish. Nice and dry. One of my favorites from the fest.
717. Brooklyn Abbey Singel
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brooklyn Brewery
Alcohol: 6.00%
Style: Belgian Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a hazy straw. Fizzy white head. Aroma is fruity: bananas, clove, Belgian yeast. Crisp maltiness, followed by characteristic Belgian yeast fruitiness, and a peppery graininess in the finish.
718. Bam Noire
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales
Alcohol: 4.30%
Style: Saison, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a clearish brown, topped by a beige head. The aroma is predominantly Brett, with a light fruitiness underneath. The flavor is predominantly Brettanomyces with a roasty finish. An odd combination, but interesting.
719. Cantillon Lambic Aged in Cognac Casks
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brasserie Cantillon
Year: March 2005
Alcohol: 5.00%
Style: Unblended Lambic, BJCP Style Guide
A rare Cantillon, I had to try it. Looks much like the Gueuze, hazy straw colored with a faint head. The aroma is smooth, with the cognac making the funkiness less powerful. The beer is still sour, but is smoothed out nicely by the cognac flavors. This was tasty, but I still prefer the bright sourness and earthy funkiness of the original.
720. Ommegang Abbey Tripel
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brewery Ommegang
Alcohol: ?
Style: Tripel, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a hazy, light-golden with a wispy white head. The aroma is fruity with bananas predominating, also notes of grain and more substantial malt (caramel maybe). Sweet malts and the banana heavy Belgian yeast profile. The finish is peppery with a light bitterness.
721. Black Jacob
Beer Stats:
Brewery: American Flatbread Burlington Hearth
Alcohol: 5.50%
Style: Saison, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a brown color, topped by a beige film. The aroma is yeasty, grainy and roasty. Toasty, dark fruit, with a roasty finish. I like Saisons with a little bit of earty/funky flavors that I felt that this one was lacking.
722. Dogfish Head Red & White
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Alcohol: 10.00%
Style: Witbier, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a hazy red with a very light, pink, foamy film. Aroma is fruity, yeasty, Witbier characters seem muted. Malty upfront, moves into a fruity center with a citric bite and a peppery finish.
723. De Ranke Père Noël
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij De Ranke
Alcohol: 7.00%
Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a very cloudy, light amber. White film of a head. Mellowed hop aroma with a hint of fruitiness. Light bready sweetness upfront, moves through a fruity center before a pleasantly hoppy finish.
724. Kasteel Rouge
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij Van Honsebrouck N.V.
Alcohol: 8.00%
Style: Fruit Beer, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a light red with a fizzy pink head. Cherry smell with only a little bit of tartness. Sweet cherry flavors throughout with minimal tartness. I remember being unimpressed.
725. Smuttynose Brett & I
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Smuttynose Brewing Company
Alcohol: 7.00%
Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
A beer brewed with Brettanomyces, I had to try it. Pours a hazy golden, topped by a smooth, filmy head that leaves sheets of lace. The aroma is characteristic Brettanomyces with some nice medicinal characters. Toasty upfront, clean, light sweetness in the center, and an herbal, bitter finish with a hint of Brett.
726. Lost Abbey Veritas 002
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Port Brewing Company/The Lost Abbey
Alcohol: ?
Style: Belgian Strong Dark Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Hazy brown, beige ring lines the glass. The aroma is earth raspberries and tart medicinals. Lightly sweet raspberries, earthy and malty.
727. Dogfish Head Fluckey's Fest
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Alcohol: ?
Style: Fruit Beer, BJCP Style Guide
From the website
"Admiral Fluckey's Lager was brewed with 51% Pilsner malt and 49% Chardonnay grapes, then fermented with Champagne yeast. It islow (~15 IBU’s) on the bitterness scale, a bit sweet, about 7-8% abv, with the slight acididity of a champagne. Admiral Fluckey was the first commander of the USS Dogfish (submarine) and just passed away on July 2, 2007."Pours a hazy, straw color with a white head that thins to a film. Light, clean graininess in the aroma. Fruity, you can taste the grapes. Moves through to a lightly grainy finish.
728. Infusco
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Rock Art Brewery
Alcohol: 8.00%
Style: Belgian Strong Dark Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Dark brown with a faint, beige ring of a head, can see floating aggregates. The aroma is sweet, candi sugar with a light phenolic touch. Sweet, chocolatey, lightly sharp medicinal finish.
729. Sixpoint Belgian Rye-PA
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Sixpoint Craft Ales
Alcohol: 7.70%
Style: Belgian IPA
Pours a hazy amber. Topped by a sudsy beige head. Aroma is peppery spice with a touch of sweetness. Toasty upfront with a sweet center. The finish is spicy and hoppy.
730. Ølfabrikken Abbey Ale
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Ølfabrikken
Alcohol: 8.50%
Style: Dubbel, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a cloudy brown with floating particles. The aroma is of sweet, dark fruit. High carbonation upfront, sweet caramel malts, apricot fruitiness. Sweet, but very nice.
731. Urthel Vlaemse Bock
Beer Stats:
Brewery: De Leyerth Brouwerijen
Alcohol: 9.00%
Style: Belgian Strong Dark Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a clear, brown amber with a sudsy beige head that leaves sheets of lace. The aroma is very malty: butterscotch, caramel, dark fruit. Lightly sweet upfront (flavors the same as the aromas). The finish is lightly grainy and bitter.
732. Nøgne Ø Saison
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Nøgne Ø - det kompromissløse bryggeri
Alcohol: 6.50%
Style: Saison, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a very cloudy straw-golden topped by a white sudsy head. Funky aroma with tart citrus. Bready, citrus, funky and bitter. I liked this one, it's hard to find a saison with a good amount of funk to it.
733. Troublette
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brasserie Caracole
Alcohol: 5.00%
Style: Witbier, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a very cloudy straw color. The aroma is soda like with lots of citrus and fruit. Carbonation is high, grainy, citrus, banana, fairly sweet.
734. Weyerbacher Quad
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Weyerbacher Brewing Co.
Alcohol: 12.20%
Style: Quadrupel, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a hazy amber with a beige head. Lightly fruity aroma with some nice malts. Very smooth, malty with some nice dark fruit.
735. Gouden Carolus Ambrio
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij Het Anker
Alcohol: 8.00%
Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a hazed amber with a fuzzy, beige head. The aroma is a nice mix of malty and fruity. Sweet upfront, nice maltiness with some hints of fruit. Lightly bitter finish. Moderately carbonated.
736. Malheur Brut Noir
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij De Landtsheer
Alcohol: 12.00%
Style: Bière de Champagne / Bière Brut
Pours a hazy brown with a light brown head. Aroma is tart with a bit of roastiness. Sweet throughout, finish is fruity.
737. Sixpoint Belgian IPA
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Sixpoint Craft Ales
Alcohol: 6.00%
Style: Belgian IPA
Hazy golden. Sweet fruity aroma, citrus and banana. Sweet banana fruitiness. Light, citric, hop bitterness in the finish.
738. Harpoon Munich Dark Barrel Age: The Funk
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Harpoon Brewery
Alcohol: ?
Style: American Wild Ale
Pours a clear brown with a hint of amber. The aroma is sour and Brett-like. Light flavors at the onset, but moves into a nice fruity sourness. The finish is dry.
739. Harpoon Quad
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Harpoon Brewery
Alcohol:?
Style: Quadrupel, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a hazy amber with a beige head. Aroma is malty and fruity with a hint of bananas. Flavor is Belgian yeast fruitiness, banana, alcoholic spice, peppery.
Labels: Beer Fests, Belgian IPA, Belgian Pale Ale, Belgian Strong Dark Ale, Belgian Strong Pale Ale, Bière de Champagne, Dubbel, Fruit Lambic, Fruit/Vegetable Beer, Saison, Tripel, Unblended Lambic, Witbier
David and Dave came up to Boston this past weekend to visit. They arrived at my place after spending 8 hours on a bus from NYC to Boston. Perhaps taking the bus on the day it snowed heavily wasn't such a good idea. Since they got into Boston at 1 AM Friday night was a bust, but we had some beer at my place before turning in.
Saturday morning we had breakfast at Mr. Crepe. After Mr. Crepe we stopped by lab because I had about an hour's worth of work to do. After leaving lab we headed towards the Institute of Contemporary Art, but got off out South Station to have a drink first. We ended up at a depressing hole in the wall called Bernie's Pub where Dave and I had PBRs and David had a Bud.
We then returned to South Station, and took the Silver Line to the ICA. The exhibit was called "Super Vision," which explored how technology has expanded the scope of what we can see in the context of contemporary art. I could definitely see the connection with certain pieces, but others seemed like a bit of a stretch. Overall there were some really cool pieces, and the new ICA building was really nice.
After the ICA we went to Bukowski's for lunch/beer (644-647). We arrived at around three, ordered a round and burgers and stayed on for a few more beers before heading out.
After leaving Bukowski's we were tipsy enough to think it was appropriate enough to pelt each other with snow. At this point David stopped taking notes on what we did for the night, so it just gets hazier. We had planned on going to a few bars that Dave or David had picked out in Allston/Brighton, so we headed in that direction. We got off of the B line where Comm Ave. splits from Beacon, and started walking. Quickly, public urination was agreed upon as a reasonable course of action.
Proceeding down Comm Ave, we were distracted by Sunset Grill and Tap before we could get to one of the chosen bars, however we ended up going next door to play pool. We played several games and had a couple beers (#648 and a DFH 60 Minute). I believe I was $6 up by the time we left.
The next few bars are somewhat fuzzy. I remember David and Dave playing pool in a bar where we had at least one Guinness and a shot of Jameson each. I think this was immediately after pool at the other bar, though there might have been another bar in between. The next bar I remember is where we ended our night. We ordered a round or two of something, which I can't remember. When David tried to get another round he was refused service, so we left (~9:30).
David then laid down in the snow in someones front yard and lost his glasses. We looked for quite awhile before giving up and going to the KFC across the street. Our visit to KFC was brief, shortly after I received our food David puked on the floor, which necessitated a quick departure. After a cab ride back to my place David fell face first over some bushes into the snow in my front yard and laid there for a few seconds before he puked again. We got him upstairs and into bed, and then Dave, Susan (a roommate) and I went to the Sligo. We ordered a round of Stella and then left because it was too crowded. Back at my place we drank some more beer (Ommegang, Hop Devil and Brooklyn East India Pale Ale). Dave challenged me to a wrestling match, so we went out into the back yard and fought in the snow. After that we turned in.
The next morning we had brunch at Rosebud, and then Dave and David caught the bus back to NYC.
644. Sebago Lake Trout Stout
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Sebago Brewing Company
Alcohol: 5.80%
Serving: Tap
Style: American Stout, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (3.0): Pours an opaque black with brown edges and a small head that quickly fades to a ring.
Smell (3.5): Strong notes of coffee dominate, with lighter notes of coffee and fruit.
Taste (3.5): Light roastiness upfront, with some sweet malts that come through in the center. The finish is roasty with a chocolate sweetness.
Mouthfeel (2.5): Light-bodied, low carbonation, a bit thin.
Drinkability (3.5): The thinness is a little off-putting, but the flavors are nice.
Overall (3.3)
645. Harpoon Refsvinginge Private Stock (100 Barrel Series #18)
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Harpoon Brewery
Alcohol: 7.80%
Serving: Tap
Style: Danish Farmhouse Ale
Appearance (3.5): Pours a clear copper with a thin head that fades to a film leaving patchy lace.
Smell (4.0): Overall the aroma is light, but there are nice malty, caramel notes with a soft fruitiness that reminded me of berries. Swirling enhances the maltiness and brings out some alcoholic aroma.
Taste (4.5): Lightly toasty malts upfront, which is followed closely by some flavors reminiscent of a liquor like brandy or cognac. The finish has a light alcoholic spice, pepper and a light but persistent bitterness.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Medium-bodied, moderate carbonation, smooth.
Drinkability (3.5): Strong flavors and evident alcohol, but overall very enjoyable.
Overall (4.05)
646. Berkshire Coffeehouse Porter
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Berkshire Brewing Company Inc.
Alcohol: 6.20%
Serving: Tap
Style: American Porter, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a very hazy dark-brown with a moderate beige head that persists as a significant film and leaves heavy lace on the side of the glass.
Smell (3.0): Overwhelming coffee aromas mask anything else, except for perhaps a very faint aroma of chocolate.
Taste (3.5): Light chocolate sweetness upfront with some dried fruit. The fruitiness becomes more noticeable in the center before it's eclipsed (though not completely) by some roasted coffee flavors.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Medium-bodied with moderate carbonation, very smooth.
Drinkability (4.0): Flavorful and balanced.
Overall (3.6)
647. Hercules Double IPA
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Great Divide Brewing Company
Alcohol: 9.10%
Serving: Tap
Style: American Double IPA, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a hazy copper with dense but thin, off-white head that leaves sheets of lace.
Smell (4.0): Hops, hops, hops! Citric and resiny and strong. There's also some sweet maltiness, but mostly the hops dominate.
Taste (4.5): Again, lots of hops. Toasty and caramel malts make a brief appearance upfront, but are quickly met by resiny, citric and grassy hops. Not too sweet, which is a fault of many DIPAs.
Mouthfeel (3.5): Medium-bodied, moderate carbonation, a tad oily.
Drinkability (4.0): Great for a DIPA. I actually find the DIPAs that are hoppier to be more drinkable than the overly malty ones.
Overall (4.15)
648. Golden Monkey
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Victory Brewing Company
Alcohol: 9.50%
Serving: Tap
Style: Tripel, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (3.5): Pours a golden-amber with a sudsy white head that quickly fades to a patchy film.
Smell (3.5): Spicy and peppery with a bit of banana fruitiness and some sweet tropical notes.
Taste (4.0): Bananas upfront, peppery spice in the center, followed by a mildly bitter taste that mingles with lingering fruitiness and alcohol.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Medium-bodied, high carbonation, smooth.
Drinkability (3.5): Flavorful and nice though the alcohol is noticeable.
Overall (3.75)
Saturday morning we had breakfast at Mr. Crepe. After Mr. Crepe we stopped by lab because I had about an hour's worth of work to do. After leaving lab we headed towards the Institute of Contemporary Art, but got off out South Station to have a drink first. We ended up at a depressing hole in the wall called Bernie's Pub where Dave and I had PBRs and David had a Bud.
We then returned to South Station, and took the Silver Line to the ICA. The exhibit was called "Super Vision," which explored how technology has expanded the scope of what we can see in the context of contemporary art. I could definitely see the connection with certain pieces, but others seemed like a bit of a stretch. Overall there were some really cool pieces, and the new ICA building was really nice.
After the ICA we went to Bukowski's for lunch/beer (644-647). We arrived at around three, ordered a round and burgers and stayed on for a few more beers before heading out.
After leaving Bukowski's we were tipsy enough to think it was appropriate enough to pelt each other with snow. At this point David stopped taking notes on what we did for the night, so it just gets hazier. We had planned on going to a few bars that Dave or David had picked out in Allston/Brighton, so we headed in that direction. We got off of the B line where Comm Ave. splits from Beacon, and started walking. Quickly, public urination was agreed upon as a reasonable course of action.
Proceeding down Comm Ave, we were distracted by Sunset Grill and Tap before we could get to one of the chosen bars, however we ended up going next door to play pool. We played several games and had a couple beers (#648 and a DFH 60 Minute). I believe I was $6 up by the time we left.
The next few bars are somewhat fuzzy. I remember David and Dave playing pool in a bar where we had at least one Guinness and a shot of Jameson each. I think this was immediately after pool at the other bar, though there might have been another bar in between. The next bar I remember is where we ended our night. We ordered a round or two of something, which I can't remember. When David tried to get another round he was refused service, so we left (~9:30).
David then laid down in the snow in someones front yard and lost his glasses. We looked for quite awhile before giving up and going to the KFC across the street. Our visit to KFC was brief, shortly after I received our food David puked on the floor, which necessitated a quick departure. After a cab ride back to my place David fell face first over some bushes into the snow in my front yard and laid there for a few seconds before he puked again. We got him upstairs and into bed, and then Dave, Susan (a roommate) and I went to the Sligo. We ordered a round of Stella and then left because it was too crowded. Back at my place we drank some more beer (Ommegang, Hop Devil and Brooklyn East India Pale Ale). Dave challenged me to a wrestling match, so we went out into the back yard and fought in the snow. After that we turned in.
The next morning we had brunch at Rosebud, and then Dave and David caught the bus back to NYC.
644. Sebago Lake Trout Stout
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Sebago Brewing Company
Alcohol: 5.80%
Serving: Tap
Style: American Stout, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (3.0): Pours an opaque black with brown edges and a small head that quickly fades to a ring.
Smell (3.5): Strong notes of coffee dominate, with lighter notes of coffee and fruit.
Taste (3.5): Light roastiness upfront, with some sweet malts that come through in the center. The finish is roasty with a chocolate sweetness.
Mouthfeel (2.5): Light-bodied, low carbonation, a bit thin.
Drinkability (3.5): The thinness is a little off-putting, but the flavors are nice.
Overall (3.3)
645. Harpoon Refsvinginge Private Stock (100 Barrel Series #18)
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Harpoon Brewery
Alcohol: 7.80%
Serving: Tap
Style: Danish Farmhouse Ale
Appearance (3.5): Pours a clear copper with a thin head that fades to a film leaving patchy lace.
Smell (4.0): Overall the aroma is light, but there are nice malty, caramel notes with a soft fruitiness that reminded me of berries. Swirling enhances the maltiness and brings out some alcoholic aroma.
Taste (4.5): Lightly toasty malts upfront, which is followed closely by some flavors reminiscent of a liquor like brandy or cognac. The finish has a light alcoholic spice, pepper and a light but persistent bitterness.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Medium-bodied, moderate carbonation, smooth.
Drinkability (3.5): Strong flavors and evident alcohol, but overall very enjoyable.
Overall (4.05)
646. Berkshire Coffeehouse Porter
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Berkshire Brewing Company Inc.
Alcohol: 6.20%
Serving: Tap
Style: American Porter, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a very hazy dark-brown with a moderate beige head that persists as a significant film and leaves heavy lace on the side of the glass.
Smell (3.0): Overwhelming coffee aromas mask anything else, except for perhaps a very faint aroma of chocolate.
Taste (3.5): Light chocolate sweetness upfront with some dried fruit. The fruitiness becomes more noticeable in the center before it's eclipsed (though not completely) by some roasted coffee flavors.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Medium-bodied with moderate carbonation, very smooth.
Drinkability (4.0): Flavorful and balanced.
Overall (3.6)
647. Hercules Double IPA
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Great Divide Brewing Company
Alcohol: 9.10%
Serving: Tap
Style: American Double IPA, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a hazy copper with dense but thin, off-white head that leaves sheets of lace.
Smell (4.0): Hops, hops, hops! Citric and resiny and strong. There's also some sweet maltiness, but mostly the hops dominate.
Taste (4.5): Again, lots of hops. Toasty and caramel malts make a brief appearance upfront, but are quickly met by resiny, citric and grassy hops. Not too sweet, which is a fault of many DIPAs.
Mouthfeel (3.5): Medium-bodied, moderate carbonation, a tad oily.
Drinkability (4.0): Great for a DIPA. I actually find the DIPAs that are hoppier to be more drinkable than the overly malty ones.
Overall (4.15)
648. Golden Monkey
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Victory Brewing Company
Alcohol: 9.50%
Serving: Tap
Style: Tripel, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (3.5): Pours a golden-amber with a sudsy white head that quickly fades to a patchy film.
Smell (3.5): Spicy and peppery with a bit of banana fruitiness and some sweet tropical notes.
Taste (4.0): Bananas upfront, peppery spice in the center, followed by a mildly bitter taste that mingles with lingering fruitiness and alcohol.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Medium-bodied, high carbonation, smooth.
Drinkability (3.5): Flavorful and nice though the alcohol is noticeable.
Overall (3.75)
Labels: American Double IPA, American Porter, American Stout, Danish Farmhouse Ale, Tripel
There's not much to say in this post. These are my tasting notes for the middle 10 beers that I had at the Extreme Beer Fest. My handwriting remains legible for all 10 of these beers, but does start to deteriorate a little towards the last few. There are no beers that I have marked down as standouts from these 10, though it was nice to finally get to try a Berlinerweiss.
621. Allagash Bacchus Tripel
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Allagash Brewing Company
Alcohol: 9.20%
Style: Tripel, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a lightly hazy golden. The aroma is sour apples, vinous and a little buttery. There are tart apple flavors, as well as some wine like qualities. An interesting tripel. I'd like to have it again and take proper notes.
622. Iron Hill Hopzilla
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant
Alcohol: ?
Style: American IPA, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a clear copper. The aroma has some berry fruitiness, malts and citric hops. The flavor is toasty malts, citric fruitiness and a hoppy bitterness in the finish.
623. The Tap Erebus
Beer Stats:
Brewery: The Tap / Haverhill Brewery, Inc
Alcohol: 10.00%
Style: Eisbock, BJCP Style Guide
The style I'm not sure of here, it's listed as an Eisbock on ratebeer, but the Tap's website only describes it as a "very strong lager," which may or may not be an Eisbock. It xertainly didn't look like an Eisbock. Pours a clear golden. There's a strange, savory aroma, with a bit of a medicinal tinge. Upfront there's a mix of sour and sweet apple flavors, and a mild bitterness in the finish.
624. The Tap Berlinerweiss
Beer Stats:
Brewery: The Tap / Haverhill Brewery, Inc
Alcohol: 2.80%
Style: Berliner Weissbier, BJCP Style Guide
This was my first Berlinerweiss, I drank this without the available syrups. It pours a hazy, pale, straw color. The aroma is grainy with a definite lactic, bacterial edge. The beer was lightly grainy, with a pronounced lactic sourness.
625. Captain Swain's "Big Woody" Stout
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Cisco Brewers Inc.
Alcohol: 9.00%
Style: Russian Imperial Stout, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a dark black. The aroma is very light, some fruitiness and roasted malts. The flavor is fruity and sweet with a strong roasted bitterness in the finish.
626. Weekapaug Gruit Ale
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Cambridge Brewing Company
Alcohol: 5.00%
Style: Scottish Gruit / Ancient Herbed Ale
I've never been to the CBC when they have this on tap, so I decided to give it a shot. This was a tall pour, maybe a sample and a half. It pours a hazy brown. Notes for this one were tough since I haven't had any other Gruits. The aroma, like the flavor, was predominantly herbal/floral.
627. Tröegs Nugget Nectar
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Tröegs Brewing Company
Alcohol: 7.50%
Style: American Amber/Red Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a clear amber/copper. The aroma is fruity with some floral, citric and resiny hops. The flavor is fruity and peppery with a citric hop bitterness in the finish.
628. Dogfish Head Festina Peche
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Alcohol: 4.50%
Style: Berliner Weissbier, BJCP Style Guide
According to the fest program: "A Neo-Berliner Weiss brewed with fresh peaches. The beer is comprised of half wheat malt and half Pilsner malt, with an addition of lactic acid." This one pours a pale, hazy, straw color with a thick white head. I didn't catch peaches specifically, but I did notice fruitiness in both the aroma and flavors, which were predomiantly lactic acid sourness.
629. Samuel Adams Baltic Porter
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Boston Beer Company
Alcohol: ?
Style: Baltic Porter, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a dark black with a fizzy brown head. The aroma is mostly fruity with some roasty chocolate notes. The flavor is much the same with more prominent chocolate flavors and a light roasted bitterness.
630. Avery Samael's (2006)
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Avery Breweing Company
Alcohol: 14.50%
Style: American Barleywine, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a copper orange. The aroma is fruity and malty, with a light citric hop hint. The beer is very sweet and fruity with a bit of pepper and vanilla.
I have one more Extreme Beer Fest post to get done, hopefully I'll get that done in the next few days and get caught up with the blog.
621. Allagash Bacchus Tripel
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Allagash Brewing Company
Alcohol: 9.20%
Style: Tripel, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a lightly hazy golden. The aroma is sour apples, vinous and a little buttery. There are tart apple flavors, as well as some wine like qualities. An interesting tripel. I'd like to have it again and take proper notes.
622. Iron Hill Hopzilla
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Iron Hill Brewery & Restaurant
Alcohol: ?
Style: American IPA, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a clear copper. The aroma has some berry fruitiness, malts and citric hops. The flavor is toasty malts, citric fruitiness and a hoppy bitterness in the finish.
623. The Tap Erebus
Beer Stats:
Brewery: The Tap / Haverhill Brewery, Inc
Alcohol: 10.00%
Style: Eisbock, BJCP Style Guide
The style I'm not sure of here, it's listed as an Eisbock on ratebeer, but the Tap's website only describes it as a "very strong lager," which may or may not be an Eisbock. It xertainly didn't look like an Eisbock. Pours a clear golden. There's a strange, savory aroma, with a bit of a medicinal tinge. Upfront there's a mix of sour and sweet apple flavors, and a mild bitterness in the finish.
624. The Tap Berlinerweiss
Beer Stats:
Brewery: The Tap / Haverhill Brewery, Inc
Alcohol: 2.80%
Style: Berliner Weissbier, BJCP Style Guide
This was my first Berlinerweiss, I drank this without the available syrups. It pours a hazy, pale, straw color. The aroma is grainy with a definite lactic, bacterial edge. The beer was lightly grainy, with a pronounced lactic sourness.
625. Captain Swain's "Big Woody" Stout
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Cisco Brewers Inc.
Alcohol: 9.00%
Style: Russian Imperial Stout, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a dark black. The aroma is very light, some fruitiness and roasted malts. The flavor is fruity and sweet with a strong roasted bitterness in the finish.
626. Weekapaug Gruit Ale
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Cambridge Brewing Company
Alcohol: 5.00%
Style: Scottish Gruit / Ancient Herbed Ale
I've never been to the CBC when they have this on tap, so I decided to give it a shot. This was a tall pour, maybe a sample and a half. It pours a hazy brown. Notes for this one were tough since I haven't had any other Gruits. The aroma, like the flavor, was predominantly herbal/floral.
627. Tröegs Nugget Nectar
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Tröegs Brewing Company
Alcohol: 7.50%
Style: American Amber/Red Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a clear amber/copper. The aroma is fruity with some floral, citric and resiny hops. The flavor is fruity and peppery with a citric hop bitterness in the finish.
628. Dogfish Head Festina Peche
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Dogfish Head Craft Brewery
Alcohol: 4.50%
Style: Berliner Weissbier, BJCP Style Guide
According to the fest program: "A Neo-Berliner Weiss brewed with fresh peaches. The beer is comprised of half wheat malt and half Pilsner malt, with an addition of lactic acid." This one pours a pale, hazy, straw color with a thick white head. I didn't catch peaches specifically, but I did notice fruitiness in both the aroma and flavors, which were predomiantly lactic acid sourness.
629. Samuel Adams Baltic Porter
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Boston Beer Company
Alcohol: ?
Style: Baltic Porter, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a dark black with a fizzy brown head. The aroma is mostly fruity with some roasty chocolate notes. The flavor is much the same with more prominent chocolate flavors and a light roasted bitterness.
630. Avery Samael's (2006)
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Avery Breweing Company
Alcohol: 14.50%
Style: American Barleywine, BJCP Style Guide
Pours a copper orange. The aroma is fruity and malty, with a light citric hop hint. The beer is very sweet and fruity with a bit of pepper and vanilla.
I have one more Extreme Beer Fest post to get done, hopefully I'll get that done in the next few days and get caught up with the blog.
Labels: American Barleywine, American IPA, Baltic Porter, Beer Fests, Berliner Weissbier, EisAmerican Amber/Red Alebock, Russian Imperial Stout, Scottish Gruit, Tripel
Day Eight, Brussels: Poechenellekelder, Delirium Café, Packing
Published by Unknown on Tuesday, December 19, 2006 at 7:22 PM.
Having arrived in Brussels we checked in to the hostel. The first thing I did was shave, then we decided to head out for dinner and beer. Our first stop was Poechenellekelder where we had a dinner of croque monsieurs and a round.
572. Urthel Hop-It
Beer Stats:
Brewery: De Leyerth Brouwerijen
Alcohol: 9.50%
Serving: Bottle, 11.2 oz.
Style: Belgian IPA
Appearance (4.5): Pours a cloudy golden with a thick, four-finger head that fades to an irregular film leaving heavy lace.
Smell (4.0): Fruity with peppery spice, alcohol and light hops.
Taste (4.0): Sweet fruits upfront, there are some cherry notes. The finish is peppery before moving into a significant hop bitterness that has a nice interplay with some lemony tartness.
Mouthfeel (4.0): High carbonation, light to medium-bodied.
Drinkability (4.0): Good hoppiness to provide balance.
Overall (4.1)
573. Barbãr Winter Bok
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brasserie Lefèbvre SA
Alcohol: 8.00%
Serving: Tap
Style: Belgian Strong Dark Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (3.5): Pours a hazy brown with a beige head that thins to a ring leaving patchy lace.
Smell (4.0): Dark fruit, spices and an almost evergreen aroma.
Taste (3.5): Sweet fruit and maltiness upfront. The finish is spicy with a light bitterness. A little too sweet.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Medium-bodied, moderate carbonation.
Drinkability (3.5): Easy to drink, despite sweetness.
Overall (3.65)
After finishing dinner and our beers at Poechenellekelder we went to Delirium Café for a few more rounds. The bar was pretty crowded, but we were able to find seats at the bar.
574. Gentse Tripel
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij Van Steenberge N.V.
Alcohol: 8.00%
Serving: Bottle, 11.2 oz.
Style: Tripel, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (3.5): Pours a cloudy golden-amber with a white head that thins to a persistent film leaving no lace.
Smell (3.5): Cherries and caramel. Odd aromas for a tripel, but it smells nice.
Taste (4.0): Some tartness and toasty malts upfront. There's an almost a honey sweetness before the finish, which is peppery, grainy and lightly bitter.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Medium-bodied, high carbonation.
Drinkability (4.0): Quite nice, not too sweet.
Overall (3.8)
575. Abbaye De Rocs Blond
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brasserie de l'Abbaye des Rocs s.a.
Alcohol: ?
Serving: Bottle, 11.2 oz.
Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (3.0): Pours a very light blond color with a white head that thins to a ring leaving little lace.
Smell (3.0): Sweet maltiness with some tart fruit (maybe sour apple). Very light.
Taste (3.0): Sweet and fruity throughout. There's some light tart apples, light pepper and light bitterness.
Mouthfeel (3.5): Light to medium-bodied, moderate carbonation.
Drinkability (3.5): Not terribly flavorful.
Overall (3.1)
After the first round we each had an Orval. My bottle was from September 2006 and David's was from July 2006. The Brettanomyces aroma and flavors were much more evident in David's bottle. Just two months had made a huge difference in flavor and aroma.
576. Saison De Pipaix
The bartender said he hadn't seen this one, and that he'd have to look. He brought back a dusty bottle with a best by date of August 2003.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brasserie à Vapeur
Alcohol: 6.00%
Serving: Bottle, 750 mL
Style: Saison, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a cloudy orange-amber (though our first pours were crystal-clear). It's topped by a thick, off-white head that thins to a film leaving heavy lace.
Smell (4.0): Sourish almost lambic-like hints, cherry fruitiness and some light maltiness that's hard to place.
Taste (4.5): Sour cherries with some light medicinals, some Brett character and a mild bitterness. Nice tartness
Mouthfeel (4.0): Light-bodied, low carbonation, with a mild dryness.
Drinkability (4.0): Quite drinkable and interesting.
Overall (4.2): Even though the best by date had long since passed this beer had aged quite well.
577. Het Kapittel Dubbel
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij Van Eecke N.V.
Alcohol: 7.00%
Serving: Bottle, 11.2 oz.
Style: Dubbel, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a cloudy ruby-brown with a brown head that fades to a quarter-inch layer leaving little lace.
Smell (3.5): Light, but notes of caramel malts and dark fruit.
Taste (3.5): Sweet upfront with raisins and brown sugar. The finish is lightly peppery with hints of roastiness.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Full-bodied, moderate carbonation, and light warming alcohol.
Drinkability (3.5): A little too sweet.
Overall (3.65)
578. Het Kapittel Pater
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij Van Eecke N.V.
Alcohol: 6.00%
Serving: Bottle, 11.2 oz.
Style: Belgian Dark Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a hazy amber-brown with an off-white head that fades to a quarter-inch layer leaving patchy lace.
Smell (4.0): Caramel maltiness, with an intriguing smoky character.
Taste (3.5): Caramel sweetness, light pepper, toasty malts with a neutral finish.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Medium-bodied, low carbonation.
Drinkability (3.5): Too sweet.
Overall (3.75)
We still needed to pack, so we left Delirium Café and started the walk back to our hostel. Across the alleyway from the bar is the Janneken Pis, the female counterpart of the Manneken Pis.
Janneken Pis
I still needed to buy chocolate for the lab so decided to stop at a chocolate shop on the way back to the hostel. The Manneken Pis themed chocolatier was eliminated because of sheer kitsch, as evidenced by the photo below. We ended up stopping at Corne Port Royal where I dropped 25 € on a box of chocolates, 2 milk chocolate bars and two 77% cocoa bars. The lab was very pleased.
Kitsch
We got back to the hostel and packed. We had two six-packs of Westvleteren to pack as well as a 750 mL bottle of Cantillon St. Lamvinus, an 11.2 oz bottle of Duvel Gefilterd and an 11.2 oz bottle of Verboden Vrucht. The Westvleteren and the Cantillon were highest priority. We put David's clothes in my bag, and put the beer in David's small duffle. We wrapped each bottle of Westvleteren in socks and then newspaper and placed them back in the six-pack holders. We wrapped the Cantillon in a shirt. We padded the bag heavily with paper and then put the beers in. We left the Verboden Vrucht and decided to drink the Duvel Gefilterd.
579. Duvel Gefilterd
I did this blind and side-by-side with a normal Duvel, which we bought from the hostel bar.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij Duvel Moortgat NV
Alcohol: 7.50%
Serving: Bottle, 25 cL
Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance:
Duvel: Hazy golden with a huge white head.
Gefilterd: Clear golden with a huge white head.
Smell:
Duvel: Bananas, pepper and some graininess.
Gefilterd: Bananas, pepper and some graininess, but much fruitier than the standard Duvel.
Taste:
Duvel: Fruity, but less so than the Gefilterd. It is more peppery, more grainy and more bitter than the Gefilterd.
Gefilterd: Fruity, mostly bananas with peppery spice in the finish, alcoholic warmth with a little bit of burning. Sweeter and fruitier than the Duvel.
Mouthfeel:
Duvel: High carbonation, light-bodied.
Gefilterd: High carbonation, light-bodied.
572. Urthel Hop-It
Beer Stats:
Brewery: De Leyerth Brouwerijen
Alcohol: 9.50%
Serving: Bottle, 11.2 oz.
Style: Belgian IPA
Appearance (4.5): Pours a cloudy golden with a thick, four-finger head that fades to an irregular film leaving heavy lace.
Smell (4.0): Fruity with peppery spice, alcohol and light hops.
Taste (4.0): Sweet fruits upfront, there are some cherry notes. The finish is peppery before moving into a significant hop bitterness that has a nice interplay with some lemony tartness.
Mouthfeel (4.0): High carbonation, light to medium-bodied.
Drinkability (4.0): Good hoppiness to provide balance.
Overall (4.1)
573. Barbãr Winter Bok
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brasserie Lefèbvre SA
Alcohol: 8.00%
Serving: Tap
Style: Belgian Strong Dark Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (3.5): Pours a hazy brown with a beige head that thins to a ring leaving patchy lace.
Smell (4.0): Dark fruit, spices and an almost evergreen aroma.
Taste (3.5): Sweet fruit and maltiness upfront. The finish is spicy with a light bitterness. A little too sweet.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Medium-bodied, moderate carbonation.
Drinkability (3.5): Easy to drink, despite sweetness.
Overall (3.65)
After finishing dinner and our beers at Poechenellekelder we went to Delirium Café for a few more rounds. The bar was pretty crowded, but we were able to find seats at the bar.
574. Gentse Tripel
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij Van Steenberge N.V.
Alcohol: 8.00%
Serving: Bottle, 11.2 oz.
Style: Tripel, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (3.5): Pours a cloudy golden-amber with a white head that thins to a persistent film leaving no lace.
Smell (3.5): Cherries and caramel. Odd aromas for a tripel, but it smells nice.
Taste (4.0): Some tartness and toasty malts upfront. There's an almost a honey sweetness before the finish, which is peppery, grainy and lightly bitter.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Medium-bodied, high carbonation.
Drinkability (4.0): Quite nice, not too sweet.
Overall (3.8)
575. Abbaye De Rocs Blond
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brasserie de l'Abbaye des Rocs s.a.
Alcohol: ?
Serving: Bottle, 11.2 oz.
Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (3.0): Pours a very light blond color with a white head that thins to a ring leaving little lace.
Smell (3.0): Sweet maltiness with some tart fruit (maybe sour apple). Very light.
Taste (3.0): Sweet and fruity throughout. There's some light tart apples, light pepper and light bitterness.
Mouthfeel (3.5): Light to medium-bodied, moderate carbonation.
Drinkability (3.5): Not terribly flavorful.
Overall (3.1)
After the first round we each had an Orval. My bottle was from September 2006 and David's was from July 2006. The Brettanomyces aroma and flavors were much more evident in David's bottle. Just two months had made a huge difference in flavor and aroma.
576. Saison De Pipaix
The bartender said he hadn't seen this one, and that he'd have to look. He brought back a dusty bottle with a best by date of August 2003.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brasserie à Vapeur
Alcohol: 6.00%
Serving: Bottle, 750 mL
Style: Saison, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a cloudy orange-amber (though our first pours were crystal-clear). It's topped by a thick, off-white head that thins to a film leaving heavy lace.
Smell (4.0): Sourish almost lambic-like hints, cherry fruitiness and some light maltiness that's hard to place.
Taste (4.5): Sour cherries with some light medicinals, some Brett character and a mild bitterness. Nice tartness
Mouthfeel (4.0): Light-bodied, low carbonation, with a mild dryness.
Drinkability (4.0): Quite drinkable and interesting.
Overall (4.2): Even though the best by date had long since passed this beer had aged quite well.
577. Het Kapittel Dubbel
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij Van Eecke N.V.
Alcohol: 7.00%
Serving: Bottle, 11.2 oz.
Style: Dubbel, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a cloudy ruby-brown with a brown head that fades to a quarter-inch layer leaving little lace.
Smell (3.5): Light, but notes of caramel malts and dark fruit.
Taste (3.5): Sweet upfront with raisins and brown sugar. The finish is lightly peppery with hints of roastiness.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Full-bodied, moderate carbonation, and light warming alcohol.
Drinkability (3.5): A little too sweet.
Overall (3.65)
578. Het Kapittel Pater
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij Van Eecke N.V.
Alcohol: 6.00%
Serving: Bottle, 11.2 oz.
Style: Belgian Dark Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a hazy amber-brown with an off-white head that fades to a quarter-inch layer leaving patchy lace.
Smell (4.0): Caramel maltiness, with an intriguing smoky character.
Taste (3.5): Caramel sweetness, light pepper, toasty malts with a neutral finish.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Medium-bodied, low carbonation.
Drinkability (3.5): Too sweet.
Overall (3.75)
We still needed to pack, so we left Delirium Café and started the walk back to our hostel. Across the alleyway from the bar is the Janneken Pis, the female counterpart of the Manneken Pis.
Janneken Pis
I still needed to buy chocolate for the lab so decided to stop at a chocolate shop on the way back to the hostel. The Manneken Pis themed chocolatier was eliminated because of sheer kitsch, as evidenced by the photo below. We ended up stopping at Corne Port Royal where I dropped 25 € on a box of chocolates, 2 milk chocolate bars and two 77% cocoa bars. The lab was very pleased.
Kitsch
We got back to the hostel and packed. We had two six-packs of Westvleteren to pack as well as a 750 mL bottle of Cantillon St. Lamvinus, an 11.2 oz bottle of Duvel Gefilterd and an 11.2 oz bottle of Verboden Vrucht. The Westvleteren and the Cantillon were highest priority. We put David's clothes in my bag, and put the beer in David's small duffle. We wrapped each bottle of Westvleteren in socks and then newspaper and placed them back in the six-pack holders. We wrapped the Cantillon in a shirt. We padded the bag heavily with paper and then put the beers in. We left the Verboden Vrucht and decided to drink the Duvel Gefilterd.
579. Duvel Gefilterd
I did this blind and side-by-side with a normal Duvel, which we bought from the hostel bar.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij Duvel Moortgat NV
Alcohol: 7.50%
Serving: Bottle, 25 cL
Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance:
Duvel: Hazy golden with a huge white head.
Gefilterd: Clear golden with a huge white head.
Smell:
Duvel: Bananas, pepper and some graininess.
Gefilterd: Bananas, pepper and some graininess, but much fruitier than the standard Duvel.
Taste:
Duvel: Fruity, but less so than the Gefilterd. It is more peppery, more grainy and more bitter than the Gefilterd.
Gefilterd: Fruity, mostly bananas with peppery spice in the finish, alcoholic warmth with a little bit of burning. Sweeter and fruitier than the Duvel.
Mouthfeel:
Duvel: High carbonation, light-bodied.
Gefilterd: High carbonation, light-bodied.
Labels: Belgian Dark Ale, Belgian IPA, Belgian Strong Dark Ale, Belgian Strong Pale Ale, Belgium 2006, Dubbel, Saison, Travel, Tripel
We returned to the hotel in Kortrijk and headed to a bar called Boulevard. The inside reminded me of a house, there was a distinct front room filled with tables. The waitress, who wore a bright red hat, took us through the menu and was very friendly. I was impressed at how easily she moved through the packed bar carrying a tray. It was crowded so we ended up having the first round standing. The waitress eventually found us a spot at a large table where a young couple was sitting. We talked with them until they had to leave. I don't remember the context, but the guy said, "The Germans also made mistakes."
David's careful examination of a bottle of Cantillon caught the eye of the couple at the next table, they were probably late 50s or early 60s. They invited us over and bought us a round, we chose Rodenbach. We talked for a while, but language was a little bit more of an issue. Somehow the topic turned to WWI or WWII and the guy said "Without the Americans we would all be Germans." The quote isn't exact because his construction of the statement wasn't exact.
We also had a great plate of snacks that included cheese, sausage with mustard, cornichons, yellow cocktail onions and pine nuts. In addition to the new beers listed below, we had a bottle of Cantillon Broucsella Grand Cru, which was brought out in a champagne bucket, and the Rodenbachs that were purchased for us.
569. Moinette Blond
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brasserie Dupont sprl
Alcohol: 8.50%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a cloudy golden with a thick, white head that fades to a persistent, quarter-inch layer leaving patchy lace.
Smell (4.0): Bananas, pepper and graininess.
Taste (4.0): Well attenuated, there are notes of fruit that lack the accompanying sweetness. Pepper in the finish gives way to grainy flavors as well as some light bitterness.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Medium-bodied, moderate carbonation.
Drinkability (4.0): Very nice and not too sweet.
Overall (4.0)
570. Urchon
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brasserie Des Géants
Alcohol: 7.50%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Belgian Dark Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a hazy brown with a thick, brown head that fades to a quarter-inch layer leaving patchy but light lace.
Smell (4.0): Raisins. caramel, toffee and some light cherry aromas.
Taste (4.0): Malty, like the smell there are raisins, caramel and toffee. There are also some toasted malt flavors. The finish has a light spiciness and a light bitterness.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Medium-bodied, low carbonation.
Drinkability (4.0): Quite nice.
Overall (4.0)
571. De Ranke Guldenberg
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij De Ranke
Alcohol: 8.50%
Serving: Bottle, 750 mL
Style: Tripel, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a hazy golden with a white, whipped-cream head that fades to a thin film leaving patchy lace.
Smell (4.0): Light fruitiness and some peppery spice.
Taste (4.0): On the sweet side, but it balances out. Fruity with a significant peppery spice. A sour apple tartness emerges in the finish with a light bitterness.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Medium-bodied with high carbonation.
Drinkability (4.0): Very drinkable.
Overall (4.0)
David's careful examination of a bottle of Cantillon caught the eye of the couple at the next table, they were probably late 50s or early 60s. They invited us over and bought us a round, we chose Rodenbach. We talked for a while, but language was a little bit more of an issue. Somehow the topic turned to WWI or WWII and the guy said "Without the Americans we would all be Germans." The quote isn't exact because his construction of the statement wasn't exact.
We also had a great plate of snacks that included cheese, sausage with mustard, cornichons, yellow cocktail onions and pine nuts. In addition to the new beers listed below, we had a bottle of Cantillon Broucsella Grand Cru, which was brought out in a champagne bucket, and the Rodenbachs that were purchased for us.
569. Moinette Blond
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brasserie Dupont sprl
Alcohol: 8.50%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a cloudy golden with a thick, white head that fades to a persistent, quarter-inch layer leaving patchy lace.
Smell (4.0): Bananas, pepper and graininess.
Taste (4.0): Well attenuated, there are notes of fruit that lack the accompanying sweetness. Pepper in the finish gives way to grainy flavors as well as some light bitterness.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Medium-bodied, moderate carbonation.
Drinkability (4.0): Very nice and not too sweet.
Overall (4.0)
570. Urchon
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brasserie Des Géants
Alcohol: 7.50%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Belgian Dark Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a hazy brown with a thick, brown head that fades to a quarter-inch layer leaving patchy but light lace.
Smell (4.0): Raisins. caramel, toffee and some light cherry aromas.
Taste (4.0): Malty, like the smell there are raisins, caramel and toffee. There are also some toasted malt flavors. The finish has a light spiciness and a light bitterness.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Medium-bodied, low carbonation.
Drinkability (4.0): Quite nice.
Overall (4.0)
571. De Ranke Guldenberg
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij De Ranke
Alcohol: 8.50%
Serving: Bottle, 750 mL
Style: Tripel, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a hazy golden with a white, whipped-cream head that fades to a thin film leaving patchy lace.
Smell (4.0): Light fruitiness and some peppery spice.
Taste (4.0): On the sweet side, but it balances out. Fruity with a significant peppery spice. A sour apple tartness emerges in the finish with a light bitterness.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Medium-bodied with high carbonation.
Drinkability (4.0): Very drinkable.
Overall (4.0)
Labels: Belgian Dark Ale, Belgian Strong Pale Ale, Belgium 2006, Travel, Tripel
We arrived at Brugs Beertje, which means "The Little Bruges Bear." It's a small two room bar with a nice shabby atmosphere. The walls are covered with beer signs, a picture of which is on the cover of The Good Beer Guide. We sat in the front room at a table near the German guys who we had seen earlier in the day. As the guide says, there's a"virtual guarantee of meeting like-minded beer travelers from everywhere." The beer list was extensive with a lot of quality beers by solid breweries. Having skipped dinner we ordered a snack plate, which had sausage, pâté, cheese and garnishes. I'm now convinced that plates like this are the perfect bar snack.
We ended up socializing at this bar much more than at other bars that we'd been to. Perhaps it was the alcohol taking effect. Whatever the reason, it was a great time.
The Germans:
We spent quite awhile talking to the German guys who we'd run into three times already. The conversation was mostly about politics and the EU. At one point David said "Right now Americans think they can destroy everything." To which one of them replied, "Yeah, there was a time when the Germans thought we could destroy everything too." Not knowing if this was a joke or not David and I remained silent until they started laughing themselves. They eventually moved on to Dickie's, where we would run into them later.
The Brewer and Wife:
A British couple came in who we also talked with. He was the Brewer for Green Jack in the UK. They were ostensibly there on vacation, but his wife seemed to think that on this trip he had managed to bring work into it by the virtue of being at a bar talking about beer. He said his brewery was near St. Peters, and that all of "the boys that work at St. Peters drink my beer because St. Peters is shite." We mostly talked beer. He couldn't say enough good things about American hops.
Bob and Shelagh:
Bob and Shelagh were a couple from the UK, Edinburgh if I remember correctly. David was practicing coaster flips when Bob asked him to try it left handed. A task at which David failed miserably. Bob wrote the following in my book:
Bob and David
Bob and I
David and Bob
We eventually decided to head to Dickie's to finish out the night.
559. N'Ice Chouffe
Where I got it and serving details.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brasserie d'Achouffe
Alcohol: 10.00%
Serving: Bottle, 750 mL
Style: Belgian Strong Dark Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a hazy brown-amber with a thick, brown head that thins to a film leaving good lace.
Smell (4.0): Sweet, notes of caramel, cherries and raisins with light pepper on swirling.
Taste (4.0): Sweet and fruity malts: light cherries and raisins. There's lots of pepper in the finish with some nice roasted flavors.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Medium-bodied, moderate carbonation, lightly dry.
Drinkability (4.0): Good drinkability for a strong winter beer.
Overall (4.0)
560. Watou Tripel
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij St. Bernardus NV
Alcohol: 7.50%
Serving: Bottle, 11.2 oz.
Style: Tripel, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a hazy amber with a thick white head that retains well leaving patchy lace as the glass is emptied.
Smell (4.0): Mixed fruit aromas, bananas and sour apples. There's also some honey sweetness.
Taste (4.0): Banana, berry and sour apple fruitiness. The finish is peppery with a moderat hop bitterness.
Mouthfeel (4.5): Medium-bodied, moderate carbonation, dry finish.
Drinkability (4.5): Very drinkable.
Overall (4.1)
561. Het Kapittel Abt
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij Van Eecke N.V.
Alcohol: 10.00%
Serving: Bottle, 11.2 oz.
Style: Tripel, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.5): Pours a cloudy golden with a thick, white head that remains as a persistent half-inch layer leaving heavy lace.
Smell (4.0): Fruity, mostly sour apples with a leafy hop aroma
Taste (3.5): Some fruity sweetness, some tartness, moderate peppery spice with a light bitterness in the finish.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Medium-bodied, low carbonation.
Drinkability (4.0): Very drinkable.
Overall (3.9)
561. De Dolle Extra Export Stout
I let the brewer for Green Jack try this. He thought it was a good stout, but you could tell it was Belgian.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij De Dolle Brouwers
Alcohol: 9.00%
Serving: Bottle, 11.2 oz.
Style: Foreign / Export Stout, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (5.0): Pours an opaque black with a thick brown head.
Smell (4.0): Nice stout roasted aromas of chocolate and coffee as well as some tart cherry aromas.
Taste (4.5): Cherry and chocolate with a nice sourness. The finish has some nice roasted bitterness.
Mouthfeel (4.5): Medium to full-bodied, velvety, moderate carbonation.
Drinkability (4.5): A very nice and tasty stout.
Overall (4.5)
563. Wostyntje
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij De Regenboog
Alcohol: 7.00%
Serving: Bottle, 11.2 oz.
Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a cloudy orange with a fluffy, white head that leaves patchy lace.
Smell (4.0): Fruity, peppery. I can't smell mustard.
Taste (3.5): Fruity and sweet banana flavors. The finish is spicy with some pepper and mustard, which is surprisingly, not overpowering.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Medium-bodied, low carbonation.
Drinkability (4.0): Not bad for such a strange beer.
Overall (3.8)
564. Jan Van Gent
I've made a note to myself in the book not to trust the numbers because I'm drunk, so I haven't put them here (overall: 4.05).
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij Liefmans
Alcohol:5.50%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Belgian Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance: Pours a lightly hazy golden with a white head that retains well and leaves no lace.
Smell: Some light fruitiness, with noticeable grainy aromas.
Taste: Sweet and fruity with some dry graininess.
Mouthfeel: Low carbonation, medium-bodied and lightly dry.
Drinkability: Very!
We left Brugs Beertje and headed to Dickie's where we saw the Germans again. This time we got a picture with them as they were leaving.
With the Germans
We didn't have anything new, though David had a Chimay before I cut him off, while I had a Chimay and two Orvals.
There was a large group of people in the back singing Irish folk songs. It was a mixed group, there were three Irish people, and Englishman and a few Belgians. David walked over and got them to start singing James Taylor. Then David and I sang all three verses of Mercedes Benz, though when we were on the second and third verses they were still singing the only verse people know. They invited us to sit with them, so we talked for a while, about what I don't remember.
There was a lot more singing, but eventually we got into pub games, like blowing cards off of a glass. David, being David got competitive and started to irritate the laid back Europeans. He was chastised four times by various people, five if you count what the owner said to me.
We somehow managed to stumble back to our hostel. I have no idea how we found it, but we did.
We ended up socializing at this bar much more than at other bars that we'd been to. Perhaps it was the alcohol taking effect. Whatever the reason, it was a great time.
The Germans:
We spent quite awhile talking to the German guys who we'd run into three times already. The conversation was mostly about politics and the EU. At one point David said "Right now Americans think they can destroy everything." To which one of them replied, "Yeah, there was a time when the Germans thought we could destroy everything too." Not knowing if this was a joke or not David and I remained silent until they started laughing themselves. They eventually moved on to Dickie's, where we would run into them later.
The Brewer and Wife:
A British couple came in who we also talked with. He was the Brewer for Green Jack in the UK. They were ostensibly there on vacation, but his wife seemed to think that on this trip he had managed to bring work into it by the virtue of being at a bar talking about beer. He said his brewery was near St. Peters, and that all of "the boys that work at St. Peters drink my beer because St. Peters is shite." We mostly talked beer. He couldn't say enough good things about American hops.
Bob and Shelagh:
Bob and Shelagh were a couple from the UK, Edinburgh if I remember correctly. David was practicing coaster flips when Bob asked him to try it left handed. A task at which David failed miserably. Bob wrote the following in my book:
David, the cocky bastard, lost to a UK pensioner at left handed beer mat flips.Bob was a consummate joker, so our choice of Belgium over the UK as a vacation destination was ridiculed with, "Name five famous people from Belgium." When he found out I was a grad student at MIT he said "Name me five famous people to graduate from MIT." Somehow the topic of stature came up and I referred to myself as thin. Bob responded by calling me "porky" for the rest of the evening, "are you sure you should be wearing that sweater porky? Horizontal stripes are a bad choice for you." David was also talking about author Ian Rankin, but couldn't remember a title. Bob wrote this in my book:
23/11
Ha Ha, Bob Richards
"I know every Ian Rankin book I just cannot remember one title."
Bob and David
Bob and I
David and Bob
We eventually decided to head to Dickie's to finish out the night.
559. N'Ice Chouffe
Where I got it and serving details.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brasserie d'Achouffe
Alcohol: 10.00%
Serving: Bottle, 750 mL
Style: Belgian Strong Dark Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a hazy brown-amber with a thick, brown head that thins to a film leaving good lace.
Smell (4.0): Sweet, notes of caramel, cherries and raisins with light pepper on swirling.
Taste (4.0): Sweet and fruity malts: light cherries and raisins. There's lots of pepper in the finish with some nice roasted flavors.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Medium-bodied, moderate carbonation, lightly dry.
Drinkability (4.0): Good drinkability for a strong winter beer.
Overall (4.0)
560. Watou Tripel
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij St. Bernardus NV
Alcohol: 7.50%
Serving: Bottle, 11.2 oz.
Style: Tripel, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a hazy amber with a thick white head that retains well leaving patchy lace as the glass is emptied.
Smell (4.0): Mixed fruit aromas, bananas and sour apples. There's also some honey sweetness.
Taste (4.0): Banana, berry and sour apple fruitiness. The finish is peppery with a moderat hop bitterness.
Mouthfeel (4.5): Medium-bodied, moderate carbonation, dry finish.
Drinkability (4.5): Very drinkable.
Overall (4.1)
561. Het Kapittel Abt
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij Van Eecke N.V.
Alcohol: 10.00%
Serving: Bottle, 11.2 oz.
Style: Tripel, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.5): Pours a cloudy golden with a thick, white head that remains as a persistent half-inch layer leaving heavy lace.
Smell (4.0): Fruity, mostly sour apples with a leafy hop aroma
Taste (3.5): Some fruity sweetness, some tartness, moderate peppery spice with a light bitterness in the finish.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Medium-bodied, low carbonation.
Drinkability (4.0): Very drinkable.
Overall (3.9)
561. De Dolle Extra Export Stout
I let the brewer for Green Jack try this. He thought it was a good stout, but you could tell it was Belgian.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij De Dolle Brouwers
Alcohol: 9.00%
Serving: Bottle, 11.2 oz.
Style: Foreign / Export Stout, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (5.0): Pours an opaque black with a thick brown head.
Smell (4.0): Nice stout roasted aromas of chocolate and coffee as well as some tart cherry aromas.
Taste (4.5): Cherry and chocolate with a nice sourness. The finish has some nice roasted bitterness.
Mouthfeel (4.5): Medium to full-bodied, velvety, moderate carbonation.
Drinkability (4.5): A very nice and tasty stout.
Overall (4.5)
563. Wostyntje
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij De Regenboog
Alcohol: 7.00%
Serving: Bottle, 11.2 oz.
Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a cloudy orange with a fluffy, white head that leaves patchy lace.
Smell (4.0): Fruity, peppery. I can't smell mustard.
Taste (3.5): Fruity and sweet banana flavors. The finish is spicy with some pepper and mustard, which is surprisingly, not overpowering.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Medium-bodied, low carbonation.
Drinkability (4.0): Not bad for such a strange beer.
Overall (3.8)
564. Jan Van Gent
I've made a note to myself in the book not to trust the numbers because I'm drunk, so I haven't put them here (overall: 4.05).
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij Liefmans
Alcohol:5.50%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Belgian Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance: Pours a lightly hazy golden with a white head that retains well and leaves no lace.
Smell: Some light fruitiness, with noticeable grainy aromas.
Taste: Sweet and fruity with some dry graininess.
Mouthfeel: Low carbonation, medium-bodied and lightly dry.
Drinkability: Very!
We left Brugs Beertje and headed to Dickie's where we saw the Germans again. This time we got a picture with them as they were leaving.
With the Germans
We didn't have anything new, though David had a Chimay before I cut him off, while I had a Chimay and two Orvals.
There was a large group of people in the back singing Irish folk songs. It was a mixed group, there were three Irish people, and Englishman and a few Belgians. David walked over and got them to start singing James Taylor. Then David and I sang all three verses of Mercedes Benz, though when we were on the second and third verses they were still singing the only verse people know. They invited us to sit with them, so we talked for a while, about what I don't remember.
There was a lot more singing, but eventually we got into pub games, like blowing cards off of a glass. David, being David got competitive and started to irritate the laid back Europeans. He was chastised four times by various people, five if you count what the owner said to me.
1. Ex Belgian Military - "You have to be who you are."
2. Englishman - "Don't kid a kidder."
3. Portuguese Owner - "You are in Europe, not America. Try and learn something.
4. Belgian Tour Guide - "You're so competitive you can't help but defeat yourself."
5. Portuguese Owner (to me as I was paying) - "Your friend is too American, you're not, but your friend is."
We somehow managed to stumble back to our hostel. I have no idea how we found it, but we did.
Labels: Belgian Strong Dark Ale, Belgian Strong Pale Ale, Belgium 2006, Export Stout, Travel, Tripel
After getting energy in the form of coffee and waffles, we walked to Kelk, which seemed like a grungy local bar. There was a very friendly dalmatian who came up to us. We had a round before heading on to De Garre.
555. Bourgogne Des Flandres
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij Timmermans-John Martin N.V.
Alcohol: 5.00%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Flanders Red Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a clear, dark brown with ruby tints. A thick, brown head thins to a sudsy film leaving sheets of lace.
Smell (3.5): There's a sweet cherry aroma, notes of caramel and toffee, and light medicinal phenols.
Taste (3.0): Light cherry sweetness, with a bit of bitterness in the finish.
Mouthfeel (3.5): Medium-bodied, moderate carbonation.
Drinkability (3.5): Drinkable, but a bit bland.
Overall (3.4)
556. Witte Trappist
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Bierbrouwerij De Koningshoeven B.V.
Alcohol: 5.50%
Serving: Bottle, 11.2 oz.
Style: Witbier, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (3.5): Pours a clear golden with a white head that thins to a persistent layer leaving patchy lace.
Smell (3.5): Heavy notes of bananas. Swirling brings out some pepper and spice.
Taste (3.0): Lightly sweet upfront, some notes of banana. There's graininess in the center with a light peppery spice and tartness. This tastes more like a Belgian Pale Ale than a wit.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Light-bodied, moderate to low carbonation with a bit of creaminess.
Drinkability (4.0): Easy enough to drink, though not to style.
Overall (3.4)
After Kelk, we walked to De Garre, which we had a hard time finding, because the streeet it was on turned out to be a very narrow 500 year-old alley. We grabbed a table upstairs, in the alleged non-smoking section and had a round before leaving for Brugs Beertje.
557. Tripel Van Der Garre
This was served in a Garre glass at De Garre in Brugge. It came with a small bowl of piquant cheese that was quite nice.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij Van Steenberge N.V.
Alcohol: 11.00%
Serving: Tap
Style: Tripel, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.5): Pours a lightly hazy golden-orange with a three-finger, off-white head with excellent retention that leaves intact sheets of lace as it fades.
Smell (4.0): Has a nice fruity smell with a blend of bananas and sour apple with a bit of pepper.
Taste (4.0): Light, but fruity with sweet bananas and sour apples. The fruitiness is balanced nicely with some spiciness and bitterness.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Light to medium-bodied, creamy, moderate carbonation.
Drinkability (4.0): Very well balanced, but watch out for the alcohol.
Overall (4.1)
558. Judas
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij Alken-Maes
Alcohol: 8.50%
Serving: Bottle, 11.2 oz.
Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a lightly hazy golden with a huge, four-finger, white head that fades to a thin film leaving patchy lace.
Smell (3.0): Sour apples and maybe some light graininess.
Taste (2.5): Fruity sour apples with some light pepper, not much else going on.
Mouthfeel (2.5): Low carbonation reveals that this beer feels a bit thin.
Drinkability (3.0): Fine, but nothing to keep your interest.
Overall (2.95)
De Garre was pretty smoky, so we headed to Brugs Beertje next.
555. Bourgogne Des Flandres
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij Timmermans-John Martin N.V.
Alcohol: 5.00%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Flanders Red Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a clear, dark brown with ruby tints. A thick, brown head thins to a sudsy film leaving sheets of lace.
Smell (3.5): There's a sweet cherry aroma, notes of caramel and toffee, and light medicinal phenols.
Taste (3.0): Light cherry sweetness, with a bit of bitterness in the finish.
Mouthfeel (3.5): Medium-bodied, moderate carbonation.
Drinkability (3.5): Drinkable, but a bit bland.
Overall (3.4)
556. Witte Trappist
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Bierbrouwerij De Koningshoeven B.V.
Alcohol: 5.50%
Serving: Bottle, 11.2 oz.
Style: Witbier, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (3.5): Pours a clear golden with a white head that thins to a persistent layer leaving patchy lace.
Smell (3.5): Heavy notes of bananas. Swirling brings out some pepper and spice.
Taste (3.0): Lightly sweet upfront, some notes of banana. There's graininess in the center with a light peppery spice and tartness. This tastes more like a Belgian Pale Ale than a wit.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Light-bodied, moderate to low carbonation with a bit of creaminess.
Drinkability (4.0): Easy enough to drink, though not to style.
Overall (3.4)
After Kelk, we walked to De Garre, which we had a hard time finding, because the streeet it was on turned out to be a very narrow 500 year-old alley. We grabbed a table upstairs, in the alleged non-smoking section and had a round before leaving for Brugs Beertje.
557. Tripel Van Der Garre
This was served in a Garre glass at De Garre in Brugge. It came with a small bowl of piquant cheese that was quite nice.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij Van Steenberge N.V.
Alcohol: 11.00%
Serving: Tap
Style: Tripel, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.5): Pours a lightly hazy golden-orange with a three-finger, off-white head with excellent retention that leaves intact sheets of lace as it fades.
Smell (4.0): Has a nice fruity smell with a blend of bananas and sour apple with a bit of pepper.
Taste (4.0): Light, but fruity with sweet bananas and sour apples. The fruitiness is balanced nicely with some spiciness and bitterness.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Light to medium-bodied, creamy, moderate carbonation.
Drinkability (4.0): Very well balanced, but watch out for the alcohol.
Overall (4.1)
558. Judas
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij Alken-Maes
Alcohol: 8.50%
Serving: Bottle, 11.2 oz.
Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a lightly hazy golden with a huge, four-finger, white head that fades to a thin film leaving patchy lace.
Smell (3.0): Sour apples and maybe some light graininess.
Taste (2.5): Fruity sour apples with some light pepper, not much else going on.
Mouthfeel (2.5): Low carbonation reveals that this beer feels a bit thin.
Drinkability (3.0): Fine, but nothing to keep your interest.
Overall (2.95)
De Garre was pretty smoky, so we headed to Brugs Beertje next.
Labels: Belgian Strong Pale Ale, Belgium 2006, Flanders Red Ale, Travel, Tripel, Witbier
After seeing Gravensteen we took the Number 1 Tram south, and then walked to De Hopduvel for a few rounds. The bar is dimly lit and fairly large. There's a small bar to the left as you enter, a room of seating to the right, and another room with lots of seating towards the back. There's an outside courtyard that's probably nice in warmer weather. The front room is decorated with an extensive collection of empty bottles and the walls of the back room are decorated with various beer signs. Aside from the decorations the place has the feel of a medieval house. The beer selection was excellent.
As a service to other patrons who can't read Dutch, the sign on the door to the restroom probably warns you about the step down that you'll encounter when you walk through the door.
David spent a while drawing various Belgian beer images on the back of a coaster, which included a version of the devil on the Hopduvel menu disco dancing. He gave it to the bartender, who seemed to like it.
537. De Dolle Dulle Teve
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij De Dolle Brouwers
Alcohol: 10.00%
Serving: Bottle, 11.2 oz.
Style: Tripel, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.5): Pours a lightly hazy golden. Topped by a fluffy, meringue-like, white head with good retention and nice lacing.
Smell (4.0): Lightly fruity with peppery spice, citrus and grain.
Taste (4.5): Significantly bitter. Light fruity nites up front are quickly followed by strong peppery spice and hoppy bitterness. The finish is bitter with residual sweet and tart fruit flavors.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Medium-bodied, moderate carbonation, lightly dry finish.
Drinkability (5.0): Easy to drink with a good balance.
Overall (4.4)
538. Witkap Pater Dubbel
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij Slaghmuylder
Alcohol: 7.20%
Serving: Bottle, 11.2 oz.
Style: Dubbel, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a clear ruby-brown with a thick beige head with good retention and lace.
Smell (4.0): The aromas are light overall, with notes of tropical fruit and cherries. Light, but interesting
Taste (4.0): Light and fruity with notes of cherry and dark fruit. The finish is a delicate interplay of spice and bitterness.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Medium-bodied, low carbonation, velvety texture.
Drinkability (4.0): Very mild and drinkable.
Overall (4.0): Nothing is over the top, but still manages to be a nice brew.
539. Grottenbier
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij St. Bernardus NV
Alcohol: 6.50%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Belgian Dark Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.5): Pours a clear ruby-brown with a three-finger, fluffy, beige head with impressive retention that leaves thick rings of lace.
Smell (4.0): Light overall. Notes of cherries, grain and sweet malts.
Taste (4.5): Notes of cherries and chocolate not accompanied by sweetness or tartness. The finish has some light roasted character.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Medium-bodied, high carbonation with a light dryness in the finish.
Drinkability (5.0): Very balanced.
Overall (4.4)
540. Oudbeitje Lambic
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Hanssens Artisanaal bvba
Alcohol: 6.00%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Fruit Lambic, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (3.5): Lightly hazy pinkish-orange with no head whatsoever, only large bubbles from pouring that disappear quickly.
Smell (4.0): My first impression was of overwhelming strawberries, but after letting it sit I could detect some nice funkiness, which was enhanced by swirling.
Taste (4.5): Intense acidic sourness is dominant from start to finish. Some strawberry flavors appear briefly with mild sweetness. The finish is earthy funkiness along with the acidic sourness.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Light-bodied, very low carbonation, lightly dry finish.
Drinkability (4.0): Pretty drinkable despite sourness.
Overall (4.1): Initially I wasn't impressed, but it really grew on me as I drank it.
541. Cuvée Des Trolls
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brasserie Dubuisson Frères
Alcohol: 7.00%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (3.5): Served in a frosted glass, so I have no idea if this is clear or cloudy, my guess is lightly hazy. Golden in color with a white head that quickly fades to a sudsy film leaving patchy lace.
Smell (3.0): Sweet Belgian yeast fruitiness along with light pepper and light grain.
Taste (3.0): Sweet banana and berry fruitiness with a peppery finish.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Light to medium-bodied with moderate carbonation.
Drinkability (3.5): A little too sweet.
Overall (3.25)
542. Hoppetje
I believe that this is the house beer brewed by De Proef. It's described as a 6º blond abdijbier.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: De Proefbrouwerij
Alcohol: ?
Serving: Tap
Style: Belgian Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.5): Pours a cloudy blond with a white head that fades to a patchy film leaving sheets of lace.
Smell (4.0): Interesting fruitiness. It's not the typical Belgian yeast aroma, though there are some sour apples. There's also a nice funkiness.
Taste (4.0): Lightly fruity with hints of bananas, some sour apples and a grainy finish.
Mouthfeel (3.5): Light-bodied with high carbonation.
Drinkability (4.5): Very drinkable, a good session beer.
Overall (4.1)
543. Moriau Geuze
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij Boon
Alcohol: ?
Serving: Bottle, 37.5 cL
Style: Gueuze, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a hazy golden with an off-white head.
Smell (3.0): Pretty light for a gueuze, but the acidic sourness and funkiness are there, you just have to swirl to get them.
Taste (4.0): Halfway between a sweet lambic and a sour lambic. The sourness is balanced by some sweetness. The finish has some earthy funk to it.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Light-bodied, moderate carbonation with a dry finish.
Drinkability (4.0): Not bad for a sweet gueuze.
Overall (3.8)
I know David and I had dinner and played pool at some point on the trip. It's not written in my notebook, but I believe it was in Ghent. I had lasagna, in cream sauce, and David had pasta with pesto sauce.
As a service to other patrons who can't read Dutch, the sign on the door to the restroom probably warns you about the step down that you'll encounter when you walk through the door.
David spent a while drawing various Belgian beer images on the back of a coaster, which included a version of the devil on the Hopduvel menu disco dancing. He gave it to the bartender, who seemed to like it.
537. De Dolle Dulle Teve
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij De Dolle Brouwers
Alcohol: 10.00%
Serving: Bottle, 11.2 oz.
Style: Tripel, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.5): Pours a lightly hazy golden. Topped by a fluffy, meringue-like, white head with good retention and nice lacing.
Smell (4.0): Lightly fruity with peppery spice, citrus and grain.
Taste (4.5): Significantly bitter. Light fruity nites up front are quickly followed by strong peppery spice and hoppy bitterness. The finish is bitter with residual sweet and tart fruit flavors.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Medium-bodied, moderate carbonation, lightly dry finish.
Drinkability (5.0): Easy to drink with a good balance.
Overall (4.4)
538. Witkap Pater Dubbel
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij Slaghmuylder
Alcohol: 7.20%
Serving: Bottle, 11.2 oz.
Style: Dubbel, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a clear ruby-brown with a thick beige head with good retention and lace.
Smell (4.0): The aromas are light overall, with notes of tropical fruit and cherries. Light, but interesting
Taste (4.0): Light and fruity with notes of cherry and dark fruit. The finish is a delicate interplay of spice and bitterness.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Medium-bodied, low carbonation, velvety texture.
Drinkability (4.0): Very mild and drinkable.
Overall (4.0): Nothing is over the top, but still manages to be a nice brew.
539. Grottenbier
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij St. Bernardus NV
Alcohol: 6.50%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Belgian Dark Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.5): Pours a clear ruby-brown with a three-finger, fluffy, beige head with impressive retention that leaves thick rings of lace.
Smell (4.0): Light overall. Notes of cherries, grain and sweet malts.
Taste (4.5): Notes of cherries and chocolate not accompanied by sweetness or tartness. The finish has some light roasted character.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Medium-bodied, high carbonation with a light dryness in the finish.
Drinkability (5.0): Very balanced.
Overall (4.4)
540. Oudbeitje Lambic
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Hanssens Artisanaal bvba
Alcohol: 6.00%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Fruit Lambic, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (3.5): Lightly hazy pinkish-orange with no head whatsoever, only large bubbles from pouring that disappear quickly.
Smell (4.0): My first impression was of overwhelming strawberries, but after letting it sit I could detect some nice funkiness, which was enhanced by swirling.
Taste (4.5): Intense acidic sourness is dominant from start to finish. Some strawberry flavors appear briefly with mild sweetness. The finish is earthy funkiness along with the acidic sourness.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Light-bodied, very low carbonation, lightly dry finish.
Drinkability (4.0): Pretty drinkable despite sourness.
Overall (4.1): Initially I wasn't impressed, but it really grew on me as I drank it.
541. Cuvée Des Trolls
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brasserie Dubuisson Frères
Alcohol: 7.00%
Serving: Bottle
Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (3.5): Served in a frosted glass, so I have no idea if this is clear or cloudy, my guess is lightly hazy. Golden in color with a white head that quickly fades to a sudsy film leaving patchy lace.
Smell (3.0): Sweet Belgian yeast fruitiness along with light pepper and light grain.
Taste (3.0): Sweet banana and berry fruitiness with a peppery finish.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Light to medium-bodied with moderate carbonation.
Drinkability (3.5): A little too sweet.
Overall (3.25)
542. Hoppetje
I believe that this is the house beer brewed by De Proef. It's described as a 6º blond abdijbier.
Beer Stats:
Brewery: De Proefbrouwerij
Alcohol: ?
Serving: Tap
Style: Belgian Pale Ale, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.5): Pours a cloudy blond with a white head that fades to a patchy film leaving sheets of lace.
Smell (4.0): Interesting fruitiness. It's not the typical Belgian yeast aroma, though there are some sour apples. There's also a nice funkiness.
Taste (4.0): Lightly fruity with hints of bananas, some sour apples and a grainy finish.
Mouthfeel (3.5): Light-bodied with high carbonation.
Drinkability (4.5): Very drinkable, a good session beer.
Overall (4.1)
543. Moriau Geuze
Beer Stats:
Brewery: Brouwerij Boon
Alcohol: ?
Serving: Bottle, 37.5 cL
Style: Gueuze, BJCP Style Guide
Appearance (4.0): Pours a hazy golden with an off-white head.
Smell (3.0): Pretty light for a gueuze, but the acidic sourness and funkiness are there, you just have to swirl to get them.
Taste (4.0): Halfway between a sweet lambic and a sour lambic. The sourness is balanced by some sweetness. The finish has some earthy funk to it.
Mouthfeel (4.0): Light-bodied, moderate carbonation with a dry finish.
Drinkability (4.0): Not bad for a sweet gueuze.
Overall (3.8)
I know David and I had dinner and played pool at some point on the trip. It's not written in my notebook, but I believe it was in Ghent. I had lasagna, in cream sauce, and David had pasta with pesto sauce.
Labels: Belgian Dark Ale, Belgian Pale Ale, Belgian Strong Pale Ale, Belgium 2006, Dubbel, Fruit Lambic, Gueuze, Lambic, Sour Beer, Travel, Tripel
