 kepano (239), Meudon, France
Jun 16, 2008
It seems tough to admit, but Belgium’s brewing climate today has little to do with the monastic tradition so often advertised. I can’t help but raise an eyebrow when I see borrowed ecclesiastical titles, as if they somehow elevate the product to a divine status. Abbaye des Rocs awakened this concern during my initial encounter. Fortunately, as I explored their profound talent, I realized this is a brewery thats put little effort in polishing its image, and focuses instead on a truly exceptional set of beers. A remarkable endeavor. Des Rocs’ habit of leaving ’unsightly’ sediment in the bottles never bothered me in the least, but I was surprised to find a relatively clear brew this time around. The lively apricot color glows deeply, and a creamy off-white head puffs up above. The aroma is equally bright and summery, but rich and complex as well. Honey and abundant grains form the unmistakable smell of Miel Pops, one of my childhood breakfast cereals in France. The subtle balance of spices and vegetal components adds surprising intricacy for a basic offering. Nutmeg, coriander, pepper and buttery asparagus are particularly notable. The palate finds a light, creamy and very easy-drinking ale. There’s a touch of minerality that seems perfect for a hot day. Sweet grains are present, and the chalky lemony yeastiness gives an air of witbier. The spices are perfectly balanced with both hops and malts, suggesting hints of peach and coffee. There’s a definite sweetness throughout, but it remains authentic and the subtle dryness and sourness in the finish continually encourage another sip. Perfectly sessionable and drinking well after it’s second birthday, it’s another stunning beer from des Rocs. (08/06/07)
faroeviking (5431), The Autonomous Beer Republic, Faroe Islands
Jun 23, 2009 Botella. Cloudy orange. Fruity, yeasty and wheaty aroma. Pleasant soft filling mouthfeel. Flavour is fruity with yeast, wheat and bit spice. Dry yeasty fruity finish. Nice.
Fin (2977), Merton, Oxfordshire, England
Jun 23, 2009 Bottle that was picked up at Dranken Geers, Oostakker, Belgium 09-06-09 consumed, Stiffkey, campsite North Norfolk 15-06-09 Pours murky puddle brown colour with white filmy head. Yeasty and spicy, soft in mouth, little bit of ginger, maybe a touch overdone on spice, reasonable. A6 A3 F7 P3 Ov13 3.2
Pinball (2068), Allerød, Denmark
Jun 21, 2009 bottle shared with faroeviking. cloudy yellow, small head.
aroma of ripe yellow fruts, yeast, wheat.
flavor is dry, fruity, fant flowery. yellow fruits.
henrikb (1290), Aarhus, Denmark
Jun 21, 2009 Clear blond body with lots of sediment in it, quite fast disappering white head; Very citrus fruity almost coriander spiced aroma, pleasant; To big and sharp carbonation on quite yeasty harsh body; Medium long quite yeasty harsh finish, lots of yeast aromas. Drinkable but not all that pleasant.
mabel (2208), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Feb 17, 2009 [1815-20081022] 330mL bottle. Aroma of roast beef and citrus fixin’s. Slightly hazy, yellow brown body with a quick white foamy head and lots of floaties. Citrus malt flavour with toasted orange pips and a floral bitterness. Medium body is sour and bitter. Quite nice, fresh and hip.
Overheard: "I think if you can see through it and it’s gold, it’s gay."
(w/ blankboy, garthicus, HogTownHarry, jerc)
bonfunck (147), Waasmunster, Belgium
Feb 17, 2009 33cl hop duvel @ ghent, dark blond good smell from malt, nice balanced bitter after-taste
altonbrownd (1624), Amsterdam, Netherlands
Feb 8, 2009 Cracked Kettle. Hazy with short head. Spicy nose. Sweeter taste, malts and honey. Nice bitter finish. Well-balanced.
gunnar (288), Sandnes, Norway
Feb 5, 2009 33 cl bottle.Hazy orange appearance with a thin fadin head. Smells of peppers and spice. Honey and malt makes the sweet part of the aroma, hop bitterness make this a well balanced and fresh tasting brew.
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