jahughey (65), Franklin, Indiana, USA
Oct 8, 2005 Updated: Feb 14, 2006
Methinks JMerritt got drunk and sipped out of a mopbucket (or toilet) at the GABF, given the Pine-Sol reference. Initially, as a reluctant, yet hopeful visitor to his 1st Belgian brewpub, I had for years been in awe of Belgian brews, from Trappists, of course, to abbeys, lambics, saisons,even French farmhouse styles(so underrated), with almost unattainable standards of quality. Belgian beers rely on bottle refermentation for lots of tiny bubbles, most of which are present in this beer, but also for depth of complexity- an almost impossible task for a pub brewer, no matter how good.Tiny qualms aside, this ale exhibits an amazing Belgian authenticity, full of spice and light alcohol in aroma, malt and subtle spicy flavor, but, much more significantly, the accurate Belgian impression,( ie., complexity, strength, and stupid drinkability. )Grab friends and find this place while it’s here.
 StFun (411), Indiana, USA
May 7, 2008 The weakest offering from Brugge is still better than the best offering from most other places. This one is sort of like a weaker version of the Triple, but with a more hoppy character and some IPA characteristics. Slightly bitter, but solid. Perfectly acceptable but hard to suggest that someone try when theres more delicious offerings on tap...maybe after you try the Triple and the Black though!
WickerBrew (303), Chicago, Illinois, USA
Feb 19, 2008 OK this was a major letdown for me, on tap in Indy. Would have never guessed this to be a Grand Cru or belgian strong, it was more like a cheap american red. No spice and no sour, just watered down and a touch of belgian sweetness. Maybe brewed for the mindless masses (and lord knows, IN is full of them), but this needs an overhaul.
BBB63 (3865), La Porte, Indiana, USA
Feb 10, 2008 Tap at brewery: Slightly hazy golden hue with a fading head and spotty lace. The aroma has notes of grains of paradise, clove, cardamom, ginger bread cookies, wheat and some noted alcoholic vapours. The taste is weird, there was a slight note of vinegar twang around the edges before the base malt and sweet fruits come to play. The finish again is spice driven and what appears the be ginger becomes a tad overpowering, a bit boozy on the palate as well. This beer is all of the place, part of it I liked and part of it is discombobulated.
arjoseph (578), Chicago, Illinois, USA
Nov 3, 2007 GABF 2007. I don’t know if I was drinking the same stuff as you, but I found this impressively horrible. It was impressive in the strength of the flavor and the sheer amount of spice (and variety of spice) in it. Unfortunately, the spice was overwhelming. I really wanted to buckle down and pick out all the things I was tasting, but I couldn’t get around the fact that it was gross, and that I didn’t want any more. Cardamom, white pepper, clove, and ginger on the nose was enticing, but was already hinting at excessiveness. The utter lack of any balance in the mouth was beyond disappointing.
bu11zeye (4066), Frisco, Texas, USA
Oct 31, 2007 (Draught) Pours a clear golden body with a moderate off-white head. Aroma of grains of paradise, orange peel, clove, and pepper. Flavor of toasted/rich malt, caramel, and fruit.
|
