Emerson’s JP (2012)

Brewed by Emerson’s Brewing Company (Lion Breweries - NZ (Lion Nathan Co.)
Style: Belgian Strong Ale
Dunedin, New Zealand

Serve in Trappist glass, Tulip, Tumbler

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Dark bronze in colour with huge white head. Big yeasty bread aroma. Spicy tongue, Very pleasant.

Silly me. I have had each of the preceding JP’s but never reviewed them. In fact, this seems to be the case with a number of Emerson’s beers, which I can assure you is not a commentary of my approach to this brewery. The beer is consistently good and I have confidence that despite the recent buyout by Lion, the quality will still remain at the extremely high standard prior to sale. Richard Emerson is not silly enough to compromise on his own good name. Anyway, this beer: Hazy russet amber colour with a lively cream coloured head. It was actually bordering on volcanic when it came out of the bottle. The aroma is of old orange peel, rich, earthy caramel and candi-sugar, basement and almost musty over-ripe lemon. This is not a fault, actually you’d have difficulty believing that this wasn’t brewed in Belgium. It is lively and orange-like in the mouth with full prickly carbonation. There is a definite twinge of bitterness that prolongs the ripe Belgian ale flavours. In fact, the authenticity of this beer goes as far as having the small dark greebly bits that have seen in the heads and at the base of the glass in other Belgian-style ales. It isn’t my favourite style, but it is a style I enjoy and will spend time on. A good nudge and I find it remarkable that this brewer enjoys constant success in a massive variety of styles. Well done.

A classy offering from Emersons. Hazy dark orange-brown appearance with huge dense white head that leaves a "Brussels lace". Nose of caramel, cherries, raisins, candy sugar, soft peppers and alcohol. Taste is restrained sweetness with a spicy hop finish that lingers. Alcohol in there as well. Medium-full bodied with a thickish tingly mouthfeel. Rather reminded me of a Kwak. Sampled from a 500ml bottle in Dunedin NZ.

Large frothy cream head strong carbonation browny red pour aromas grapes dried fruit yeast sugar alcohol candy the flavours strong bitter yeast touch but dies down sugar grape white wine and sultana and raisin medium bitter a dryness sweet maltiness like toffee the finish lingering tastes of fruit grape alcohol and bitter

massive frothy head when poured, nice aroma, kinda seemed over-carbonated with every mouthful turning to fizz, other than that nice enough.

Bottle at Plonk Xmas tasting. Dark amber, caramel, bread, some spice and dried fruit. Liked it, but not a huge belgian ale fan.

Bottle at Eureka, Dunedin. Great strong ale, nice yeasty notes. Aromas of caramel, dough. Taste is complex: sweet, bitter, and sour notes. Palate is creamy and full bodied. Amber, with a frothy head.

Bottle, 9C. Amber with a huge white head. High bead. Aroma is floral and bready with dark berries and raisins, lemon pudding and some spices. Medium bodied, rather too carbonated for me. Sweet berries, raisins and caramel, lighter bread than suggested by the aroma, floral, spice and citrus aromatics, medium bitterness. A little medicinal. Better as it warmed well above recommended temperature and lost some fizz.

Dark amber colour close to rust but even with a very careful pour the head is large and rocky making it hard to smell the very refreshing hoppy aroma, whilst this isn’t a particularly heavy brew the sweet then bitter taste and warming effect leaves you with no doubt that it is an intoxicating beverage. All and all not a bad drop, however personally feel the head detracted from my enjoyment of this beer.

Hate rating "vintages" that will most likely never get to ten ratings. Makes it a waste. Solid Belgian style ale from the team at Emersons.