New Norcia Pax Abbey Ale

Firstly, what makes this an abbey beer?? The fact that its "cellared" beneath a monastery... Anyway, it pours a golden amber (too dark for the style) and has a crystal clear body. Head is loosely packed and rather fizzy, dissipates in no time. Aromas aren’t too bad, very confectionary like but I suppose they have the general traits about right. Big sherbet notes with quite a substantial amount of spice present, maybe due to the alcohol. (Although, its not that high, compared to genuine Belgians) As far as the palate goes, much of the same really. Some apple maybe pear notes present with a huge clove spice kick from the alcohol. (Rather uncontrolled) Some sweeter malt comes into play but is totally dominated, almost nullified by the alcohol. Its said that imitation is the greatest form of flattery but this just doesn’t do the style justice!

Our first trip to New Norcia was a wonderful day - regardless of whether your religious or not (we’re not!) you can’t help but feel serene and calm about the world when there. Beautiful Spanish influenced buildings form the perfect backdrop for the handful of black-robed, enigmatic monks that call it home. As for the Abbey Ale - well we enjoyed it off the tap (several pots) and took a 6 pack home. As for the rating, my wife rarely likes beer but thought this one to be ’very nice’. Now that’s saying something! I’m going back for a sanctuary weekend soon and to experience the lives of the monks for a few days. But before I depart again, I might just have to visit the hotel...

Looks like a standard lager. Citrusy nose and pretty poor head. Bready malts with abit of cardboard. OK but abit flattish.

Well they’ve done a very good job of making something that tastes like a mainstream big-brewery tripel (leffe grimbergen etc). only thing is i don’t really like that style. heavy coriander seed, banana and alcohol in nose. at first sweet, syruppy peachey malt then finishing very dry with clean phenols, alcohol and slightly metallic hops. typical australian malt aftertaste gives it away. tastes like leffe tripel as made with australian malt and POR or some high alpha hop. but very well made for what it intends to be.

330ml Stubby. Clear bright golden coloured body with a decent white head. Soft spice nose with hints of candy and then alcohol. Easy to drink, flavours similar to the aroma without noticing the alcohol this time, a little lacking in body and complexity but hopefully this is a start.