Our Abbey Pale Ale, reverently inspired by one of the six Trappist breweries (who, for obtuse reasons of shadily inferred copyright and trademark infringement must remain nameless, along with their megalomaniacal American distributor who brought the matter kindly to our attention) is made entirely with imported Belgian malt, and hopped with English Goldings and German Hallertauer. Hop aroma and flavor is emphasized, but balanced, by dry-hopping with these varieties. The yeast used in fermentation is indeed an authentic Belgian strain (we could tell you which one, but then we’d have to kill you. Proprietary brewery info, you understand.) which gives the beer its signature spicy/fruity/funky notes. Golden Ring is a deep gold, slightly hazy as it is served unfiltered and cold-conditioned. It has the aforementioned spicy, fruity, earthy character, and carries additional aromas and flavors of toasted and caramelized malt, and hops and alcohol. The finish is fairly long, with yeast notes and hops vying for space on your palate. Overall this is an interesting, extremely complex, and very drinkable, enjoyable beer which lends itself very well to a wide range of foods.