Flowery Bloomers

Bloemen Bier 7%

From Proefbrouerwij, a craft brewery that takes itself very seriously (see their website), is a rather fanciful offering. Bloemen Bier is brewed with flowers and plants to give it a unique taste. They've also presented it in a fairly original fashion, wrapping in paper: something you only really see in fruit beer. But, I suppose, flowers and plants are getting in that direction. There's something of a hand-drawn element to the design on the paper which gives it a friendly, approachable air. Of course, once you take it off you're left with a plain bottle and the beer needs to start speaking for itself.

Once poured, the beer has a rich, cloudy and golden brown appearance. If you're familiar with Anchor Liberty Ale then you'll know what I mean. The head is tightly packed and has a cream-coloured froth to it.

Once you pop your nose over the glass you know this beer is a bit of something different. Those flowers and plants (god knows what type though) are doing their stuff. It's a skippy, light and heady aroma which, in fairness to Proefbrouerwij, is reminiscent of summer. Whilst there's no fruit in it (I presume, anyway) it's a very strawberry-like smell with delicious floral hops involved. It's really special.

However, all good things.... Unfortunately, when you start to drink it, it's very sweet. There are sweet beers, and then there's this one. Compare it to, for example, a fairly sweet raspberry lambic like Timmermans or Lindemans might make; the difference is that these, and all fruit lambics, have a sour base to them which counterbalances the sweetness, making them quite refreshing. Bloemen Bier is fermented with more traditional ale yeast which means the 'flowers and plants' and sweetness make it a bit cloying.

In your mouth it's quite syrupy and fairly pleasant at first but as time goes on it's fairly difficult to get through. The aftertaste doesn't  help as it's virtually devoid of bitterness. 

It's difficult not to enjoy this beer in some respects, but it's also quite difficult to finish a glass! Perhaps it's a good idea to try on someone who's not convinced on beer. If they're into sweet white wine this might be more palatable.

Bloemen Bier - 5

http://www.proefbrouwerij.com/index.aspx?lng=en