Brugse Zot
I nearly didn't write this blog, thinking that perhaps this beer is a bit too well known and you've all tried it before, but it might just be me who's been drinking this for years. Plus the fact that I visited De Halve Maan brewery on my honeymoon means this beer's often at the forefront of my mind.
Regardless, let's get on with it. I must start with my oft-included label review. Zot has one of those crap-but-I-like-it labels. 'Zot' means 'fool' and there's a fairly crummy picture of a jester chap prancing about and the typeface is pretty cheap. It's a mystery why some cheap labels have charm and others fill me with exasperation. I think in Brugse Zot's case it looks like a genuine attempt to come up with a great label but it hasn't quite worked. Setting up a brewery's expensive enough so you can't blame them for not forking out on snazzy labels.
Zot is a Blonde beer coming in at 6% so it's walking on steady shoes, but also a very well-trodden path. I find some Blonde beers like this can offer very little and come across as just a strong glass of Stella. Of course, Zot isn't, otherwise I wouldn't be wasting my time writing this.
It comes across very well with an alluring syrupy, lightly malted aroma. A distinct melon whiff was a nice treat; it's not something I usually find. Bread and butter came through too. It's not often that I get such specifics so it made me feel as though I had an accomplished nose. Whoever thought a beer could flatter you!
In the mouth, its texture is good, with I'd say a perfect level of carbonation (though we all like different things). There's a coriander flavour to it with a hint of hop and a gorgeous round sweetness to it.
The finish is fairly ordinary but very clean and balanced with just a short bitter moment. I even drank the yeasty bit at the bottom of the bottle because I wanted just that little bit more! To be honest I think some people (not all mind!) get a bit too flustered about a bit of yeast in the glass. I find it harmless, and even have it on good authority that it'll help prevent hangovers!
Anyhow, this was a beer that I hadn't in a long while as it was so good at the brewery I worried it'd live up to it. It did. Op uw gezondheid!
Brugse Zot - 8
http://www.halvemaan.be/index.php?id=15&L=2
Tuesday, 28 February 2012
Friday, 17 February 2012
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
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
Wednesday, 1 February 2012
Inconspicuous Delight
Witkap Pater
On first inspection this bottle of beer looks like any other Abbey-style Dubbel brown beer. In fact, it's so inconspicuous, you may be forgiven for thinking you can see the bottle of beer that's sat behind it on the shelf (yes ok I buy online but I'm trying to paint a picture here, people). It looks cheap. Very cheap. But, what's that!? Is it a... No! It can't be. It's a monk on the label! Well blow me down. In fairness he looks a little Robin Hood-y and he's got a white hood on. He's not fat, bald or cheery so I suppose I'm being harsh.
Ok, you guessed it, I wasn't really expecting any great shakes from this beer. But, hey, you've got to give everything a chance. That's what I'm doing: sifting the wheat from the chaff.
Pouring this beer presents no surprises; there's a fairly deep brown colour and a nice, tightly bubbled head which sticks around for a bit. The aroma is what takes you back; this beer must have been dry-hopped with some very citrussy hops. Think Sierra Nevada, think Little Creatures. Amarillo, Centennial hops and the type have been used. You wouldn't think it'd go in a Abbey-style Dubbel but it does, except that, in my opinion, it kind of stops it being an Abbey-style beer. Nonetheless, it's a hybrid of some kind that really works well.
It retains the thick, creamy texture you'd associate with Belgium. It's still got the sweetness which is just right, but in this beer's case, the hops give it that dry, refreshing sensation you'd associate with US brown ale. It really goes down easily!
Of course, there are sacrifices. You don't get the sweet banana aromas and certainly none of warm, malty goodness that you'd expect. But as an alternative it certainly shines as an experiment gone very well. Its also got its own idiosyncrasies; there's a very gentle, smoky, musty aroma to it as you go down the glass. The sort of smell that reminds you that it's handmade, with a kind of barnyard feel to it. More your Nan's cellar as opposed to funky goat's cheese.
This is an every day drinker that won't disappoint your taste buds or your thirsty mouth. The bottle certainly doesn't make it stand out from the pack but its well-put-together character means it should. Oh, yeah, the brewery's called Slaghmuylder (snigger).
Witkap Pater 8.5
http://www.witkap.be/witkap/witkap_eng/Home.html
On first inspection this bottle of beer looks like any other Abbey-style Dubbel brown beer. In fact, it's so inconspicuous, you may be forgiven for thinking you can see the bottle of beer that's sat behind it on the shelf (yes ok I buy online but I'm trying to paint a picture here, people). It looks cheap. Very cheap. But, what's that!? Is it a... No! It can't be. It's a monk on the label! Well blow me down. In fairness he looks a little Robin Hood-y and he's got a white hood on. He's not fat, bald or cheery so I suppose I'm being harsh.
Ok, you guessed it, I wasn't really expecting any great shakes from this beer. But, hey, you've got to give everything a chance. That's what I'm doing: sifting the wheat from the chaff.
Pouring this beer presents no surprises; there's a fairly deep brown colour and a nice, tightly bubbled head which sticks around for a bit. The aroma is what takes you back; this beer must have been dry-hopped with some very citrussy hops. Think Sierra Nevada, think Little Creatures. Amarillo, Centennial hops and the type have been used. You wouldn't think it'd go in a Abbey-style Dubbel but it does, except that, in my opinion, it kind of stops it being an Abbey-style beer. Nonetheless, it's a hybrid of some kind that really works well.
It retains the thick, creamy texture you'd associate with Belgium. It's still got the sweetness which is just right, but in this beer's case, the hops give it that dry, refreshing sensation you'd associate with US brown ale. It really goes down easily!
Of course, there are sacrifices. You don't get the sweet banana aromas and certainly none of warm, malty goodness that you'd expect. But as an alternative it certainly shines as an experiment gone very well. Its also got its own idiosyncrasies; there's a very gentle, smoky, musty aroma to it as you go down the glass. The sort of smell that reminds you that it's handmade, with a kind of barnyard feel to it. More your Nan's cellar as opposed to funky goat's cheese.
This is an every day drinker that won't disappoint your taste buds or your thirsty mouth. The bottle certainly doesn't make it stand out from the pack but its well-put-together character means it should. Oh, yeah, the brewery's called Slaghmuylder (snigger).
Witkap Pater 8.5
http://www.witkap.be/witkap/witkap_eng/Home.html
Friday, 27 January 2012
Meet Guido
A bit of something different, that's what I'm on the lookout for. Sure, a bit of class and finesse goes a long way but every now and then you want something to make you sit back and say 'wow'. Enter Guido. It's made by Smisje brewery who claim to be the smallest commercial brewery in Belgium, with an output of 200 hectolitres of beer per year. That's 20,000l to you and I (or 35,000 pints). It makes you realise the scale that even 'micro' breweries put out, if these guys are the smallest. Anyway, enough of stats. This beer has a name: Guido. I like it. It's a shame the others aren't called Filipo and Ignacios or something, but they're not. Still, there's a drawing of this Guido chap on the bottle; I'm sure it's in honour of him but who cares, this beer's made with RAISINS. Yeah, raisins!
It's dark, it's rich, it's big! The smell is unsurprisingly fruity but it still takes you back to sniff again. The spicy, sweet maltiness rounds it off. Appearance-wise, it's dark and fairly forboding, with murkiness and floaty stuff in it (great!). Some people are put off by this sort of stuff but I think it really reinforces that beer can be a crafted drink which is living, breathing and changing like we do. Besides, beer with a bit of muck in it is usually tastier too.
If you can finally get round to trying it you're in for a treat. Everything you've smelled you've got in your mouth. The aftertaste is long like a rich sherry and it's a very sweet beer. It's certainly not a fruit beer though, it's completely different. Most of the genuine fruit beers are formed from Lambic beer, made from wild yeast and this is certainly not, which makes it pretty unique, I'd say (although I'm sure there are other raisin beers out there).
My main concern though was how rich it was. Would a bottle be too much? It's got such big flavours and it was incredibly rich; I thought it might be one of those dark beers which taste amazing for the first few sips but become difficult to finish a glass. Wrong! So very happily wrong was I. It got easier and easier as the glass got emptier and I was pretty bummed out once it was over. Ah well, there's always next time!
If you're searching for a challenging beer that isn't too over the top, this should definitely be on your list.
Smisje Guido - 10
http://smisje.belgianbeerboard.com/images/bieren/guido.jpg
It's dark, it's rich, it's big! The smell is unsurprisingly fruity but it still takes you back to sniff again. The spicy, sweet maltiness rounds it off. Appearance-wise, it's dark and fairly forboding, with murkiness and floaty stuff in it (great!). Some people are put off by this sort of stuff but I think it really reinforces that beer can be a crafted drink which is living, breathing and changing like we do. Besides, beer with a bit of muck in it is usually tastier too.
If you can finally get round to trying it you're in for a treat. Everything you've smelled you've got in your mouth. The aftertaste is long like a rich sherry and it's a very sweet beer. It's certainly not a fruit beer though, it's completely different. Most of the genuine fruit beers are formed from Lambic beer, made from wild yeast and this is certainly not, which makes it pretty unique, I'd say (although I'm sure there are other raisin beers out there).
My main concern though was how rich it was. Would a bottle be too much? It's got such big flavours and it was incredibly rich; I thought it might be one of those dark beers which taste amazing for the first few sips but become difficult to finish a glass. Wrong! So very happily wrong was I. It got easier and easier as the glass got emptier and I was pretty bummed out once it was over. Ah well, there's always next time!
If you're searching for a challenging beer that isn't too over the top, this should definitely be on your list.
Smisje Guido - 10
http://smisje.belgianbeerboard.com/images/bieren/guido.jpg
Tuesday, 17 January 2012
Super Fagnes
You may think that as I title this post 'super' Fagnes I think it's pretty great but that's simply it's name. Super Des Fagnes Blonde to be precise. Is it aimed at homeless alcoholics you cry? Well, no, although I'm sure they'd appreciate its 7.5% strength; to be honest I'm not sure why it's called Super; maybe that's what they think of it.
I bought it because of its mildly peculiar name. Certainly not because of its forgettable label or diminutive size (why 250ml, chaps?). You won't find any extra fluff on their website, either. This is clearly the product of a very small operation and it shows in the beer.
It's a lovely blonde colour with a good head which sticks to the side of the glass on the way down. The fizz level is spot on and feels great in the mouth.
Aromatically it ticks boxes. Citrus, fresh barley, honey, mild zingy spice with a touch of booze saying hello. I didn't get any of the liquorice that was promised on the website I bought it from. Maybe my palate isn't up to scratch. I couldn't give a monkey's though because it has pretty much everything I want in a blonde (ale).
Take a sip and it keeps giving. All the aromas are represented in the taste and the texture rounds it off as a really good beer. The aftertaste is also very good with lovely initial sweetness but a good bitterness to keep it rounded.
It's a lively beer with plenty going on and lots to like about it. There's not an awful lot to say against it, really. If you've tried Tripel Karmeliet (you should if you haven't), this beer is not dissimilar to it. It's less cloudy, less alcoholic and is a more smoother, rounder beer. It's not life-changing, more life-affirming. Definitely one to buy again.
Super des Fagnes Blonde - 9
http://www.fagnes.com/
I bought it because of its mildly peculiar name. Certainly not because of its forgettable label or diminutive size (why 250ml, chaps?). You won't find any extra fluff on their website, either. This is clearly the product of a very small operation and it shows in the beer.
It's a lovely blonde colour with a good head which sticks to the side of the glass on the way down. The fizz level is spot on and feels great in the mouth.
Aromatically it ticks boxes. Citrus, fresh barley, honey, mild zingy spice with a touch of booze saying hello. I didn't get any of the liquorice that was promised on the website I bought it from. Maybe my palate isn't up to scratch. I couldn't give a monkey's though because it has pretty much everything I want in a blonde (ale).
Take a sip and it keeps giving. All the aromas are represented in the taste and the texture rounds it off as a really good beer. The aftertaste is also very good with lovely initial sweetness but a good bitterness to keep it rounded.
It's a lively beer with plenty going on and lots to like about it. There's not an awful lot to say against it, really. If you've tried Tripel Karmeliet (you should if you haven't), this beer is not dissimilar to it. It's less cloudy, less alcoholic and is a more smoother, rounder beer. It's not life-changing, more life-affirming. Definitely one to buy again.
Super des Fagnes Blonde - 9
http://www.fagnes.com/
Tuesday, 10 January 2012
Trappist, not bestist
Monks eh? They've got a flippin' racket going on. Only 7 Trappist breweries exist in the world. One isn't in Belgium (it's in the Netherlands) and another you can't really buy from unless you really make an effort (the size of the effort depends on where you live). So the 5 accessible Belgian Trappist breweries lay claim to a large portion of a market that sells itself on tradition and religious affiliation. I'm sure that many a pious deed is completed with the money made but is the beer any good?
I'm returning to Westmalle beer, one of the first Trappists I tried. Their Dubbel to me was the blueprint to which all others were referenced. Surprisingly to me, a lot surpassed it and I now don't really bother with it unless I'm in a bar where it presents itself as the only thing worth buying (not often). It's no bad beer but unexciting. So I move on to their Tripel today to see if that can offer joy.
It's a mildly cloudy and very pale beer with a typical Belgian head; something which can be coaxed into excitement if desired. It's got fizz to give but not too much.
Aromatically, it's got a strong banana side to it to start with. There's a suggestion of allspice too but not a lot going on. Booze comes through to be honest. At 9.5% you'd think I shouldn't be surprised but I do find myself commenting how many Belgian beers seem a lot smoother and tamer than they actually are, but not in this case. It hits you in the face.
Taste-wise, there's nothing earth-shattering here (unless you forgot to check the strength on the label and your nose is broken) as alcohol once shows its tactless face. And not a lot else above that. It's pale and sweetish.
The aftertaste is impressively long. The bitterness goes on and on. And on. It's about 40% hops and 60% alcohol influenced.
The 9.5% steals the show here and doesn't leave much else to show its face. Which is a bit of a shame really as I really want to like Westmalle. There's something very uncomplicated and genuine about the way they present themselves but unfortunately neither of their beers are worth shouting about. Unless you're shouting 'make your ruddy beers better!'
If you're into your blonde beers and really want to try a Belgian Trappist then you've pretty much got Achel and that's it. Luckily, it's very good and worth a go. There is of course the Dutch Trappists, La Trappe, who offer a Blonde, Dubbel, Tripel, Quadruple and Witbier. It's been too long since I've tried them to comment but I remember enjoying them.
On other fronts, Rochefort is always excellent but dark and murky, Orval may be your cup of tea but not mine. Chimay is very unimpressive. Of course, there's the exquisite Westvleteren but you'll do well to find it (but do read my post on it, 'The Holy Grail').
The moral of this story is, if you want excellent Belgian beer, it doesn't have to be Trappist. That just means monks are involved (perhaps sometimes in place of brewers).
Westmalle Tripel - 5
http://www.trappistwestmalle.be/en/page/tripel.aspx
I'm returning to Westmalle beer, one of the first Trappists I tried. Their Dubbel to me was the blueprint to which all others were referenced. Surprisingly to me, a lot surpassed it and I now don't really bother with it unless I'm in a bar where it presents itself as the only thing worth buying (not often). It's no bad beer but unexciting. So I move on to their Tripel today to see if that can offer joy.
It's a mildly cloudy and very pale beer with a typical Belgian head; something which can be coaxed into excitement if desired. It's got fizz to give but not too much.
Aromatically, it's got a strong banana side to it to start with. There's a suggestion of allspice too but not a lot going on. Booze comes through to be honest. At 9.5% you'd think I shouldn't be surprised but I do find myself commenting how many Belgian beers seem a lot smoother and tamer than they actually are, but not in this case. It hits you in the face.
Taste-wise, there's nothing earth-shattering here (unless you forgot to check the strength on the label and your nose is broken) as alcohol once shows its tactless face. And not a lot else above that. It's pale and sweetish.
The aftertaste is impressively long. The bitterness goes on and on. And on. It's about 40% hops and 60% alcohol influenced.
The 9.5% steals the show here and doesn't leave much else to show its face. Which is a bit of a shame really as I really want to like Westmalle. There's something very uncomplicated and genuine about the way they present themselves but unfortunately neither of their beers are worth shouting about. Unless you're shouting 'make your ruddy beers better!'
If you're into your blonde beers and really want to try a Belgian Trappist then you've pretty much got Achel and that's it. Luckily, it's very good and worth a go. There is of course the Dutch Trappists, La Trappe, who offer a Blonde, Dubbel, Tripel, Quadruple and Witbier. It's been too long since I've tried them to comment but I remember enjoying them.
On other fronts, Rochefort is always excellent but dark and murky, Orval may be your cup of tea but not mine. Chimay is very unimpressive. Of course, there's the exquisite Westvleteren but you'll do well to find it (but do read my post on it, 'The Holy Grail').
The moral of this story is, if you want excellent Belgian beer, it doesn't have to be Trappist. That just means monks are involved (perhaps sometimes in place of brewers).
Westmalle Tripel - 5
http://www.trappistwestmalle.be/en/page/tripel.aspx
Friday, 23 December 2011
The 10 Beers of Christmas (or, Why the Chuff Didn't I Buy 12?) - Day 10
Day 12 - Bush Noel
Here we are on day 10, rounding off with a 12% beer, callously reminding me of the number 12 which I so failed to reach.
Bush is a beer that has long been in my consciousness. Way back at the beginning of my drinking days in Belgo in Bristol, this was the one on the menu that we all were acutely aware of. 12%! we couldn't believe it. In my naive little world it was the strongest beer there was and the only of it's kind. Of course it isn't.
10 years down the line (yikes!) and it's one I'm fairly familiar with. The Noel version is adorned with stars and sits innocently in your fridge, waiting to entertain you. The funny thing about it is that it isn't an overwhelming beer. It's fairly ordinary, in fact.
The aroma is a mildly yeasty, caramel flavour with spicy overtones. There is a gentle but rich alcohol presence; the Santa's sack enveloping the presents that are the other flavours (see what I did there?). It's got a very warming character and will definitely help to keep you cosy on a cold, winter night.
It's pretty fizzy with a light brown, uncomplicated look to it. It's impressively clear for such a strong ale. Halfway down the glass I had an epiphany (as you do when drinking 12% beer): it's the St Bernardus Christmas beer in a suit, nearly concealing all of it's huge character, but not quite.
Flavour-wise, it's not moving any mountains; the gentle spices give it a lovely roundedness and the alcohol wraps it up very well. There is a really sweet aftertaste that's very comforting and the rich warmth is at levels you'd usually expect from a Speyside single malt whisky. The bitterness is there but only just; offering itself as a necessity if nothing else.
Bush Noel is very tasty and exceedingly easy to drink. If you want to get pissed this Christmas, drink this and ye shall be merry indeed.
For those who want to take it a step further, (because a 12% beer is clearly not enough) Dubuisson offer a 'Bush des Nuits' which is this beer oak aged for 6 months and presented in a very smart 750ml bottle. Pricey though.
Bush Noel - 8
Christmas rating - 10
http://www.br-dubuisson.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=13&Itemid=17〈=en
Here we are on day 10, rounding off with a 12% beer, callously reminding me of the number 12 which I so failed to reach.
Bush is a beer that has long been in my consciousness. Way back at the beginning of my drinking days in Belgo in Bristol, this was the one on the menu that we all were acutely aware of. 12%! we couldn't believe it. In my naive little world it was the strongest beer there was and the only of it's kind. Of course it isn't.
10 years down the line (yikes!) and it's one I'm fairly familiar with. The Noel version is adorned with stars and sits innocently in your fridge, waiting to entertain you. The funny thing about it is that it isn't an overwhelming beer. It's fairly ordinary, in fact.
The aroma is a mildly yeasty, caramel flavour with spicy overtones. There is a gentle but rich alcohol presence; the Santa's sack enveloping the presents that are the other flavours (see what I did there?). It's got a very warming character and will definitely help to keep you cosy on a cold, winter night.
It's pretty fizzy with a light brown, uncomplicated look to it. It's impressively clear for such a strong ale. Halfway down the glass I had an epiphany (as you do when drinking 12% beer): it's the St Bernardus Christmas beer in a suit, nearly concealing all of it's huge character, but not quite.
Flavour-wise, it's not moving any mountains; the gentle spices give it a lovely roundedness and the alcohol wraps it up very well. There is a really sweet aftertaste that's very comforting and the rich warmth is at levels you'd usually expect from a Speyside single malt whisky. The bitterness is there but only just; offering itself as a necessity if nothing else.
Bush Noel is very tasty and exceedingly easy to drink. If you want to get pissed this Christmas, drink this and ye shall be merry indeed.
For those who want to take it a step further, (because a 12% beer is clearly not enough) Dubuisson offer a 'Bush des Nuits' which is this beer oak aged for 6 months and presented in a very smart 750ml bottle. Pricey though.
Bush Noel - 8
Christmas rating - 10
http://www.br-dubuisson.com/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=13&Itemid=17〈=en
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