April/May 2012
Irish Styles
In the Dutch attitude toward Belgium-by which they seem to mean Flanders-there is a bit of sibling rivalry if not downright paternalism. Yet, for the beer-initiated, this attitude seems backwards as the Belgium brewing scene quite literally towers over that of the Netherlands. Where the Dutch scene is still dominated by lagers of little distinction, the Belgian scene, has a wide array of breweries and styles. It never does in Belgium as it does in the Netherlands to simply ask for "een biertje". In Belgium, diverse styles made with diverse methods dominate and so one must be specific when one orders. Do you mean a cidery-tasting, possibly fruit-infused lambic, a spiced wheat beer, a sour red or brown beer, a strong Trappist ale, a big golden ale, or one of the dizzying array of local/seasonal specialty brews?
As the American appreciation for better beverages grows, so does our appreciation for Belgian's unmistakable verve and sophistication in the realm of beer preparation, packaging, and serving. All of this was on full display for our tasting at The Blue Monk, Buffalo's epic Belgian beer bar, where the best and most highly allocated Belgian and other global craft ales are commonly available. Whether your tastes run in the direction of famous and rare brews such as Cantillon & Gueuze Tilquin, or if you prefer massively hoppy Danish brews, you'll find them in abundance at the Blue Monk. You might even find the occasional Dutch brews where the craft scene is now growing prodigiously! (Perhaps some of these will grace next issue's International Styles Beer Beacon).
This issue's tasting is testament to the great and growing Belgian and American tradition, as we were treated to 18 wonderful brews from both sides of the Atlantic. In attendance were: Vinny, Evill, Lupulin Lush, Warren Beatty's Finger, Mensa Drop Out, Magistrate, Hop Jack, and RyeDog sitting in for Swoop Jones.
The Place:
The Blue MonkGuest Tasters:
In attendance were: Vinny, Evill, Lupulin Lush, Warren Beatty's Finger, Mensa Drop Out, Magistrate, Hop Jack, and RyeDog sitting in for Swoop Jones.The Method:
Tasters are served each beer, with only the information of the style the brewery is emulating, when there is a style. The beer name and brewery are revealed to the tasters as each next blind round is served.Rating System:
Our panel of experienced tasters participates in a blind tasting, knowing
only the style of beer they are sampling. The participants then give
their review and a rating according to style, as per below.We include tasters who represent a broad spectrum of craft beer
drinkers—from home brewers to the average commercial American pilsner
drinker. While we will remind tasters of style guidelines, we also welcome and
encourage new interpretations of the classic old styles as the essence of the
craft beer scene.This method gives our readers different perspectives on the same beer
so they can perhaps compare it to other beers they know and make more informed drinking decisions.
The Pint Rating Scale
Upcoming Beacon Samplings & Submissions Calendar
ISSUE STYLE SUBMISSION ARRIVAL DATE TASTING DATE Apr/May Belgian Styles March 5 March 7 Jun/Jul Craft Beer Around the Globe May 7 May 9 Aug/Sep Pales, IPAs, Double IPAs July 2 July 4 Oct/Nov German Styles September 3 September 5 Dec/Jan Holiday Ales November 5 November 7
The Beers:
Ommegang Witte, Ommegang Brewery
656 County Highway 33 Cooperstown, NY 13326
(607) 544-1800
Vinny says nice ripe banana. RyeDog likes the nice clean fruity finish. Magistrate would pair this with a grilled ham and cheese. Lupulin is reminded of 3HB Ontario Coast & Blue Moon. Hop Jack says it's very drinkable. Evill -- "a typical witte, good enough for anything!"
RyeDog loves the nose! Hop Jack finds it a bit light. Finger says it grows on him and he'd start off a meal with this and pair with celery and gruyere. Mensa suggests drinking with a blueberry grunt dessert.
Saranac White IPA, Saranac Brewery
830 Varick Street, Utica, NY 13502
315-732-0022
Vinny grooves on the very tasty hops from start to finish; Magistrate and Hop Jack agree! Lupulin and Mensa would have this with mustard, homemade bread, and charcuterie. Evil says "Good enough to appease a hophead if he had to drink a witbier."
Ommegang Rare Vos, Ommegang Brewery
656 County Highway 33 Cooperstown, NY 13326
(607) 544-1800
RyeDog – earthy, grassy, with a creamy fruitiness. Evill wants bratwurst with spicy mustard; finger would pair with hummus & pita. Magistrate likes the spicy clove aroma with a nice hop bitterness. Mensa – balanced! Lupulin – beautiful! Vinny guessed Rare Vos!
Sam Adams Belgian Session, Boston Beer Company
One Design Center, Suite 850, Boston, MA
617-368-5000
Vinny notes a cinnamon bubblegum cider nose with a tart fruit body. RyeDog would pair with a fish fry, Finger with Steak & Kidney Pie. Finger, Mensa, and RyeDog compared this to an ESB – Finger thinks of a Banks Bitter.
Ommegang BPA, Ommegang Brewery
656 County Highway 33 Cooperstown, NY 13326
(607) 544-1800
Vinny notes light orangey hops, with tart hops finish. RyeDog pairs with hearty home cooking. Magistrate and. Lupulin find this to be a good session drinker. Evil is reminded of Shock Top with creamy orange biter bite. Finger pairs with pumpkin soup!
Lindemans Peche, Lindemans Brewery
Lenniksebann 1479, 1602 Vlezenbeek, Belgium
02 569 03 90
Finger finds the fruitness exotic with notes of apple and pinapple but nicely balanced. Magistrate says "complex, keeps you guessing." Evill says "Cook with it!" Lupulin says passion fruit, nice acid, lovely finish. Hop Jack, gooseberry? kumquat?, quite pleasant.
Lindemans Framboise, Lindemans Brewery
Lenniksebann 1479, 1602 Vlezenbeek, Belgium
02 569 03 90
Rootin' Tootin' Raspberry says Evill! Magistrate, if you like raspberry, you'll love this! Finger, Mensa, Hopjack, and Magistrate all pairs this with ice cream! Lupulin pairs this with beer waffles and hand made whipped cream! Very distinctive and unique.
Lindemans Cuvee Rene, Lindemans Brewery
Lenniksebann 1479, 1602 Vlezenbeek, Belgium
02 569 03 90
Mensa says "Like my third girlfriend, lousy first impression, but I definitely learned to appreciate her!" Lupulin says the finish is a little off, but it improves to the point of loving it. Evill would age for 2 years. Magistrate would pair with real stinky cheese. Overall, if you like sours, you will like this.
Ommegang Abbey Ale, Ommegang Brewery
656 County Highway 33 Cooperstown, NY 13326
(607) 544-1800
Evill says, a malty hard hitting sipper of a beer! Finger pair this with veal tenderloin au poivre vert. Vinny gets a nose of rum soaked raisins. Magistrate gets licorice and anise. RyeDog would serve with Shepards Pie. Hop Jack gets a cherry like warming finish. Lupulin would serve with mustard chutney and lardo.
Westmalle Dubbel, Westmalle Trappist
Antwerpsesteenweg 496, B-2390 Westmalle, Belgium
+32 3 312 92 22
Vinny, Mensa, Magistrate, and Hopkjack all get, a maple and plumb nose with big dried fruits, alcohol, hops. RyeDog says big nose with toffee and caramel. Lupulin pairs with pepper steak. Evil, fuzzy then fizzy but finishes wispy. Fingers says drinkable but not noteworthy.
New Holland Golden Cap, New Holland Brewing
66 East 8th Street, Holland, MI
616-355-6422
Evill says classic saison style, well rounded! Magistrate says light aroma earthy/spicy hops in background finish cleanly. Lupulin exceedingly drinkable, would pair with a ploughman's platter. Mensa notes hard water back note –" a session saison." RyeDog compares to Saison Dupont. Finger – "very dry, nice balance, serve with sweet corn and butter, very pleasant."
Ommegang Hennepin, Ommegang Brewery
656 County Highway 33 Cooperstown, NY 13326
(607) 544-1800
Hop Jack finds this rather refreshing, nice bitterness, lemony, balanced, creamy and drinkable. Mensa would pair this with Peach Cobbler; Lupulin likes it with pâté; Finger likes this with Bangers and Mash. Evill says spices dance on your palate for witte finish.
Westmalle Tripel, Westmalle Trappist
Antwerpsesteenweg 496, B-2390 Westmalle, Belgium
+32 3 312 92 22
Evil says "Big beer in a small package." Lupulin, says "five pounds of beer in a 1 pound bag!" Finger would like to have this with calamari in the Greek islands. Magistrate says this is a rich flavorful beer that packs a wallop – very good! Vinny gets long fruity nose, with solid body.
Sam Adams New World Tripel, Boston Beer Company
One Design Center, Suite 850, Boston, MA
617-368-5000
Finger says "straw/wheat nose, pleasantly sweet, hoppy mix. Evill loves this and calls it an "agro golden elixir to pave your brain!" Lupulin notices "…a nice sour nose, dirty as hell, brett, sweet palate and would serve with lamb stew." RyeDog would serve with chicken or salmon. Vinny and Mensa also pick up on the brett – a wonderful tripel.
Orval, Orval Brewing Company
Orval, n02, B-6823 Villers-devant, Orval, Belgium
RyeDog notes a very light nose with slight spice, floral & herbal. Biscuity malts with subtle sweetness and a generous hoppy bitter finish. Pair with spicy foods such as chicken wings. Reminds of De Ranke Guldenburg or Saxo. Mensa says "it reminds me of Schubert's unfinished symphony."
Rochefort Trappiste 8, Rochefort Brewery
Orval, n02, B-6823 Villers-devant, Orval, Belgium
Finger picks up toffee and prune flavor – would serve with crème brûlée. Magistrate picks up on a big brown sugar aroma and warming alcohol. Lupulin would serve with smoked meats. Evil digs it and states "lit my throat up!" Vinny: "Yum."
Rochefort Trappiste 10, Rochefort Brewery
Orval, n02, B-6823 Villers-devant, Orval, Belgium
Vinny notes deep dried fruit notes, allspice, alcohol, intense and will mellow the moment with class! RyeDog would serve with stew or grilled meats. Mensa states "George Forman beer, a heavy puncher! Evill says "cigars and good times!"
--- by The Beer Diva, Beer Beacon columnist
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