Malted wheat cushions sedate spicing and effervescent fruiting to mellow lemony finish of yellow-hazed Belgian-styled moderation, but strength and distinction lack when compared to better witbiers.
All posts by John Fortunato
(BRECKENRIDGE) JARRE CREEK RANCH HEFFER WIZZEN GOLDEN ALE
Comedic moniker aside, this honey-hued spruce-scented fizzy-hopped golden ale maintains raisin-soured orange rind bittering and dry wheat indifference above delicate yellow-fruited tartness. But unassuming crystal malt base fades in the stretch.
BRECKENRIDGE DOUBLE HOPPED I.P.A.
Prevalent barley roasted frontage allows punchy orange-grapefruit bittering to counter sugar malt sweetness. Floral hops shine through midst as thick alcohol remnant persists to tangy citric finish.
BRECKENRIDGE AVALANCHE AMBER ALE
Spiced hops linger above pale-chocolate malting, gaining influence as zesty mandarin orange enticement and mild blueberry bitterness gird soft-toned mountain-watered medium body. Earthy finish picks up tobacco-dried tea nuance. Finds intricate balance between musty malt-stricken toasted lager and crisp dry-hopped wheat ale.
(RJ BRASSEURS) SAINTE-PAIX APPLE ALE
Succulent melon bubblegum initiation deepens overripe banana permanence, cider-y sweetness and pineapple surge of tantalizing sunny-yellowed fructose escapade.
(RJ BRASSEURS) ESCOUSSE
Dry roasted coffee sourness entangles chocolate milkshake sweetness contrasting mildly bitter cocoa-powdered prune-fig conflux and faded pecan-chestnut roast of interesting mahogany-hued Canadian Schwarzbier. Moderate caramel creaminess tantalizes smoked hickory recess and cola nut egress.
BRASSEURS MARQUE DEPOSE GRAND CRU
Elegant cocoa-buttered butterscotch succulence caresses delicately carbonated dry-hopped honeyed malt foundation. Hints of almond, grape, and dried prune come and go. Clumped clusters of sour yeast add velvety sinew. Tangy fruitiness illuminates backend of full-bodied Frenchie.
(HUYGHE) BRASSEURS BIERE DE GARDE
Pour slowly fluffy-headed rust-hued corked brew to ease overwhelming billowy foam. Sweet honey-malted butterscotch-candied creaminess transverses lively spiced hops for mellow flow. Tiny yeast sediment at bottom warms light-hearted barleywine effervescence. As difficult to define as it is to find proper name on graffiti-packed label.
(BRASSERIE DES LEGENDES) NOEL DES GEANTS
Boozy nickel-hazed X-mas ale brewed in medieval Irchonwelz castle retains spotted yeast sediment, creamy caramel malt viscosity, and spicy herbal tinge. Dank Belgian yeast mustiness soaks up bruised orange frontage, wintry allspice-cinnamon-clove seasoning, faint vanilla variance, and teensy fennel dividend as heady alcohol warmth rises.
(BRASSERIE DES GEANTS) SAISON VOISIN
Brewed in medieval castle, coppery bottle-conditioned saison layers buttery vanilla malts above tangy floral-hopped citric blight and mellow allspice-cardamom tingle. Metallic finish deadens green apple, pink grapefruit, and white peach zing.
(BRASSERIE DES GEANTS) GOLIATH BLONDE ALE
Brewed in medieval castle, copper-glowed amber with puffy pearl head and unassuming 9% alcohol volume retains subtle bruised orange, pink grapefruit, and ripe melon brightness above honey-soaked butterscotch chasm. Lively spiced hop bite reinforces oncoming floral bitterness and tropical pineapple-mango stint countering melodious caramel candy backdrop.
(BRASSERIE DES GEANTS) DUCASSIS
Sparkly light-bodied magenta-hued black currant-centered ale aged in medieval castle (Kasteel Brewery) comes across shyly dry and bitterly fruited. Fizzy soda flow enlivens raspy raspberry-boysenberry-elderberry tang, but citric nuance stays distant and faint dry cherry finish hinges on astringency.