So-called “fractional ale” keeps the alcohol volume low but the hop count high as lemon-seeded bittering dominates big time. Towing the line between easygoing sessionability and mighty hop-headed bittering, well-rounded moderate body plies powerful grapefruit-peeled lemon bittering, juicy orange-pineapple tang and mild floral herbage to sugary crystal malt sweetness. Light resinous pine pungency settles beneath the briskly clean-watered citric surface, never overwhelming the senses. Zesty mango, peach and lime twang plays backup while musky mineral graining gains strength above dry-hopped wood tones and recessive herbs.
RIVER NORTH IMPERIAL BELGIAN-STYLE TRIPEL
On tap at Craft House, enchanting Belgian-style golden ale (with tripel-enhanced 9.2%ABV) really hits the mark with its illuminating fruit spiced sweetness, candi-sugared yeast syruping and honeyed malt buttering. Vanilla-creamed banana bubblegum initiation and lemony orange-pineapple-nectarine tang sweetened further by ample clove-coriander-allspice influence. Mild white-peppered herbage subsumed by tropical fruited goodness. On par with the best Belgian tripels. (Photo courtesy of mybeerbuzz.com)
UINTA MONKSHINE BELGIAN BLONDE ALE
Effervescently smooth summertime moderation offers sunny lemon zest and modest pineapple tang to tingly allspice-clove-coriander seasoning. Beneath sunny citrus spree, honeyed vanilla malts and candi-sugared Belgian yeast contrast white-peppered herbage. Soft white-breaded spine secures the bottom end.
BOULEVARD THE CALLING INDIA PALE ALE
Bodacious medium-full body brings tropical-fruited nature to brisk hop-oiled bittering and piney evergreen freshness with magnificent sunshiny results. Initial pink and yellow grapefruit tang picks up zesty lemon, navel orange, pineapple, nectarine, mango, peach and papaya juicing. Orange blossom-honeyed crystal malting adds sugary respite to crisply clean mouthwatering delight.
RIVERTOWN INSURRECTION IMPERIAL INDIA PALE ALE
Pedestrian limited edition IPA lacks ‘imperial’ strength, sharpness and pizzazz. Instead, dankly dry grapefruit-orange tartness gets murky, distant piney hop bittering falters and mild sugared spicing dissipates. Just too lackluster, even for indiscriminate centrists.
MIKKELLER BLACK HOLE RUSSIAN IMPERIAL STOUT
On tap at Track 84, rogue Danish dry body (brewed at Belgium’s De Proef Brewery) loads bustling bourbon-burgundy wining inside smoky black patent malting, bruised black cherry tartness, black chocolate-embittered espresso lilt and light anise spicing. Cedar-aged cigar aromatics flow thru tantalizing hybridized stout.
OMMEGANG JOEMMEGANG
Admirably hybridized Belgian dark ale (brewed with cocoa nibs) showcases Stagecoach French-roast coffee above sugar-spiced yeast expectancy. Milky brown chocolate creaming and burnt caramel malting deepen capacious coffee theme. Sharp dark-roasted hop bittering lingers beside mocha java intensity. In deep recess, mild pineapple, grapefruit and orange peel nuances waver.
STONE BELGO ANISE IMPERIAL RUSSIAN STOUT (WITH ESPRESSO BEANS)
On tap at Shepherd & Knucklehead, rich anise-spiced espresso stout receives candi-sugared Belgian yeast influence to sweeten dark-roasted mocha malting. Bittersweet coffee bean vibrancy increased by gooey anise, fudgy vanilla, black chocolate, dark cocoa and gunky molasses for chewy mocha-spiced dessert.
BOULEVARD IMPERIAL STOUT AGED IN WHISKEY BARRELS
Exquisite 2014 bottled version increases integral sweet bourbon whiskey influence for more affluent fudgy brown chocolate malting. Dry hop roast deepens tertiary black cherry, red grape, green raisin and fig illusions at mighty oats-sugared mocha finish.
(ALLTECH) KENTUCKY OLD FASHIONED BARREL ALE
Busy barrel-aged elixir (with feisty 10% ABV) contrasts sweet bourbon vanilla elegance against dry Scotch niche. Sweet orange peel, tart red cherry and dried fig adjuncts never gain enough strength to fully integrate with whiskey-bent bourbon sugaring.
BOON KRIEK (2012)
Durable oak vat-aged lambic spreads loads of sweet ‘n sour cherry tartness above lemony green apple pucker, vinous green grape acidity, sparkling champagne spritz and raspy strawberry-raspberry conflux. Light grassy hop bittering validates dry oaken cherry midst. Cherry-wined rosé, pink moscato, riesling and white merlot illusions deepen candied cherry conviction.
TIMMERMANS OUDE KRIEK LAMBICUS
Only true sour heads will appreciate spontaneously fermented pink-headed garnet-bodied lambic. Pungent mouth-puckering cherry vinaigrette bittering and sour lemon-limed acidity dominate ultra-dry gueuze-like Belgian. Leathery green grape tannins and tart oaken cherry musk pick up mildewed cellar mustiness. Tertiary crabapple, cranberry and raspberry rasp adds further sourness. Brash sour ale complements sea crustacean and shellfish.
