New Planet Belgian Ale
What the brewers say
“An ale created with a distinctly Belgian character. Bright, crisp, and refreshing with subtle spice and honey notes. Pairs beautifully with a range of foods. Sterling hops.”
What our panel thought
Aroma: “Strong cider-like aroma and sweetness with notes of bubble gum and some fruity esters (pear and apple). Belgian phenolic yeast aromatics— particularly clove. Notes of cane sugar.”
Flavor: “The phenolic yeast is not playing well with the sorghum flavors and aromas. Reminiscent of a dry cider, with very subtle Belgian ester character (pear and bubble gum). Finishes dry and astringent with a medium-high carbon- ation and low hops bitterness.”
Overall: “Sweet yet dry and tart. The green apple and cider-like characteris- tics detract from the beer experience, and the finish is astringent. Lacks much of any Belgian yeast character, as fruitiness is certainly grain-derived. Much more cidery than beery. The tanginess helps differentiate it from other gluten-free beers for those looking for that sort of thing.”
