Style: Belgian-style Pale Ale

ABV: 6.9

93/100

Aroma:	12
Appearance:	3
Flavor:	18
Mouthfeel:	4

Hidden Hand Oaked Val d'Or

What the brewers say

100% Oak Fermented Belgian-Style Pale Ale aged an additional 12 months in Oak and bottle conditioned with Brettanomyces Bruxellensis.

2023 Festival of Wood & Barrel-Aged Beer "Best of Show" Winner

What our panel thought

Light notes of funk and leather mingle with some sweet fruity esters and a dose of floral and tropical hops to create a wildly complex and inviting aroma. Pronounced _Brett _aroma with background notes of oak and toast. A vanilla-forward woodiness in the initial sip is quickly followed by a drying chardonnay-like tartness that carries through into the finish. Medium body is well balanced and finishes with just a hint of sweetness. Some light floral hoppy bitterness compliments the subtle pear and apple esters. It all comes together as an odd but interesting blend of flavors.

What our editors thought

Vinous Brett aroma with big white grape notes punched up by a light touch of acetic acid underneath. Acidity is tightly controlled in the sip, and the body feels full light a Chardonnay aged on lees, as white grape tones flutter on the edge of the tongue and Brett bitterness drives down the middle.

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How We Review

REVIEWS FOR YOU >

Solemn Oath Brewery Punk Rock For Rich Kids

“Drinks like a classic American pale ale. The hop character lends citrus and piney notes, Fruity Pebbles, and Trix on the nose. Tastes just like it smells with a diesely overtone, resiny grapefruit, and sweet, sticky grain. Restrained bitterness lets the malty caramel notes punch through. Just a hint of Belgian character comes through the flavor profile. Bursting with mysterious fruity flavors and a deep, foresty dankness you want to disappear into.”

The Big Friendly Shadows Cast By Tomorrow

“Dried apricot, fresh lemon zest, herbal, white pepper, oak, white grapes on the nose. Light tartness mingles with a wine-like note that slowly melds into a layer of oak. Sweet Nerds candy–like quality in the lasting aftertaste.”

Hidden Hand Val d'Or

“This beer has _Brett_! Layers of tart lemon and wool blanket dominate the aroma with fruit-ester undertones from the Belgian yeast. Fine oaky flavor with flecks of juicy, just-dried apricot and succulent figs mixed with the banana esters. Botanical dryness.”

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