Style: Belgian-style Pale Ale

ABV: 6.9

90/100
Aroma: 12
Appearance: 3
Flavor: 18
Mouthfeel: 4

Hidden Hand Val d'Or

What the brewers say

“Belgian-style pale ale. Harmonious marriage of citrus, raisin, and horsey cherry-pie funk.”

What our panel thought

“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.”

What our editors thought

“Woody Brett note in the aroma with a bit of passion fruit and guava on the edges. Dry and direct in the flavor, undistracted.”

Review printed in: Best in Beer 2024 (View All Issues)


REVIEWS FOR YOU >

Light the Lamp Brewery Still Single

“Clear gold with an army of bubbles. Aroma is heavy bubblegum, light pepper, light cherry. Malt-forward initially with light grainy flavors, then cherry and strawberry ester-led yeast flavors enter, finishing with a slight hint of spiced-dirt hop flavor and toasty honey malt.”

Creature Comforts Brewing Co. Table Beer

“Fruity notes in the aroma—citrus and perfumy in nature—with a peppery spice. Honey-like malt character in the flavor with a bit of bread dough. Easy to drink and enjoy. A slight hint of citrus in the middle with a pleasant bitterness to back it up. The carbonation plays well with the medium-dry finish, leaving you wanting another sip.”

Hidden Hand Oaked Val d'Or

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.

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