Style: Wild Ale (Dark)

ABV: 7.0 IBU: 18.0

89/100
Aroma: 12
Appearance: 3
Flavor: 17
Mouthfeel: 4

New Belgium La Folie Holiday Edition 2020

What the brewers say

A special run of our iconic sour brown ale, La Folie, in 750mL cork-and-cage bottles.

What our panel thought

Caramel apple, roast chestnuts, aged wood, damp earth, and lemon-lime in the nose. The sip offers soft citrus with perfectly placed caramel that softens the acidic edge. A char bitterness hovers, adding contrast without overpowering the delicate foreground. Remarkably nuanced.

What our editors thought

Complex aroma of chocolate, dark fruit, caramel soaked in sherry, spicy highlights. In the flavor: a soft acidity, with roast carrying into a dry finish but hindering drinkability; sour and burnt components don't mesh. Pleasant overall, if mild.

Review printed in: Brewing Craft Classics (Feb-Mar 2021) (View All Issues)


REVIEWS FOR YOU >

Wise Man Brewing Living For The Moment

“Mild, smooth milk-chocolate aroma. Toasted dark-crust bread on the initial sip. Smooth, malty mouthfeel suggests white bread drizzled with caramel and candy sugar. A punch of sweetness adds complexity but limits the drinkability. Light and unpretentious. Finishes clean and well-rounded.”

Brävery Brewing Canis Major

Rich, boozy, bourbon nose with light vanilla. Medium-sweet flavor, probably boosted by alcohol; moderate caramel and toast with a touch of cocoa powder. Light roasty notes. Big, boozy, enjoyable, despite nondescript base beer.

New Belgium La Folie Grand Reserve PX

The rich cacao nose is inviting, with dried fruit notes and roast malt underneath. The sip is dark chocolate covered tart cherry with a warm boozy splash in the middle. The flat mouthfeel robs it of its spark.

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