Style: Belgian-style Pale Ale

ABV: 5.5 IBU: 46.0

98/100
Aroma: 11
Appearance: 3
Flavor: 20
Mouthfeel: 5

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What the brewers say

“A gentle mosh pit that politely pushes together the floral peach and stone fruit of Azacca hops with the spicy Belgian phenolics of our house Trappist-style yeast.”

What our panel thought

“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.”

What our editors thought

“The lack of Belgian-style IPAs makes this beer a hard one to categorize, and we classify retroactively rather than judging to style. Classic PNW hop notes in the aroma with bits of orange, bread, a touch of spruce. The Belgian yeast shines more in the flavor, as the tight phenolic note pushes against the malt-forward body with strong attenuation. The era of ‘Belgian-style IPAs’ has long since passed, but this is a compelling reminder that some lesser-trod paths are worth revisiting.”

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


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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 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.

Solemn Oath Brewery The Telegraph

“Initial fruity esters (pear, apple) with toasted caramel malt, low toffee. Deep toffee malt aroma almost hints at bread pudding with roasted apples. Medium alcohol warmth and a pleasant carbonic bite. Good mouthfeel helps offset the alcohol level.”

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