 ClarkVV (3547), Allston, Massachusetts, USA
Oct 5, 2007
Fresh 2007 bottle, 750mL, drunk on 9/27/07
Perfect appearance in every way. Sheets of lacing coat the glass, and a dense layer of white head is immovable atop a sparklingly clear pale-golden body.
One sniff and I know this is something special. Clean, fresh yeast is soft and elegant, with muted esters and very low phenol production. An ever-so-slight corky-mustiness hangs in the background, giving the beer a rustic charm as well. The malts are deliciously dry and snappy, adding sparse bits of honey and hints of vanilla. The hops burst forth, incredibly resilient and very dry. Not the lush grassy, juicy type at all, but more dusty, hay-like and peppery. It matches the overall dryness of the aroma, and even increases it. Aroma strength is second-to-none, with yeast, hop and malt all sharing space and complementing each other. Just when you think the hops might get too starkly dry, honey-vanilla sweetness jumps in to balance. Meanwhile, the yeast adds complexity to the finish. No alcohol or flaws.
I’m always much more impressed when a beer of such a low gravity can put forth such massive flavors, and leave such a supple impression on the palate as well. Taken to the perfect attenuation, it’s near bone-dry, but never are the malts scratchy or washed out. The soft, almost nutty yeast nuances help soothe the palate, while the simple, but very effective hoppiness throws out an appropriate bitterness and plentiful pepper and hay notes that add to the farmhouse feel of this beer. Absolutely exquisite, tight carbonation (but it needs a LOT of time to breath), no wateriness and no letting up on the flavor. I think this is probably as good as you can make a beer without multiple yeasts. It’s extremely dry, flavorful, perfectly hopped and both clean in its presentation, but still rustic in its overall character. I’m not saying it should have gobs of brett and lacto falling out of it for it to be perfect, but I would like to see a little extra charm from the yeast. That’s the only leg-up that I think Orval has on this one. And to be sure, this one certainly is better than 90% of Orval bottles out there, it’s just those absolutely stunning bottles of Orval that make me hesitate to give this one a perfect score. I still might....more samples in order for sure.
Archibaldo de la Cruz (59), Finland
Aug 20, 2008 Bottle. Hazy orange with a white head. Citrus, fruity aroma with a hint of yeast. Hoppy flavour with some fruits, yeast and bitterness. Mouthfeel is very smooth. A bit bitter aftertaste. This beer was surprisingly good, very smooth and tasty.
kingslender (3), , California, USA
does not count  Aug 20, 2008 Bottle, 33cl from La Cave a Bolles in Paris. Brilliant pour with creamy, almost meringue-like head. Stunning golden color, light hoppy flavor with lavender notes throughout. Drinks quite easily, and the fact that it’s labeled "extra hoppy" but is Belgian should tell you all you need to know -- it’s as far from a Bear Republic mega-hoppy brew as you can imagine. It’s delicate and fun -- a really enjoyable pre-dinner drink. Really refreshing.
Jeanbxl (4), Bruxelles, Belgium
does not count Aug 20, 2008 Non filtered, dry, refreching, hoppy, one of the best beer we have in belgium.
vyvvy (1607), Hazelwood, Missouri, USA
Aug 15, 2008 Rating #1600. This is probably my newest contender for most underrated beer ~ just a beautiful brew. Pours hazy light orange with a large pillowy white head. The aroma is lightly fruity with citrus / pine hops, Belgium yeastiness and light spice. The aroma is very sturdy, clean and complex. Medium body with a touch of smoothness, but it is mainly crisp and grainy. The flavor starts with Belgium yeast and maltiness that is smooth, rich and earthy. Those aspects are quickly overtaken by nectar fruits and very assertive citrus / pine hops. The finish has a hint of fruit, but is mainly the hops joined with some earthy traits that are lightly harsh. There is then a dry hoppy presence that lingers in the mouth for a long time with a resiny feel. This is a great beer with a ton of flavor and complexity which is very impressive considering the low alcohol content.
Magic_dave6 (3642), London, Greater London, England
Aug 10, 2008 Tap at the Rake. Aroma is hoppy, citrus and grassy, belgian sweeter malts, yeasty. Taste is along the same lines, quite drinkable stuff and different due to the high hop character.
|
