Upland Belgian Pale Ale

Brewed by Upland Brewing Company
Style: Belgian Ale
Bloomington, Indiana USA

On tap at the brewpub. Pours a clear straw yellowy brown with bubbles and light large bubbled soap foam-like white head. The nose is similar to their pale, but with more of those Belgian esters. Perhaps even a light touch of coriander and some spicy hops. Very dry. Drier than their pale. Light malt, crisper hops. The mouthfeel is very light and relatively carbonated, about average. The flavor is in line with the nose. Crisp and dry. Akin to the pale, though the esters and low spice level make this a bit more appealing. Clean beer. Refreshing. The fruitiness of the upland house flavor is not just subtle, it’s lacking entirely. A pretty decent beer that I could drink in quantity.

Draught at the pub, got a (4?) oz. sample from Fred as I was about to leave. In the interest of full disclosure, my palate was fairly shot from their strong tripel. Very dry and yeasty, markedly different from the tripel. Mid-bodied and smooth, remains of a yeasty, hop-paper presence, slightly earthy aftertaste. Floral and pleasant in the manner of Orval, but creamier and less unique (and no sourness or brett). Classy.