We had another beer night at Wades Wines! This week’s tasting featured Belgian style ales.
Four five-ounce tasters for $5! I still can’t get over how ridiculously cheap this is!
First up was Lost Abbey’s Witch’s Wit. Pleasantly cloudy with heavy banana and clove on the nose. There was also a little Saison-style funk to this. An easy summer drink, but not something I’d go out of my way to order.
Alesmith’s Lil Devil. I honestly don’t really recall what this tasted like… Obviously it wasn’t standing out in the name of flavor, so let’s just leave it at that, yes?
The Bruery’s Tradewinds Tripel. I’m not a fan of tripels. I find them far too sweet – something I don’t like unless it’s combined with a sour like a Flemish Red. HOWEVER, for a tripel, this wasn’t completely overpowering. Just slightly… I gave half of my taster to my fellow tasters. They didn’t seem to mind.
Midnight Sun Mayhem IIPA. Yes, there are TWO “I”s in that. This baby was delicious! Extremely hoppy on the nose, rounded out with a slightly sweet roasty malt flavor and finished with a bite of citrus hops. Happy hoppy!
After the tasting, we decided to try some beers that were on the board. This is a Biere de Garde by Jolly Pumpkin. Never heard of it before, but I know I love Derailleur from Ladyface, so we gave it a try. DELICIOUS! Full of notes of orange with a warm boozy end. This glass was potent and pricey, but well worth it!
We ended by splitting a Coronado Idiot IPA between the three of us. Again, besides it being hoppy, this one kind of got buzzed into no-woman’s-land. Can’t remember anything except I liked it.
I was bummed that the tasting was over, but then we had an AMAZING idea!
Brownie Pizookie at BJ’s!
And the day was complete.
Hello,
I’ve only recently bumped into your remarkable blog.
It caught my attention because I also have a great passion for beers.
I live in Belgium, from my point off view the absolute summum off beerdiversity. I’ve read some off you articles but still have a long way to go and little time to do so.
I was surpised by the wide variety off beers you have in the USA.
BUT (and this is the reason I’m writing this)
I was wondering what you mean when you say ‘Belgian Style Ales’?
and just as a footnote I would also like to add that in Belgium, the Tripels are usually the more bitter beers ( just as information offcourse 🙂 )
Anyway, that was just what I was asking myself.
Enjoy yourself! (but that doesn’t seem to be a problem)
Michel
The Belgian Style has to do with the types of yeast and hops that the brewer uses. Basically, they’re trying to mimic the taste of a Belgian ale. The only tripels I’ve had have been sweet! I’d love to try one that you’re describing!!
hello, i just found your blog and thought I would hi. I love flights of beer, wine, and margaritas! looking forward to reading more 🙂
You like beer, wine and margaritas? We can be friends 🙂
I guess that ice cream sounded especially good after all the beer from the beer tasting!
I just realized your blog moved. Love the new site!
Thanks, Mimi! Um, we should actually meet in person. Although, I feel you’re way too smart and philosophical to be hanging out with me… I’m blog-genius-intimidated…
Beer O clock- looks like a fabulous tasting session finished up by a mountain of Ice Cream- not sure what made your crosseyed? the beers or that mountain!
keep up the wonderful blog
HEY! I wasn’t cross-eyed, I was wistful and melancholy about the tasting being over. Sheesh 😛