Van Steenberge
Belgium
11% abv
11.2 oz stubby bottle
$21.99 a six pack (sampler pack)
Refermented in the bottle
Style: Triple Ale or Belgian Strong Pale Ale
I cannot believe that I have never reviewed this ale. Just before I started this blog, back in January
of 2010, I stumbled across the Boucanier line-up and I enjoyed them a lot. I also remember smoking some fine cigars with
this ale and enjoy the experience each and every time. I just can’t believe this ale is not on my
cigar or beer blog – just a pure injustice.
Appearance: cloudy golden orange body with a one and a half
finger white head that settles to a thin layer in about a minute or so; some
lacing on the glass; get that yeast off the bottom of the bottle by swirling
the bottle with the last inch of beer and then pouring it into the chalice;
solid sheets of lacing hang on my second glass of this ale during the first
half of the glass then, spotty lacing
Aroma: to me this has that classic Belgium Beer aroma:
Belgian yeast, sweet tropical fruits like tangerine and a hint of banana (a
creamy red banana) with a touch of stone fruit; nice spice; aromatic hop;
Flavors: sweet malts and nice aromatic hops show some good
balance (still on the sweet side); stone fruits and citrus zest swirl around
some sweet grains and honey; spice on the back that reminds me of pink
peppercorn; come to think of it the sweetness also reminds me of the cranberry
maple rub that I just sautéed up in some unsalted butter that I glazed my
pecans in that I covered my veal chops in today for dinner.
Mouthfeel: creamy feel; fine fizzy feel from the
carbonation; sweet candied fruit up front with spice on the mid and it all
comes together for a pleasing aftertaste; a pleasing bitterness underneath; medium-full body; the alcohol did not play a
big role to me except for adding the light pink peppercorn spice note
To the Point: very pleasing aroma that makes the drinking
experience a pleasure; the sweetness is under control and not in your face; the
mild hops give it some balance; I am giving this ale a solid 89% for a B+ … no
how about 90% for an A- … boy is grading a beer tough work; must buy – go out
of your way to find this ale
The Boucanier Golden Ale paired perfectly with the La Gloria
Serie R Maduro No. 6 cigar.
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