Entries tagged with “Belgium” from Malt & Barley Chronicles

Second of the Green's family of gluten-free Belgian ales, as I review from light to dark. The Discovery Amber Ale successfully evokes Irish and English ambers and pale ales through its mix of unconventional grains.

Characteristics: Reddish brown and cloudy color (from secondary fermentation in bottle); high carbonation; medium body; tangy and tart flavors (almost granny smith apple) throughout dominate over some classic amber malt notes, leading to a hoppy finish.

Minor Gripes: The tangy nature of the sorghum and millet can be distracting at times, particularly for those who don't routinely drink GF beer. The 6% ABV does show up in the tartness and is not always welcome.

Bottom Line: Discovery Amber is at the strong end of the amber family in all respects. The flavors run fairly close to its stablemate, the Dubbel Dark Endeavor. But for those who can no longer enjoy ambers, lighter browns, or Belgian-style ales, this member of the Green's family is a welcome find.

Rating: 5.25 / 10

Oh my goodness. This is one special beer -- take whatever you know about apple cider and toss it in the trash bin. Honestly, it's akin to a drinkable apple pie filling. I've even had dreams about trying this beverage as the base for a vanilla (or dulce de leche) ice cream float.

Characteristics: Gold-straw cloudy color; light-to-medium carbonation; thin body; consistent mix of apple and cinnamon and nutmeg with the spices lingering in the finish.

Minor Gripes: it's a little thin, even watery at times (though that could also be the tap from which I was served). And at 3.1% ABV, this Apple Wit could stand a little more alcohol to add some heft.

Bottom Line: The wheat/wit base provides some depth that's missing from the standard apple ciders (Strongbow, Magners/Bulmers, Woodpecker, Woodchuck). If you like the idea of a lambic, hate Lindemann's, and are burdened with wheat/gluten allergies, then this is an excellent choice.

Rating: 6.75 / 10

Answer: Millet, rice, buckwheat, sorghum.

Question: How do you brew a gluten-free beer?

My wife was diagnosed with celiac disease at the end of last year. Celiac is an auto-immune condition that responds to to the consumption of gluten, a protein that naturally occurs in wheat, rye, and barley. That means she (and others with celiac and related conditions) can't drink the vast majority of beers and ales. Some brewers have begun experimenting with gluten-free grains, and the Green's brand out of Belgium is doing its damnedest to replicate the browns, blondes, and dubbels that the non-afflicted crave and enjoy.

Characteristics: Hazy gold color, medium carbonation that dissipates quickly, light body, sour mix opening and middle with a citrusy grapefruit finish.

Minor Gripes: The body needs to be heavier, perhaps with a little more sweetness, to match the blonde ale tradition and to support the 8.5% ABV.

Bottom Line: As gluten-free beer goes, Green's makes the best I've sampled. It's certainly superior to A-B's wretched Redbridge sorghum beverage. But I would recommend the brown or dubbel over the blonde.

Rating: 5 / 10

Another anniversary, another lambic instead of champagne.  It's the one time a year we use the Waterford crystal flutes received as a wedding present from my godmother.  And this time I was successful in finding the kriek (cherry) instead of the framboise (raspberry), which was far too sweet for my liking (review). 

Characteristics: Ruby red color, thin body, high carbonation, sharp tart cherry start and some sweetness surging up from middle through the finish.

Minor Gripes: As with any Lindemans beverage, the Kriek can get a little sweet at times. And I'm not sure how much of the tartness comes from cherry and how much is a shot of citric acid.

Bottom Line: If you don't like champagne, kriek biers are a fine, stylish alternative.  I'd encourage you to look for a brand other than Lindemans, but the Kriek is far better than the Framboise in terms of what's most commonly available.

Rating: 5.5 / 10

Finally, a Belgian blonde that doesn't disappoint. I was close to giving up on blonde ales after one too many sweet (Leffe), alcohol-burnt (La Chouffe), or fizzy (Delirium Tremens) variations thanks (in part) to inconsistent shipping, storage, and serving practices.  Grimbergen has restored at least some of my willingness to go back to the well.

Characteristics: Warm clear gold color, more than average carbonation with a simple head, light body, uniquely sour malty start with a smooth citrus finish that masks the 6.7% ABV.

Minor Gripes: I would indulge more often if this weren't a $12 six-pack.  Otherwise, no real complaints.

Bottom Line: This ale is a winning study in complementary contrasts.  The balance of citrus and malt makes this blonde ale a must-try for anyone who's got a bit of a sour tooth. 

Rating: 7.5 / 10