New Belgium Hoptober Golden Ale -
New Belgium Brewing Inc.- Fort Collins, CO
Description: Five hops and four malts make Hoptober Golden Ale a veritable cornucopia of earth. Pale and wheat malt are mashed with rye and oats to create a medium-bodied ale with creamy mouth feel. Centennial, Cascade, Sterling, Willamette and Glacier hops form a bonfire of citrus notes, fruity cheers and a bold finale. ABV: 6% 40 IBU Available in 6-packs and on draught ABV- 6%
Smitty's Review: Sampled at about 45 degrees. Pours golden with a white head and webby lacing. Nice aroma of lemon and floral hops. Refreshing mouth feel, with a body that is the lighter side of medium. The malt profile is a nice melding of pale Belgian wheat malts, rye, and biscuit countered by a bold but not overdone citrus and herbal hoppiness. Bitter finish with grassy and grapefruit rind notes. This is a great session beer with lots of depth. A fairly hoppy beer, which seems to be out of character for this brewery (not that there is anything wrong with that). I like the fusion of American rye pale ale with the Belgian golden ale traits. This exceeded my expectations, so much that I tried to buy another six. I came home empty handed after looking at two local Krogers! Is Nashville slowly developing a taste for hoppy beers? Hmmmmm.......
Rating*: 9 out of 10
Recommended Food Pairing: White cheeses (Montery /Pepper Jack, Chihauhua), Grilled Shellfish, Chicken, Tilapia
Value: Average to Good ($8-9 per six)
Beer Audience: Craft beer drinkers (as long as they can tolerate a moderate level of hop bitterness)
Where To Buy: Craft beer stores and grocery stores that carry the New Belgium line.
* rating system based on aroma (1 pt), appearance (1pt), palate (2 pts) flavor (3pts), comparison to other commercial examples of the style (3pts)
No comments:
Post a Comment