Katefan00
02-11-2005, 11:38 AM
La Chouffe, artisanal Golden Ale by Belgian brewery Brasserie d'Achouffe.
8% ABV.
This must have been intended as some sort of "gift bottle," as the 750ml bottle comes in a cylindrical tin with the brewery's trademark gnomes all over it. Personally, the wine-style magnum bottle is so attractive that I would think it'd do better, sales-wise, without the tin.
As I mentioned, the bottle is wine-style, though it is capped with a metal cap, not a cork. Extensive history about the brewery and the brew on the back, which is both helpful and interesting (and explains the preoccupation with gnomes (chouffes), which legend held ran rampant in that area of Belgium (Achouffe).
According to the bottle, it is brewed with spring water, Pilsner malts, Saaz and Golding hops and coriander, unfiltered, unpasteurized and contains no additives.
The beer pours a quite hazy golden amber with a very generous, bone-white head that lasts forever and laces very nicely. The beer is bottle-conditioned so the haze could just be yeast -- the photograph of a poured bottle on their Website (http://www.achouffe.be/newen/produits.php) shows quite clear.
The aroma is quite nice -- a strong, piney hop aroma as well as citrus and tart spice.
It drinks VERY easily -- almost medium bodied, and yet extremely light and refreshing... virtually no alcohol taste, which is impressive given its %ABV. A complex beer because its flavors are subtle. At first blush, it is mildly fruity (citrus and apple), lightly biscuity, well-balanced. But mid-way into the tasting, I began to detect more of a spicy note -- inexact, but perhaps white pepper. I almost wanted more of the spice taste, but I guess that would've made it more of a Wit than a golden ale. Moderately carbonated -- really, just right in that area.
Tart, sour and sweet in good balance. Very clean finish. Despite the 8%, the creaminess and complexity paired with the refreshing cleanness of the brew makes me think I could drink this as a session beer. Really excellent.
K.
8% ABV.
This must have been intended as some sort of "gift bottle," as the 750ml bottle comes in a cylindrical tin with the brewery's trademark gnomes all over it. Personally, the wine-style magnum bottle is so attractive that I would think it'd do better, sales-wise, without the tin.
As I mentioned, the bottle is wine-style, though it is capped with a metal cap, not a cork. Extensive history about the brewery and the brew on the back, which is both helpful and interesting (and explains the preoccupation with gnomes (chouffes), which legend held ran rampant in that area of Belgium (Achouffe).
According to the bottle, it is brewed with spring water, Pilsner malts, Saaz and Golding hops and coriander, unfiltered, unpasteurized and contains no additives.
The beer pours a quite hazy golden amber with a very generous, bone-white head that lasts forever and laces very nicely. The beer is bottle-conditioned so the haze could just be yeast -- the photograph of a poured bottle on their Website (http://www.achouffe.be/newen/produits.php) shows quite clear.
The aroma is quite nice -- a strong, piney hop aroma as well as citrus and tart spice.
It drinks VERY easily -- almost medium bodied, and yet extremely light and refreshing... virtually no alcohol taste, which is impressive given its %ABV. A complex beer because its flavors are subtle. At first blush, it is mildly fruity (citrus and apple), lightly biscuity, well-balanced. But mid-way into the tasting, I began to detect more of a spicy note -- inexact, but perhaps white pepper. I almost wanted more of the spice taste, but I guess that would've made it more of a Wit than a golden ale. Moderately carbonated -- really, just right in that area.
Tart, sour and sweet in good balance. Very clean finish. Despite the 8%, the creaminess and complexity paired with the refreshing cleanness of the brew makes me think I could drink this as a session beer. Really excellent.
K.