The heat of summer will be here in no time and New Belgium is ready for refreshment with its latest offerings. Whether you’re a fan of sour ales, golden ales, or fruit beer, there’s something here for you to enjoy. Cheers!
La Folie 2016
Wood Aged Sour Ale
Nose
Sour Ales are aged in wood barrels (in this case Oak), so its no surprise that it has a woody nose.
Taste
On the the first sip, I was hit up front with immediate tartness. After additional sips, there were notes of apple and cherry note.
Finish
It has a woody finish to it in my opinion, but it still invites another sip.
Recommendation
If you are not familiar with Sour Ales, I would recommend a sample first.
Transatlantique Kriek
Wood Aged Sour Cherry Ale
2016 Lips Of Faith
Nose
Tart cherries on the nose.
Taste
Tart cherry that sweetens as it lingers.
Finish
It has a nice crisp finish with a hint of tartness.
Recommendation
Again, I would recommend trying a sample if you are unfamiliar with Sour Ales. However, this is a more approachable introduction to the sour beer family.
Hoppy Blonde Ale
Nose
Citrus Hop nose with notes of Tangerine and mango
Taste
Sweet malts tone down the hoppy nose and round out the beer for a great balanced taste.
Finish
It has a crisp finish with a hint of hoppy bitterness.
Recommendation
A great Blond Ale that has a nice hoppy kick to it. Grab a pitcher to share with friends!
Heavy Melon
Fruit Beer
Nose
Light smell of bread malts, nothing much after
Taste
Sweet malts with a bit of watermelon taste. It’s only after you breathe out through your mouth that you notice the watermelon notes more.
Finish
A hint of lime rind adds a bit of bitterness to the end.
Recommendation
Not an overpowered fruit beer that I was expecting. The watermelon and lime were much more subtle. Grab a sample to sip before you dive in.
Lips of Faith Golden Ale
Hof Ten Dormaal Collaboration
Nose
Big herbal nose up front with some notes of sweet malt and a hint of cloves
Taste
Apple & pear notes that give way to yeast taste with some malt tastiness and minerals.
Finish
A sweet herbal finish that lingers on the tongue.
Recommendation
Grab a pint while you can!
.
By Matthew Phillips