English and Belgians

Hello World!

Once again Rothy was my partner in crime in this tasting. Three Belgians and one English old ale.

Old Suffolk English Ale by Greene King Brewery. Poured reddish brown with little to no head on it. The nose had a sweet malt and caramel flavor, along with a little raisin smell. The mouth feel was light, crisp and a little creamy. Rothy really liked this one. The taste had a little chocolate, a little sweet caramel, a little sour orange, and buttery. A crisp clean aftertaste.A Blue Cheese Steak or a nice Alfredo Pasta. We really liked this brew.

Website: http://www.greeneking.co.uk/launch_other_gk_ales.htm

Affligem Blonde Ale by Affligem Brouwerij. Poured a cloudy blond with a creamy head. The smell had a floral, spice, and a hint of hops. The mouth feel was creamy smooth, a little bubbly, with a little hint of heat. Rothy thoughts on this was, "Tastes like I'm drinking flower". The beer had a floral tone, some rich yeasty flavors, spice, and some hop bitterness. Compared to the other Belgians, it is a Belgian, but I have had others that I liked more. It finishes up nicely with out to much of a strong aftertaste. Like most beers of this style, a strong and rich meal would go great with this. I'd say Beef Bourguignon, or Mussels and Chips.

Website: http://www.affligembeer.be/

Chimay Grande Reserve by Abbey of Notre-Dame de Scourmont. The reason I did not give this a 7 rating is because it would not last around my friends and I. This was a nice sipping beer. It pours a dark brown and an off white head. The smell of dried fruit, spice, and a hint of malt. Rothy said "DA BUBBLES". The mouth feel was bubbly, hot, but after the bubbles dissipate, nice smooth medium body. The taste has some plum, raisin, dark brown sugar, some yeast, malt, and some spice.
A very complex beverage. I honestly think this should be a stand alone course after a meal. Twisting my own arm to pair this, I would serve it during sharp cheese tray or fruit course. It also works for a special occasion for a nice family party, with some smokey BBQ.

Website: http://www.chimay.com/

Maredsous Blonde Blond Ale by Brouwerij Duvel Moortgat. This was good as well, but the Chimay had a little more on this. Plus I was expecting a little more from this because it was a Duvel beer, but they were just a little higher then they should have been. Must have been the fancy wrapping. It poured a nice hazy gold color, with a nice high creamy head. The smell had hints of candy, bananas, and flowers. The taste was fruity, esters, a little citrus, and light malt. The mouth feel was a little bubbly, a medium creamy body, and a little tannin. Rothy thought the aftertaste was just to much for him to enjoy this beer. The taste does stick around a little, but did not mind it to much. To pair this with food, I would have to have something to stand up to it. A Greek Salad, Salmon Steaks, and Sharp Cheeses.

Website: http://www.duvel.be/

It's always cool to see how every one's taste buds are a little different. that's why I'm glad to have a nice cross section of people who like to drink beers with me. It's all about the beer! "Be Well, and Drink Well!"