Great Divide 15th Anniversary Wood Aged Double IPA

August 6th, 2009 beckel

Here I have what is sure to be a brilliant beverage from the skilled brewers of Great Divide to celebrate their 15th anniversary. Based on their most popular beer, Denver Pale Ale but hopped up to 90 IBU, aged in French and American oak and brought up to a serious 10% ABV with a solid malt profile. I can’t wait to indulge. Upon opening this 22oz bottle at close to room temperature plenty of carbonation built up in the neck and slowly continued to overflow until I simply decided to pour the beer filling the glass over a third with creamy tight off white head which slowly dissipated. Color is a deep red hue and incredibly translucent. Aroma is wonderfully full of floral and fruity hop notes as well as a good deal of sweet malt and just a dash of alcohol. Wow. Upon my first sip I can see how intensely the oak aging effected the brew as a nice smooth vanilla flavor is one of the first characteristics I notice. Further the malt profile of this beer is no joke providing a wonderful array of sweetness and gentle dark pitted fruit notes. In case you forgot this is an IPA and not a Pale Ale present is a bouquet of fruity and floral hop notes from hearty passion fruit to gentle pine. The more I drink of this brew the more I notice how well the various attributes of this beer play together. The malty sweetness is plenty to balance the hops and contrasts with the fruity notes very well. The finish of this brew is plenty bitter but is softened by notes from vanilla to caramel and a hint of brandy. Body is a bit heavy but the mouthfeel is very smooth and clean. Though there is no questioning that you can taste alcohol in this beer there are plenty of other enjoyable flavors to distract ones palate provided you are accustomed to drinking stronger brews. This is a limited brew so if you enjoy strong Pale Ales or oak aging and aren’t opposed to fruity and floral hops I would find a bottle of this brew quickly. Unquestionably a well balanced ale and a wonderful adaption of Denver Pale Ale that I would happily enjoy any day. I found my bottle at The Four Firkins but I would call ahead wherever you intend to purchase it to make sure it is available as most retailers received limited quantities. Give it a shot and ride your bike.

Great Divide 15th Anniversary Wood Aged Double IPA

De Block Satan Gold

August 6th, 2009 beckel

When I saw this little bottle on the shelves of The Four Firkins a few months ago I couldn’t help but pick it up. One look at the picture of Satan smirking back at you holding a cup of this brew was more than enough to justify the few dollars spent. Knowing nothing about this beer or its brewery De Block other than the fact that they operate out of Merchtem-Peizegem, Belgium I decided to look them up. Apparently this family run breweries history dates back to the 14th century and they produce a number of interesting looking beers including a Satan Red Ale. But you can read all that on their website, onto the beer. Poured straight into a tulip at just under room temperature this beer produced about three fingers of loose highly carbonated white head that faded very quickly leaving little lacing around the glass though more carbonation easily builds up when swirled. Color is an attractive hazy golden hue that is moderately translucent when brought to light. Aroma is quite alcoholic and reminds me a bit of a white wine in some ways and is accompanied by light fruit notes. Flavor is remarkably less alcoholic than the aroma but still present up front but is nicely contrasted by fruity flavors such as apricot and a gentle flavor that reminds me of caramel and even more so toffee as well as some light bready yeast notes. From the aroma of this brew I really didn’t expect a particularly pleasant experience but after taking a number of sips this really is one interesting and nicely flavorful Belgian Strong Pale Ale. The body of this brew is medium and the mouthfeel is very clean, provided the 8% ABV doesn’t get to you first this should be an easy beer to consume. I had no idea what to expect when I opened this bottle but I am pleased to say I have really enjoyed it and would definitely purchase it again. Alcohol is a bit more noticeable than in some beers of the style such as Duvel [review] but I didn’t find it overly offensive, just a bit startling in the aroma. If you enjoy Golden Belgian Ales and are not opposed to alcohol I think you too will enjoy this brew. Give it a shot and ride your bike.

De Block Satan Gold Belgian Ale