Hello Malt Mavens and Hop Heads. Life has been somewhat slow
and repetitive in my corner of the world. My mother’s cancer is in remission,
the daily grind that the Pope endures to put craft beer on the table continues
without drama, and Spring in North Texas is showing its mild, albeit fleeting,
head.
To welcome Spring, and clear out an ever growing reserve of
craft beer, I will be focusing on beers of the Lone Star State from some of my
favorite breweries since my move almost two years ago. I am also hoping to get
back into regular publishing of reviews, shooting for one or two a week as
opposed to the one post a month or less that has defined my recent attention to
my beer duties.
To saddle up this focus on Texas craft beer, I have chosen
the Real Ale Brewing Company’s second release under their “Brewer’s Cut”
series, a Belgian style “Black Quadrupel“ brewed with Belgian black malt.
Pouring the chocolate hued ale, careful to not exceed the
capacity of the sole chalice in my barware collection, I get a small amount of
head and active carbonation from my pour.
The aroma from the freshly decanted beer brings bold, but unsurprising
notes. Chocolate and coffee play on the edge of roasted malts, as the Belgian yeast
adds a slight fruitiness to the party.
Now, to be honest, I was really looking forward to reviewing
this beer since enjoying it last November on tap at the Dallas Winter Warmer, a
local beer festival. I’m not one that usually identifies as a fan of beers
brewed with Belgian yeast strains, but this
offering twirled my moustache from first sip.
The roastiness of the malt, bringing a nice chocolate base, combined
with the dark currant and fruit notes from the yeast strain, make an ale that
offers the best flavor profiles from dark beer and red wine. Allowing the ale
to warm up brings out more of the fruitiness, making it quite tasty at any
range of temperatures.
My brother, who is
bonkers for Belgian and Belgian style brews, often professes he would consume nothing
but this brew if it were more than just a one shot from the Blanco, TX brewery.
I cannot doubt nor blame my brother for his fanaticism for it is a beer that is
making me take another, more open look at Belgian inspired intoxicants.
Happy Drinking!
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