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Continental European Ale Styles
Reviews for 2016

April 2016 - Continental European Ale Styles

April 2016 - Continental European Ale Styles
This month's Beer feature is Continental European Ale Styles

Continental European Ale Styles Reviews

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Unibroue La Résolution
96 points
Unibroue
La Résolution
Walnut color. Spicy, herbal floral complex aromas and flavors of chai latte, honeyed thyme and lavender, pomegranate chutney, and alpine herbs with a supple, crisp, finely carbonated, fruity sweet medium body and a warming, medium-long finish with accents of menthol mint, spiced chocolate, and creme brulee finish. A rich and complex Belgian ale with evolving waves of flavor; a dessert beer.
96 points
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Date Tasted:
Unibroue La Fin du Monde
95 points
Unibroue
La Fin du Monde
Minutely hazy gold color. Bright, citrusy aromas and flavors of spiced lemon, lavender, and sweet potato with an oily, vibrant, effervescent, off-dry medium body and a warming, charming, medium-long finish with touches of honeyed apricot nut toast, greens, and herbs and white pepper finish. A supple, flavorful, well balanced tripel.
95 points
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Date Tasted:
Belgh Brasse Mons Dubbel dAbbaye
93 points
Belgh Brasse
Mons Dubbel d'Abbaye
Bright medium brown color. Rich, minty aromas of molasses cake, berry chutney, cola, and mint leaf and wintergreen with a spritzy, moderately sweet medium-to-full body and a tingling, distinctive, medium-long sarsaparilla, fruit cake, spiced sautéed carrots, and pepper finish. A fantastically flavorful and refreshing dubbel.
93 points
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Date Tasted:
Belgh Brasse Mons Blonde dAbbaye
93 points
Belgh Brasse
Mons Blonde d'Abbaye
Brilliant gold color. Delicate, grainy, grassy yeasty toasty aromas and flavors of yellow apple soufflé, butter roasted nuts, and starfruit with a crisp, frothy, fruity medium body and a silky, stimulating, medium-length finish with accents of banana creme brulee, spiced fruits, and peppered greens finish. A lovely, delicately spicy meal in a glass.
93 points
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Date Tasted:
Fabbrica della Birra Tenute Collesi Srl Collesi "Triplo Malto"
93 points
Fabbrica della Birra Tenute Collesi Srl
Collesi "Triplo Malto"
Bright light gold color. Lively, toasty, fruity aromas of panettone and candied yams and mango with a bright, effervescent, fruity sweet medium body and a warming, complex, medium-long banana bread pudding, toasted pretzel bread, and sweet and peppery spices finish. A delightful and engaging spicy malty golden ale.
93 points
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Date Tasted:
Samuel Adams Escape Route
92 points
Samuel Adams
Escape Route
Hazy gold color. Bright, exotic, buttery grainy hoppy aromas of apricot danish, toasted herb muffin, and frittata with an even, bright, finely carbonated, fruity medium body and a graceful, compelling, swift sweet potato finish. A well crafted, finely balanced kolsch with delicate fruitiness.
92 points
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Date Tasted:
Unibroue 17 Grande Réserve
92 points
Unibroue
17 Grande Réserve
Minutely hazy mahogany color. Rich, interesting, vinous aromas and flavors of maple nut fudge, bbq rub, cherry spice cake, and cedar with an oily, bright, bubbly, off-dry medium-to-full body and a peppery, involved, long finish imparting notes of caramelized and smoked nuts, oak spice, and berry vinaigrette finish. A complex and wine-like barrel aged beer.
92 points
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Date Tasted:
Unibroue Terrible
92 points
Unibroue
Terrible
Nearly opaque dark dark brown color. Lively, meaty, toasty rustic savory aromas and flavors of molasses cake, apple turnover, chocolate citrus peels, and wintergreen with a supple, lively, fizzy, fruity sweet medium-to-full body and an even, intricate, medium-length finish with overtones of gingerbread, chocolate mint cookie, spiced nuts, and mixed peppercorns finish. A rich and satisfying biere de garde with great vibrancy and balance.
92 points
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Date Tasted:
Fabbrica della Birra Tenute Collesi Srl Collesi "Nera"
91 points
Fabbrica della Birra Tenute Collesi Srl
Collesi "Nera"
Bright medium brown color. Delicate, dusty, curious exotic savory aromas and flavors of dark rye raisin bread, fruit cake, and sarsaparilla with a soft, vibrant, bubbly, fruity sweet medium-to-full body and a smooth, stimulating, medium-long finish imparting suggestions of honeyed nuts and yams, arugula, and delicate spices finish. A rich malty, creamy Belgian ale with great fruit and spice.
91 points
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Date Tasted:
Upland Brewing StOAKed Belgian Style Strong Ale
91 points
Upland Brewing
StOAKed Belgian Style Strong Ale
Brilliant medium dark reddish mahogany color. Delicate, fruity, nutty musty malty aromas and flavors of dark caramelized nuts, toasted fig-banana dark bread, spiced sour cherry compote, and microgreens with a soft, spritzy, fruity sweet medium-to-full body and a warming, complex, medium-length finish with overtones of baking spices, delicate pepper, and arugula finish. A hearty, warming strong ale with fine poise and subtle complexity.
91 points
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Date Tasted:
Urban Chestnut Brewing Company "Innovator" Belgian Dark Strong Ale
91 points
Urban Chestnut Brewing Company
"Innovator" Belgian Dark Strong Ale
Minutely hazy sunburst color. Mild, interesting, savory aromas and flavors of baked soy and steamed rice, dried orange, apple and peach, and schmaltz with a silky, shy, spritzy, fruity sweet medium-to-full body and a warming, subtle, medium-long finish that exhibits notes of toasted panettone, cherry bubblegum, and honeyed lettuces finish. A fun, flavorful strong ale in the Belgian style.
91 points
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Date Tasted:
Fabbrica della Birra Tenute Collesi Srl Collesi "Rosso"
90 points
Fabbrica della Birra Tenute Collesi Srl
Collesi "Rosso"
Bright reddish mahogany color. Rich, fruity, floral aromas and flavors of caramelized figs and orange, chocolate, and fruit cake with a satiny, bright, spritzy, off-dry medium body and a warming, interesting, medium-length finish displaying notes of spiced bananas and yams, watercress, and honeyed nuts finish. A nicely layered and appetizing amber ale.
90 points
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Date Tasted:
Samuel Adams Tetravis
90 points
Samuel Adams
Tetravis
Bright reddish mahogany color. Rich, nutty, malty smoky aromas and flavors of caramelized nuts, chocolate drizzled plums, and crusty rye bread with a glycerous, tangy, finely carbonated, fruity sweet medium-to-full body and a tingling, complex, medium-long finish with notes of roasted root vegetables, delicate spices, and graham cracker finish. A rich, chewy meal or dessert in a glass.
90 points
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Date Tasted:
Samuel Adams Boston Ale
90 points
Samuel Adams
Boston Ale
Medium bright copper color. Mild, toasty aromas of caramel fruit tart and praline with a silky, crisp, effervescent, dry-yet-fruity medium body and an effortless, charming, medium-long watercress, dried fruits, and orange pepper finish. A delicious and nicely balanced super-sessionable alt.
90 points
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Date Tasted:
Worthy Brewing Co. "Farm Out" Saison Belgian Style Ale
90 points
Worthy Brewing Co.
"Farm Out" Saison Belgian Style Ale
Brilliant light gold color. Delicate, spicy aromas and flavors of coriander muffin, caramelized root vegetables, and frittata with an even, crisp, bubbly, off-dry medium body and a tingling, amusing, medium-long finish conveying notes of honeyed nuts and dried fruits, mint soufflé, radishes, and microgreens finish. A wonderfully vibrant, spicy, and layered saison with lots to offer.
90 points
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Date Tasted:
Fabbrica della Birra Tenute Collesi Srl Collesi "Bionda"
89 points
Fabbrica della Birra Tenute Collesi Srl
Collesi "Bionda"
Pale bright gold color. Phenolic, yeasty grainy spicy aromas of dried banana, cashew butter, coriander and baking spices, and clay with a velvety, crisp, bubbly, fruity sweet medium body and a smooth, appealing, medium-long apple tart, bubblegum, and wheat cracker finish. A very tasty and spicy blonde ale.
89 points
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Date Tasted:
Mother Road Brewing Company Kölsch
89 points
Mother Road Brewing Company
Kölsch
Brilliant pale light gold color. Mild, attractive aromas of honeyed raisin bread and cinnamon apple pastry with an even, bright, fizzy, off-dry medium body and a smooth, amusing, medium-length roasted grain, nuts, and watercress finish. A very nicely balanced, lightly fruity kolsch.
89 points
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Date Tasted:
Worthy Brewing Co. "Easy Day" Kolsch
89 points
Worthy Brewing Co.
"Easy Day" Kolsch
Light minutely hazy light gold color. Muted, toasty aromas and flavors of buttered italian roll and pear tart with an even, soft, petillant, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a tingling, engaging, medium-length finish displaying notes of sprouts, lemon spritzed melon, egg croissant, and grass finish. A nicely dry and astringent kolsch that drinks like a refreshing lager.
89 points
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Date Tasted:
Fabbrica della Birra Tenute Collesi Srl Collesi "Chiara"
88 points
Fabbrica della Birra Tenute Collesi Srl
Collesi "Chiara"
Minutely hazy light gold color. Lively, toasty, phenolic peppery grainy aromas of banana nut muffin and white maple fudge with a supple, soft, finely carbonated, off-dry light body and a polished, charming, breezy banana custard pie, lemon herb muffin, and wheatgrass finish. A nice fruity blonde ale for the table.
88 points
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Date Tasted:
Fabbrica della Birra Tenute Collesi Srl Collesi "Ambrata"
88 points
Fabbrica della Birra Tenute Collesi Srl
Collesi "Ambrata"
Minutely hazy copper color. Mild, baked, boozy earthy funky aromas and flavors of banana nut muffin and roasted corn with an even, bright, spritzy, off-dry medium body and a tingling, interesting, medium-length finish with notes of date bread and kiwi soufflé finish. A rock solid Belgian amber ale with lots of pairing possibilities.
88 points
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Date Tasted:
Kawaba "Sunrise Ale"
88 points
Kawaba
"Sunrise Ale"
Minutely hazy dark copper color. Lively, fruity aromas of toasted fruitcake, toffee, and tamarind with a supple, soft, fizzy, off-dry light-to-medium body and a graceful, stimulating, relaxed caramelized fruits, peppered lettuce, and sprouts finish. A malt driven, English-style amber with good sessionability.
88 points
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Date Tasted:
Mustang Brewing Co. Farmhouse Saison Ale
88 points
Mustang Brewing Co.
Farmhouse Saison Ale
Hazy gold color. Lively, minty, spicy aromas and flavors of apple mint jelly on overripe peaches, sourdough raisin toast, coriander and lemongrass, and ginger and ginseng roots with an even, lively, finely carbonated, off-dry medium body and a sleek, complex, breezy finish that shows overtones of corn bread pudding, toasted nuts, and spicy soufflé finish. A nice saison with good drinkability.
88 points
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Date Tasted:
Samuel Adams New World
88 points
Samuel Adams
New World
Brilliant golden amber color. Delicate, citrusy, savory clean aromas and flavors of banana bread pudding, roasted parsnips, brown spices, and soap with an oily, bright, fizzy, off-dry medium-to-full body and a hot, medium-long finish manifesting notes of corn pudding, salad greens, pepper, and dolmades finish. A zesty, earthy tripel for the table.
88 points
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Date Tasted:
Two Roads Brewing Company Holiday Ale
88 points
Two Roads Brewing Company
Holiday Ale
Brilliant dark copper color. Mild, savory, interesting aromas of rye turkey stuffing, dried meat, and cocoa with an oily, crisp, bubbly, fruity sweet light-to-medium body and a tingling, appealing, snappy raisin sourdough bread, spiced caramelized fruits, honeyed lettuces, and radishes finish. A solid biere de garde with delicate spiciness that puts the focus on the meal.
88 points
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Date Tasted:
Unibroue Maudite
88 points
Unibroue
Maudite
Hazy sunburst color. Mild, savory aromas and flavors of pot roast, dried fruits, tree bark, and gauze with an vibrant, finely carbonated, off-dry medium body and a smooth, interesting, relaxed finish with impressions of watercress, grilled nut toast, and earth finish. A smooth, well-balanced, nicely composed dubbel that goes down easy.
88 points
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Date Tasted:
Fairport Brewing Co. Sinners & Saints Golden Strong Ale
87 points
Fairport Brewing Co.
Sinners & Saints Golden Strong Ale
Minutely hazy light gold color. Lively, yeasty, toasty aromas and flavors of fresh baguette, dried citrus, waxy honeycomb, and roasted corn with a soft, tangy, fizzy, off-dry medium body and a warming, delightful, medium-length finish that presents notes of honeyed starfruit and kiwi, spiced melon, and peppered greens finish. A nicely balanced and refreshing golden ale.
87 points
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Date Tasted:
Two Roads Brewing Company Philsamic Flanders Red Ale
87 points
Two Roads Brewing Company
Philsamic Flanders Red Ale
Hazy sunburst color. Lively, sour aromas and flavors of sourdough, cider vinaigrette on greens, and sour cherry with a supple, puckering, effervescent, sourish medium body and an effortless, interesting, medium-long finish with notes of arugula, lemon bread, and baked green apple finish. A pleasant sour red ale.
87 points
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Date Tasted:
Unibroue Trois Pistoles
87 points
Unibroue
Trois Pistoles
Minutely hazy medium dark walnut color. Lively, grassy, spicy aromas and flavors of coriander, pepper bread, mint, and cocoa with a bright, finely carbonated, fruity sweet medium body and a tingling, interesting, quick finish revealing nuances of dried citrus, banana scone, grass, and pepper finish. A solid, spiced dark wit of a strong ale.
87 points
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Date Tasted:
Service Brewing Company "Old Guard" Biere de Garde
86 points
Service Brewing Company
"Old Guard" Biere de Garde
Cloudy sunburst color. Bright, grainy aromas and flavors of grain sack, baked beans and ham, chocolate walnuts, and roast beef with a silky, soft, bubbly, fruity light-to-medium body and a tingling, delightful, easy finish revealing suggestions of grass, pepper, and lentil-barley soup finish.
86 points
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Date Tasted:
Unibroue Noire de Chambly
85 points
Unibroue
Noire de Chambly
Minutely hazy dark brown color. Delicate, toasty aromas and flavors of toasted cranberry nut bread and chocolate orange peel with a silky, soft, bubbly, off-dry light-to-medium body and a polished, refreshing, brisk finish with elements of banana peel, rye and wheat crackers, earth, and rubbery bubblegum finish. A pleasant spicy dunkelweizen-like table beer.
85 points
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Date Tasted:
Main Street Brewing Co. 4204 Blonde Juele
84 points
Main Street Brewing Co. 4204
Blonde Juele
Minutely hazy pale light gold color. Lively, phenolic, buttery citrusy complex aromas of asparagus omelet, sourdough toast, and peach pie with a satiny, shy, spritzy, dry-yet-fruity light-to-medium body and a tingling, fast potato peel and paper finish. A food beer.
84 points
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Date Tasted:
Main Street Brewing Co. 4204 Saison du Bville
84 points
Main Street Brewing Co. 4204
Saison du B'ville
Brilliant medium light dark copper color. Bright, complex, fruity aromas of banana-plum compote on pound cake, caramelized peaches and kiwi, and corn puff cereal with a supple, flat, effervescent, fruity light-to-medium body and a tingling, brisk granola, banana custard tart, peppered nuts, and cocoa finish. Not really a saison, but a tasty table offering.
84 points
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Date Tasted:
Main Street Brewing Co. 4204 Tripel
84 points
Main Street Brewing Co. 4204
Tripel
Medium brilliant golden amber color. Mild, sulfurous aromas of lit match, dark grilled cheese corn bread sandwich, green banana, and bubblegum dust with a supple, crisp, fizzy, fruity light-to-medium body and a tingling, brisk caramelized fruit, banana nut muffin, and vanilla cream finish. Not really a tripel but a smoky, fruity beer for bbq.
84 points
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Date Tasted:
Samuel Adams Pumpkin Batch
84 points
Samuel Adams
Pumpkin Batch
Clear amber color. Bright, spicy, minty aromas and flavors of spiced carrots and nuts, gingerbread, and roasted squash with a soft, bright, spritzy, dryish medium body and a warming, medium-long finish conveying notes of bitter greens, grilled root vegetables, cocoa, and pepper finish. A nice zesty, spicy, earthy saison.
84 points
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Date Tasted:
Urban Chestnut Brewing Company "Apotheosis" Saison
83 points
Urban Chestnut Brewing Company
"Apotheosis" Saison
Minutely hazy old gold color. Bright, meaty aromas and flavors of baked beans and ham, pork rinds, asparagus frittata, and swedish rye cracker with an even, lively, finely carbonated, fruity light-to-medium body and an effortless, captivating, brisk finish evoking accents of banana pie, pepper, grass, and rubber sap finish. A sturdy table beer.
83 points
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Date Tasted:
The Bronx Brewery Belgian Style Pale Ale
81 points
The Bronx Brewery
Belgian Style Pale Ale
Gold color. Vegetal aromas and flavors of brussels sprouts, hominy, and eggs with a supple, crisp, spritzy, dry light-to-medium body and a tingling, breezy finish evoking notes of corn husk, potato skin, pepper, and balsa finish.
81 points
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Date Tasted:
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