April 2016 - Continental European Ale Styles

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 menthol mint, spiced chocolate, and creme brulee finish. A rich and complex Belgian ale with evolving waves of flavor; a dessert beer.

Date Tasted: 3/14/2016 in our Chicago tasting lab

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 honeyed apricot nut toast, greens, and herbs and white pepper finish. A supple, flavorful, well balanced tripel.

Date Tasted: 3/14/2016 in our Chicago tasting lab

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.

Date Tasted: 3/14/2016 in our Chicago tasting lab

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 banana creme brulee, spiced fruits, and peppered greens finish. A lovely, delicately spicy meal in a glass.

Date Tasted: 3/7/2016 in our Chicago tasting lab

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.

Date Tasted: 3/14/2016 in our Chicago tasting lab

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, brisk sweet potato finish. A well crafted, finely balanced kolsch with delicate fruitiness.

Date Tasted: 2/22/2016 in our Chicago tasting lab

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 caramelized and smoked nuts, oak spice, and berry vinaigrette finish. A complex and wine-like barrel aged beer.

Date Tasted: 3/14/2016 in our Chicago tasting lab

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 gingerbread, chocolate mint cookie, spiced nuts, and mixed peppercorns finish. A rich and satisfying biere de garde with great vibrancy and balance.

Date Tasted: 3/7/2016 in our Chicago tasting lab

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 honeyed nuts and yams, arugula, and delicate spices finish. A rich malty, creamy Belgian ale with great fruit and spice.

Date Tasted: 3/14/2016 in our Chicago tasting lab

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 baking spices, delicate pepper, and arugula finish. A hearty, warming strong ale with fine poise and subtle complexity.

Date Tasted: 3/7/2016 in our Chicago tasting lab

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 toasted panettone, cherry bubblegum, and honeyed lettuces finish. A fun, flavorful strong ale in the Belgian style.

Date Tasted: 3/7/2016 in our Chicago tasting lab

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 spiced bananas and yams, watercress, and honeyed nuts finish. A nicely layered and appetizing amber ale.

Date Tasted: 3/14/2016 in our Chicago tasting lab

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 roasted root vegetables, delicate spices, and graham cracker finish. A rich, chewy meal or dessert in a glass.

Date Tasted: 3/14/2016 in our Chicago tasting lab

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.

Date Tasted: 2/22/2016 in our Chicago tasting lab

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 honeyed nuts and dried fruits, mint soufflé, radishes, and microgreens finish. A wonderfully vibrant, spicy, and layered saison with lots to offer.

Date Tasted: 3/2/2016 in our Chicago tasting lab

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

Date Tasted: 2/22/2016 in our Chicago tasting lab

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.

Date Tasted: 2/22/2016 in our Chicago tasting lab

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 sprouts, lemon spritzed melon, egg croissant, and grass finish. A nicely dry and astringent kolsch that drinks like a refreshing lager.

Date Tasted: 2/22/2016 in our Chicago tasting lab

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, relaxed banana custard pie, lemon herb muffin, and wheatgrass finish. A nice fruit blonde ale for the table.

Date Tasted: 2/22/2016 in our Chicago tasting lab

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 date bread and kiwi soufflé finish. A rock solid Belgian amber ale with lots of pairing possibilities.

Date Tasted: 3/14/2016 in our Chicago tasting lab

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, carefree caramelized fruits, peppered lettuce, and sprouts finish. A malt driven, English-style amber with good sessionability.

Date Tasted: 2/22/2016 in our Chicago tasting lab

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, crisp corn bread pudding, toasted nuts, and spicy soufflé finish. A nice saison with good drinkability.

Date Tasted: 2/8/2016 in our Chicago tasting lab

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 corn pudding, salad greens, pepper, and dolmades finish. A zesty, earthy tripel for the table.

Date Tasted: 3/14/2016 in our Chicago tasting lab

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, cheery 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.

Date Tasted: 3/7/2016 in our Chicago tasting lab

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, buoyant watercress, grilled nut toast, and earth finish. A smooth, well-balanced, nicely composed dubbel that goes down easy.

Date Tasted: 3/14/2016 in our Chicago tasting lab

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 honeyed starfruit and kiwi, spiced melon, and peppered greens finish. A nicely balanced and refreshing golden ale.

Date Tasted: 3/14/2016 in our Chicago tasting lab

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 arugula, lemon bread, and baked green apple finish. A pleasant sour red ale.

Date Tasted: 3/2/2016 in our Chicago tasting lab

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, brisk dried citrus, banana scone, grass, and pepper finish. A solid, spiced dark wit of a strong ale.

Date Tasted: 3/7/2016 in our Chicago tasting lab

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, buoyant grass, pepper, and lentil-barley soup finish.

Date Tasted: 3/2/2016 in our Chicago tasting lab

Minutely hazy light gold color. Delicate, floral aromas of lipstick, dried roses, and egg croissant with a silky, soft, effervescent, fruity light body and a tingling, short wet grain and rubber finish.

Date Tasted: 3/2/2016 in our Chicago tasting lab

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 banana peel, rye and wheat crackers, earth, and rubbery bubblegum finish. A pleasant spicy dunkelweizen like table beer.

Date Tasted: 3/7/2016 in our Chicago tasting lab

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, rapid potato peel and paper finish. A food beer.

Date Tasted: 2/22/2016 in our Chicago tasting lab

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, fast granola, banana custard tart, peppered nuts, and cocoa finish. Not really a saison, but a tasty table offering.

Date Tasted: 2/22/2016 in our Chicago tasting lab

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, quick caramelized fruit, banana nut muffin, and vanilla cream finish. Not really a tripel but a smoky, fruity beer for bbq

Date Tasted: 2/22/2016 in our Chicago tasting lab

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 bitter greens, grilled root vegetables, cocoa, and pepper finish. A nice zesty, spicy, earthy saison.

Date Tasted: 3/2/2016 in our Chicago tasting lab

Light brilliant gold color. Delicate aromas of banana, bubblegum, and rubber with a creamy, soft, effervescent, off-dry medium-to-full body and a seamless, carefree honey, biscuits, waffles, and baked apples finish. A bright fruity Belgian blond.

Date Tasted: 2/22/2016 in our Chicago tasting lab

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, quick banana pie, pepper, grass, and rubber sap finish. A sturdy table beer.

Date Tasted: 3/7/2016 in our Chicago tasting lab

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, cheery corn husk, potato skin, pepper, and balsa finish.

Date Tasted: 3/14/2016 in our Chicago tasting lab