abbey

The heat of summer will be here in no time and New Belgium is ready for refreshment with its latest offerings.  Whether you’re a fan of sour ales, golden ales, or fruit beer, there’s something here for you to enjoy. Cheers!

lafolie_l

La Folie 2016

Wood Aged Sour Ale

Nose

Sour Ales are aged in wood barrels (in this case Oak), so its no surprise that it has a woody nose.

Taste 

On the the first sip, I was hit up front with immediate tartness. After additional sips, there were notes of apple and cherry note.

Finish

It has a woody finish to it in my opinion, but it still invites another sip.

Recommendation

If you are not familiar with Sour Ales, I would recommend a sample first.

kriek_l

Transatlantique Kriek 

Wood Aged Sour Cherry Ale

2016 Lips Of Faith

Nose

Tart cherries on the nose.

Taste

Tart cherry that sweetens as it lingers.

Finish

It has a nice crisp finish with a hint of tartness.

Recommendation

Again, I would recommend trying a sample if you are unfamiliar with Sour Ales. However, this is a more approachable introduction to the sour beer family.

Hoppy Blonde Ale 

Hoppy Blonde Ale 

Nose

Citrus Hop nose with notes of Tangerine and mango

Taste 

Sweet malts tone down the hoppy nose and round out the beer for a great balanced taste.

Finish

It has a crisp finish with a hint of hoppy bitterness.

Recommendation

A great Blond Ale that has a nice hoppy kick to it. Grab a pitcher to share with friends!

heavymelon_l

Heavy Melon

Fruit Beer

Nose

Light smell of bread malts, nothing much after

Taste 

Sweet malts with a bit of watermelon taste. It’s only after you breathe out through your mouth that you notice the watermelon notes more.

Finish

A hint of lime rind adds a bit of bitterness to the end.

Recommendation

Not an overpowered fruit beer that I was expecting. The watermelon and lime were much more subtle. Grab a sample to sip before you dive in.

hoften_l

Lips of Faith Golden Ale

Hof Ten Dormaal Collaboration

Nose

Big herbal nose up front with some notes of sweet malt and a hint of cloves

Taste 

Apple & pear notes that give way to yeast taste with some malt tastiness and minerals.

Finish

A sweet herbal finish that lingers on the tongue.

Recommendation

Grab a pint while you can!

.

By Matthew Phillips

Matt beer-small