After yesterday’s beer news I was pleasantly surprised to get the opportunity to enjoy a few Sam Adams Noble Pils drafts last night at the Celebration Town Tavern. I really didn’t think I would get an opportunity to try it that soon. It may be a bit strange to have enjoyed a spring seasonal in January, but it was good enough that I will have to reconsider my personal ranking of the Sam Adams seasonal lineup. Combining that with meeting some extremely nice people, getting a tour of the beer cooler, and having some of the best clam chowder and onion rings in Florida (or anywhere for that matter), it was a really excellent evening. A big thank you to Bill and Susan for your hospitality!
Oh yeah, I have a beer review for Friday to get to. I am not sure if I would have picked this one for myself, but I am glad The Wife brought it home for me to try. It is one of those different, but in a good way beers.
Brewery: Kerkom Brewery (Belgium)
Name: Bink Bloesem (Belgian Ale with pear syrup and honey)
Style: Fruit Beer
ABV: 7.1%
Tasting Notes: Stored in the wine fridge and served in a mug. $4.99 for 11.2 oz.
Aroma: Mild malt aroma with some sweetness (honey?) and fruitiness, but no specific fruit nose. Slight yeastiness and some alcohol in back.
Appearance: Brown with strong garnet highlights. Two plus finger, beige head with moderate retention that does not leave a trail. Seems clear (very dark and unable to see through).
Flavor: Malty with some sweetness. A hint of honey is there, but I would not be able to blindly identify which fruit without the label. Good balance with a finish that lingers a bit with the slightest hint of bitterness.
Mouthfeel: Medium body and a good amount of carbonation that gives some bite. Slight warmth toward finish.
Overall Impressions: Very enjoyable and I might not immediately pin it as a fruit beer in a blind tasting (no overwhelming fruit flavors). The bit of warmth balances well with everything else. Good beer, but small amount for the price.
Grade: B+
Kerkom Brewery - Bink Bloesem
Somewhere kicking around in my stack of ToBePosted beer reviews I have a Bink Blonde… If you get a chance I would definitely give that brew a try. I am such a sucker for a good Belgian
I am not sure why really, but I was surprised by how much I liked it and would definitely give their other beers a try. Or maybe I should wait for your official review?