Recent Tasting Notes

t IJ Columbus (16/20)

After 2 years of trying to assess beers with a level of seriousness I have never, never ever seen a more attractive beer in the glass. Massive creamy frothy head, a dead-ringer for whipped cream. Lovely glowing dark orange; the Orval chalice is working a treat. Sweet malts on the nose with signature spice and nutmeg, hugely appealing although a little more subdued in this beer that some of the other ’tIj offerings. Flavours slightly under-deliver; licorice and spice early. The malts pick up pace, driving a bitter note, but the alcohol does swamp a touch on the finish, leaving some heat. This does lessen over time however. Nice herbal, nettle underlay right through the palate.

Poperings Hommelbier (16/20)

Massive massive head, pure white with a foamy, creamy top layer. Dull orange in colour; a little cloudy. Medium strength nose of equal parts malt and hops. A touch of sweetness but aromas tend more to the hops. Great to taste with a wall of thick flavours early, again herbally and spicy, before flattening out to reveal a very well balanced beer. The spicy hops is a real standout and is quite powerful as well. Reminds me of the excellent TiJ beers from Amsterdam.

Snowy Mountains Razorback Red Ale (11/20)

Not convinced this is an amber but I figured this was the closest style denoter. Nice red-brown colour in the glass but the head retention is very weak. Aromas nearly get there; very mild roast and a touch of chocolate, has presence, but a touch of dumb sweetness lurks as well. Flavours are completely about face off the bose; no sweet malt action but instead a lean palate (in terms of obvious malts) with quite good hop treatment. Nettles, cut grass, albeit faint but nevertheless has presence and a cut of class. Finish is a bit fizzy and non-descript.