Brasserie Thiriez L’Ambrée d’Esquelbecq Bière de Garde at 5.8% ABV (C$7.17 at Willow Park Wine & Spirits, 750 ml, no bottle date or best before)
Appearance: clear medium amber with one finger of fluffy ivory head, good retention and patchy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: somewhat muted, caramel/toffee malt, dark fruit, spices, light earthy funk. (6/10) Taste: moderately strong sweet, mild bitter, light tart. (6/10) Medium body tending a little to the watery, lively carbonation, off-dry finish. (4/5)
Not bad, but not as well done as their Étoile du Nord. (Though, to be fair, I enjoy saisons much more than ambers, so personal preference is probably a factor there.) The lighter, somewhat watery body and lively carbonation are a bit at odds with the darker malt sweetness and winter spices. They call this a “Bière de Garde,” but the labels of “Winter Warmer,” Christmas Beer,” or just plain “Amber” would probably all work just as well. (13/20)
6.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
