New Belgium / 3 Floyds Lips of Faith Series Grätzer Ale Grätzer at 4.5% ABV (US$8.41 at Specs Main Houston, 650 ml, best before 1-May-2015, reviewed 3-Feb-2016)
Appearance: opaque black with brown margins, two fingers of fluffy light beige head, good retention and patchy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: ashy, dark roasty malt, earthy. (7/10) Taste: low sweet, mild bitter, mild tart. (7/10) Palate: medium-light body, lively carbonation, crisp slightly smoky and tart finish. (4/5)
I went into this knowing full well it was nearly a year past its best-by, but I was both curious about the style, and hopeful that as essentially a smoked sour, it would actually have an extended shelf life. It did not disappoint. Despite its intimidating colour, it’s light-bodied, easy-drinking, and mildly tart. Someone unfamiliar with smoked beers might find the smokiness odd or intrusive, but I find it mild and pleasant. The lively carbonation and lactic tartness prevent the smoke from becoming mouth-coating, and the low sweetness works well. The low ABV and tart finish make this pretty sessionable. Really quite an interesting beer, and worth picking up even as far past its best-by as this was. (15/20)
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
