New Belgium Brewing Company Lips Of Faith Series Tart Lychee Sour / Wild Ale at 7.5% ABV | 12 IBU (C$18.80 at Liquor Crossing Red Deer, 650 ml, best before 14-May-2017, acquired 24-Aug-2016, reviewed 5-Oct-2016)
Appearance: hazy to cloudy medium gold, two fingers of off-white head, excellent retention and spotty lacing. (4/5) Aroma: tart citrus, slightly funky sweet and gritty lychee, crackery pale malt, woody, very light cinnamon. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate tart, light bitter, light spice. (8/10) Medium-light body, moderate carbonation, off-dry lingering tart and lightly spicy finish. (4/5)
I was a little hesitant with this one – the LoF series has been a little hit-and-miss for me lately, with really only La Folie being consistently excellent. Others have been a bit “meh” (e.g. the Blackberry Barley Wine) or worse (the Hof Ten Dormaal Golden Ale leaps to mind). The flavours for this one are actually somewhat reminiscent of La Folie, but with less depth. On the other hand I am definitely getting the lychee, so I guess it accomplishes what it sets out to do. On yet another hand (yes, I have three hands) it’s a little pricey for what it is. Ultimately worth it, I think it, but there are better examples of the style (albeit not with lychee) for cheaper – their own La Terroir, for example. (16/20)
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
