Blindman Brewing 1 Year Belgian Golden Strong Ale at 8.9% ABV | 45 IBU (C$7.29 at Willow Park Wine & Spirits, 500 ml, no bottle date or best before, acquired 8-Nov-2016, reviewed 12-Nov-2016)
Appearance: hazy straw with one finger of fluffy white head, excellent retention and patchy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: citrus, stone fruit, Belgian yeast, pale malt, light funk and spices. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (8/10) Medium body, lively carbonation, drying and warming lightly funky finish. (4/5)
An ambitious anniversary ale by a local brewery I quite enjoy – and in a challenging style I quite enjoy. Definitely many opportunities for failure there, but actually, it turned out pretty darned good. Lots of Belgian character from the Duvel yeast, and a lightly funky dry finish from the Saison yeast. Well-balanced, with a high but not intrusive alcohol presence. Alberta beer geeks who don’t try this are doing themselves a disservice. (16/20)
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
