Bellwoods Brewery Motley Cru (2015) Sour Belgian Ale (Tripel / Quad Blend) at 8.7% ABV (Trade – thanks, Chucksahoy!, 500 ml, packaged on 4-Apr-2015, acquired 17-Jul-2015, reviewed 17-May-2018)
Appearance: clear deep ruby with a short, short-lived fizzy head, no lacing. (3/5) Aroma: oak, red wine, field berries, leather, balsamic. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate tart, low bitter. (8/10) Palate: medium body, moderate-lively carbonation, clean tart finish. (4/5)
Super mild easy-to-drink Belgian sour blend. It’s clearly mellowed significantly during its three year cellaring, and I suspect has probably lost some complexity in the process – but it’s now ever so smooth! Somewhat surprisingly, Brett hasn’t run amok here, either structurally in the head and carbonation, or in the flavours, which are at most mildly funky. There’s also no hint of oxidation, which is good given the time spent in the cellar. I’m a little worried about its older brother which I’m trying next, though – we’ll see if I’m as lucky there! (16/20)
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
