Parallel 49 Wild Ride 2018 Edition Belgian Strong Pale Ale at 9% ABV (C$7.49 at Oak & Vine, 650 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 25-May-2018, reviewed 25-May-2018)
Appearance: clear pale gold with two fingers of fluffy white head, good retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: mild, syrupy fruit, pale malt, pineapple, floral, light earthy funk. (6/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, moderate bitter, light funky tart. (6/10) Palate: medium slightly slick body, moderate-lively carbonation, sweetish mildly warming finish. (3/5)
Not exactly what I’d call a wild ride, personally (but I tend to subscribe to the “licking a horse blanket” school of Brett brewing). At the outset, there’s very little Brett character at all, and although it grows slightly as the pint progresses, it never really gets “wild”. “Slightly high spirited” perhaps, but never “wild” – or even “rambunctious”. On the other hand, while we’re on the topic of high spirits, the high ABV is impressively well-integrated, and manifests only as a mild warming. Decently well done and somewhat reminiscent of a sweeter-style Tripel. (13/20)
6.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
