Prince Edward Island Brewing Company Cuvée La Joye Belgian Golden Strong Ale at 9% ABV (C$12.97 at NLC Stavanger, 750 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 11-May-2018, reviewed 28-Jun-2018)
Appearance: clear deep gold with one fat finger of rocky white head, good retention and moderate soapy lacing. (4/5) Aroma: white wine, stone fruit, caramel, toffee, vanilla, bourbon, oak. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, low bitter, light tart. (8/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, dry funky tart finish. (4/5)
That’s… not bad at all, actually, especially considering the marginal EIPA and at-best-adequate APA and Saison I’ve had from them. Certainly not the same ole same ole, what with both vinous stone fruit and toffee bourbon notes, but it (sort of surprisingly) kinda works. (Maybe in the same way a caramel apple works?) Interestingly, despite the big sweet aromas, the sweetness is restrained overall and doesn’t linger in the finish. I like this. I blinked when I saw the score, thought about it, rechecked everything, and yeah, that’s accurate – this is actually seriously solid. (16/20)
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
