Bench Brewing Company Jordan Harbour – Belgian Pale Ale at 5.2% ABV | 25 IBU (C$3.78 at Collective, 473 ml, packaged on 30-Aug-2019, acquired 31-Oct-2019, reviewed 1-Nov-2019)
Appearance: hazy medium amber with two fingers of fine pale ivory head, excellent retention and chunky lacing. (3/5) Aroma: apple, stone fruit, caramel, spices, grass. (6/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter. (6/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, sweetish medium bitter finish. (3/5)
My immediate first impression was that it was a bit dark and muddy for a Belgian Pale. The aroma was also not completely aligned with my expectations for the style, albeit not completely out of spec. (Though, the fruit aromas were certainly more browned and oxidized than I’d prefer.) The biggest sin, though, was probably the sweetish finish, with none of the dry crispness I prefer. Pretty unremarkable and disappointing overall. (12/20)
6/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
