Brouwhuys De Vaart Luvanium – Belgian Blond Ale at 7.2% ABV (2019 Craft Beer Advent Calendar #17, 330 ml, best before 27-Jun-2021, acquired 22-Nov-2019, reviewed 17-Dec-2019)
Appearance: slightly hazy straw with one fat finger of rocky white head, excellent retention and moderate lacing. (4/5) Aroma: grassy hay, doughy yeast, citrus, banana, floral. (8/10) Taste: moderate sweet, moderate bitter, light spice. (8/10) Palate: medium body, moderate-high carbonation, crisp medium bitter lightly spicy finish. (4/5)
I’m not sure why this isn’t rated higher than it is. Yes, it’s sweetish, with some lager-like characteristics, but it’s a nice beer to drink, deceptively soft and mild with no hint of the respectable ABV. It has no off characteristics – except, arguably, that sweetness – but it’s so well integrated that I don’t find that objectionable (and I usually do). Solid one. (16/20)
8/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
