High River Brewing Co. Belvedere Punk Rock – Golden Ale at 5.0% ABV (C$4.35 at Collective, 473 ml, no packaging date or best before, acquired 2-Jul-2021, reviewed 7-Jul-2021)
Appearance: slightly hazy pale gold with one fat finger of fine white head, good retention and spotty soapy lacing. (3/5) Aroma: tropical & stone fruit, caramel, grass, herbal. (7/10) Taste: moderate-high sweet, moderate bitter. (6/10) Medium body, moderate carbonation, sweetish medium bitter slightly astringent finish. (3/5)
I always like the idea of collaborations between brewers and bands. Personally, though, I’d’ve expected a punk rock band to go with something a little more challenging than a Golden. It’s not bad, though I find it a bit sweet, with muddled fruit notes barely beating out a caramel malt backbone. Despite the sweetness, the finish is just slightly astringent. All in all, pretty forgettable. The album’s not bad, though – shades of Green Day, perhaps, so that gives you some idea of how “punk” it really is. (13/20)
6.5/10 ryansbooze.com #ryansbooze
