Monday, September 9, 2013

Belgian Pale Ale Project – Brouwerij De Koninck’s De Koninck (#3)

11.2 ounce bottle decanted into a tulip glass.  5.2% ABV.

Appearance:  Brilliant mahogany.  Light, broken cap of foam (4/5).

Aroma:  Apples and pears.  Gingerbread cookies.  Then the Saaz show up wearing its earthy, floral perfume (3.75/5).

Taste:  Cidery and sweet.  Tastes a little like someone spiked it with white wine.  There is a suggestion of bitterness at the end, but it never really turns into much (3.25/5).

Mouthfeel:  Medium body, medium carbonation (3.5/5).

Overall:  De Koninck is generally considered the standard for the style, and realistically it probably should have been the first step in my Belgian Pale Ale project.  But I think I caught it early enough for it to impact the rest of the initiative.  It’s slightly sweet, a bit phenolic, and very easy to drink.  My only problem with it was the hops.  I understand Saaz are inherent to the style, but I really struggle with this particular variety.  I just don’t like it very much.  Fortunately the bittering was dealt with a very light hand and I was able to look around them for the most part.  Overall, very nice (3.5/5).

-Matt

No comments:

Post a Comment