Great Divide Belgica
From Great Divide Brewing Co. – The Roman name for the Low Counties – is a marriage of the best in American and Belgian brewing traditions. Belgian pilsner malt, a generous amount of American and European hops and a unique Belgian yeast strain combine to give Belgica big notes of citrus and spice, creating a lively concoction perfect for spring in the Rockies – or the Ardennes.
Great Divide Brewing Co. – Belgica – 12 oz. bottle poured into a goblet. 7.2% abv.
Appearance: Pours a clear vibrant yellow gold with a 1/2 inch of fluffy white head. The body is clear with champagne like bubbles rising to the top.
Aroma: A mixture of lemon zest and bready yeast in those, even from about 2 feet away. Upon a closer smell, I find some funky yeast odors as well.
Taste: Belgian tripel yeast (fruity and funky), clove, coriander, finishing with a mixture of earthy, spicy and bitter hops. That hop mixture lends a slight metallic taste as well.
Mouthfeel: Full, fizzy and crisp.
Overall: Whether it is because it’s not like the others in a good or bad way, I liked this beer a lot. It was nearing in on the pencil shaving territories I have found with this style, it didn’t have it. Light citrus, spice and funk, with a great fizzy dry mouthfeel made it a winner.
