$12.99 from Jax, Sandy Springs, Atlanta, GA, USA for the 750 mL corked & caged affair.
Poured into the tall, stemmed, Abbaye des Roc Chalice to reveal a honey colored body with a small head that fades to give a surface of foam and a tiny amount of lace.
Nose has light alcohol, and the mild, solvent like character associated with wine – the grape notes coming through strong.
This is NOT a Belgian Strong Dark by any stretch of the imagination. It’s much more like a Belgian Strong Pale with some Champagne character coming through too. Full and creamy in the mouth, the carbonation is perfectly understated. A light acidity accompanies the finish and the alcohol, although present, is really nowhere to be seen in terms of its power. very light tart notes, but very reserved.
VERY subtle, light and delicate, another one of those beers that you could happily substitute for wine or a mild aperitif or toasting option.
I think this is classy – Allagash rarely misses, and this is another fine example of a beer that is streets ahead in terms of class.