A rare, rare treat in the US – the Grand Cru at 7.8%.

30/11/13 L12244 $9.99 for the 750 mL, Green’s on Ponce.

A classic BdG in appearance with that distinct copper color that always seems to yield very little head or lace. Great clarity.

Nose offers plenty of bright, clean malts, and the tastes follow suit in a simplistic, and very sharp manner.

No edges here, a well-defined beer, true to style and one that leaves not a whiff of residue of any type. There’s plenty of the nutty sweetness that the Pas De Calais malt promises on the label, and well as a nice body and depth. This is certainly not what one call a robust beer in terms of its body, but it’s perfect for a slightly amped up version of the style.

This has (as one would expect), Octoberfest/Märzen notes of malt balance, but with a gentle hop bitterness in the final quarter and aftertaste of the beer. It’s a kiss, of course, but it is there and it is welcome.

There is an increase in sweetness that comes through as the beer warms.

A paradox of a beer, in as much as it is complex and simple in the same breath.