lot 3C no 23. $23.99.

Tremendous pop on opening. Because of the volume associated with the cork, I was expecting a gusher, but no. Bonus! Golden body, exquisite head, retention and lace as usual.

The beer starts gently and with some sweetness. The mouthfeel is exceptional. Rich, creamy and with significant presence. Amongst those first mouthfuls, and in the very far back end, are the promises of things to come. A touch of stinging bitterness.

As the beer warms it drinks less sweet and with some increasing, if mild, bitterness. It’s hard to describe, because the mouthfeel keeps things incredibly smooth and simultaneously lively. There’s also a lingering sweetness, that with the building bitter note gives this incredible sweet and sour feel which is both paradoxical and quintessentially Fantôme.

There’s light lemon, plenty of alcohol and an equisite, light bitter, and minimally herbal far palate. This beer lingers, and does so beautifully. Some citrus, some hops, some sweetness, it’s beyond complex. The grapefruit based, lightly sugared bitterness repeats.

A classic ‘tome. Enough said.