Notes added 09/04/21

New look labels that have been a round for a few years now, pictured here.

In its sixteen year evolution since the original review in 2005, it still feels ‘mild’ – I stand by that word. The BSDA style classification looks ‘wrong’ when when considers the color (mid, golden orange), and the lack of punch that the ABV should deliver. It looks like a Tripel, but lacks any white pepper spice, and there are no dark fruits here. Amber also seems wrong.

To be honest, this remains an enigma. It just doesn’t fit anywhere correctly. The ABV is MIA, the color doesn’t match the style, the tastes don’t match the style OR the color, BUT it remains very drinkable and tasty in its own right. Seems maltier than it should be too, and if pushed I might describe it as tasting like a Belgian Vienna Lager (and yes, I know that makes little sense, but try it!). In the end it still adds up to be a delicious beer. I don’t really understand this beer, but I do enjoy it immensely.

Original notes 10/23/05

Deep orange, butterscotch poured into a Leffe goblet, coupled with a beautiful head and some lacing, this tempts the palate just from the look alone. This is the reason you don’t drink beer from the bottle!

In a nutshell this is simply a mild and classy, classic Belgian. Typical yeast character, typical flavors, typical smooth mouthfeel, typical quality exudes from this insanely drinkable beer.

It has a lot of sweetness, but this is masked by the combination of yeast, alcohol and tiny hop bite in the finish. Not the very best from this magical brewery, but close.