Wednesday, May 15, 2013

White Birch Belgian Style Pale Ale



White Birch Brewing is a small brewery in Hookset, New Hampshire.   They brew in small batches and are currently running on a 7 barrel system.

I totally appreciate a real hand crafted brew.  I've heard good things about the brewery and I picked up this bottle when I was vacationing in the White Mountains. 

Belgian Style Pale Ale (6.5% ABV) is one of White Birch's flagship brews and is available year round.

It pours a hazy dark honey gold with a bright white fluffy head that grabs the glass and leaves behind some nice lacing.  Be careful with the pour or that head will get out of control.  Not that that ever happens to me.  Nope, not me.

The aroma is pearific with lots of caramel malt and floral hops to back it up.

The pear definitely comes through and compliments the caramel flavors of the malt. The hops are both aromatic and flavorful.  They add spiciness and floral notes along with a decent amount of bitterness.  The Belgian yeast makes for an interesting bready layer of flavor that brings everything together into a nice tasty little package.  The finish is a bit of lingering malty sweetness with the overlaying bittering effect of resinous hops.

The mouthfeel is medium to full and very carbonated.  The bubbles are lively and lend to the drinkability of this very tasty brew.





I like this beer a lot.  I look forward to trying other White Birch beers.  

Overall: very good.


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