Stone’s ‘Cali-Belgique’
The Belgian IPA is a relatively new style that takes Belgian strong ale styles, especially the Belgian strong pale ale, and mixes it with features redolent of an American IPA. The result is a beer style which features a triple threat of hops, Belgian yeast flavors, and alcohol. The refreshing character of American hops alongside the restrained use of malt make this an unconventional but pleasing spring beer that can pair with a wide variety of foods.
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‘CALI BELGIQUE’ – STONE – Belgian IPA – 6.90% ABV (Eye Choir’s Choice)
Appearance: Poured a translucent golden-orange with a two-finger white head. There is quite a bit of carbonation visible, as well as a mild to moderate fine haziness. 4.5/5
Smell: Quite hoppy, with pine and a citrus aroma like that of grapefruit, which unfolds into floral and herbal aromas, alongside mild tropical fruit like pineapple and even banana. Underneath is a light, bready malt with a touch of hay and honey, as well as some subtle funky yeast which gives rise to pepper and clove flavors. Very unique and well-balanced 4.5/5
Taste: Immediately tart with a good dose of bitterness, especially on the finish, which accentuates the spiciness of the yeast character. However, there is some definite sweetness throughout, which helps the fruit and honey notes hang on the palate. Plays excellently to the strengths of the aroma 4.5/5
Mouthfeel: Moderate to light body, aided by ample carbonation. Some alcoholic heat is present, which is adds a touch of overripe heaviness to the fruit which balances the refreshing, slightly oily hop flavors. Nice crisp character overall, though. 4.5/5
Overall: Has the hop bitterness and alcohol of an average-strength IPA alongside yeasty funk and malt which are much like a saison. Well integrated and subtle ideas throughout, definitely not a session beer though. 4.5/5
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‘RAGING BITCH’ – FLYING DOG – Belgian IPA – 8.30% ABV
Appearance: Poured a moderately light, transparent orange brown with a one-finger, off-white head and a small amount of particulate haze. 3/5
Smell: Pungent American pine and grapefruit hop flavors with hints of floral and other fruit flavors. Yeast gives much milder spice and cotton candy notes which pair up nicely with the sweet caramel malt aroma. Straightforward but well-balanced and pleasing. 4/5
Taste: Moderate to strong bitterness greatly accentuates the citrus and pine, though there is a surprising undertone of sweetness which carries some of the malt. Belgian flavors are unfortunately a little weaker than expected, though dry finish has a mild to moderate tartness which kicks up some of the funky yeast notes. Hop character could stand to be more subtle as well. 3/5
Mouthfeel: Medium bodied, with an oily, smooth mouthfeel which matches the flavor profile quite well. Also has a nice kick of alcoholic heat which ripens the fruit flavors, though there is only mild to moderate carbonation. 3.5/5
Overall: Bouquet is well-crafted, the but the Belgian flavors are too understated overall. A reasonably good IPA that could have been a lot better if the hops were toned down slightly and the yeast character was magnified a bit. 3.5/5
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‘A LITTLE SUMPIN’ WILD’ – LAGUNITAS – Belgian IPA – 8.80% ABV
Appearance: Poured a light, orange-tinted gold with a one finger, white head. There is surprisingly no haze, though fairly strong carbonation can be easily seen. 4/5
Smell: Deluge of bubble gum and tropical fruits such as mango, melon, and pineapple followed up by some peppery and lightly phenolic yeast notes. Comparatively mild backing malt character is a bready grain aroma that pairs well with potent but subtle fresh hop aromas. 4/5
Taste: Moderate to strong bitterness that magnifies the hop character to additionally include various citrus fruits, flower pollen, and even some more resinous notes. Yet this is never cloying, finding a proper balance from a mild tartness and mild to moderate sweetness which support the piercing fruitiness and even props up the malt flavor. Certainly intense, but not overwhelming. 4/5
Mouthfeel: Medium body with a silky smooth, slick mouthfeel which makes the fruit flavors even more juicy-tasting. Moderate carbonation makes this very quaffable, despite the high alcohol content which is seen only in a mild to moderate alcoholic heat. 4.5/5
Overall: Impressive depth of fruity flavor and well-balanced taste, though the malt character is a little weak at times; still a great beer. 4/5
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‘LE FREAK’ – GREEN FLASH – Belgian IPA – 9.20% ABV
Appearance: Poured a very thickly hazy brown orange with a two finger, eggshell head. There is a small amount of carbonation, but it is barely visible. 4/5
Smell: Has a strong Belgian yeast smell, with a moderate funkiness and lots of fruit such as banana, orange, and even darker fruits like plums and blackberries. This combines amazingly with the caramel malt which touches on molasses as well as some citric and floral hops. Overall has a very unified, yet complex aroma, though the hop character could stand to be more prominent for a Belgian IPA. 4/5
Taste: Starts with a moderate to strong bitterness which brings out some orange and even touches of grapefruit from the hops, and a mild to moderate tartness that highlights the slightly rank funkiness of the yeast. However, there is a good balance struck by an underlying moderate to mild sweetness which keeps the combination of toffee and plum coming back onto the palate. The finish darkens as the sweetness dies out and a slight boozy flavor comes up. 4.5/5
Mouthfeel: Has a medium mouthfeel that has a wonderfully smooth tactile alcoholic heat that accentuates a lot of the fruit flavor. A soft carbonation provides a small measure of contrast to this. Fits the taste of the beer quite well. 4.5/5
Overall: Definitely a Belgian IPA that is slightly more Belgian than IPA, but the American hops that push through complement the rest of the flavors expertly. A distinctive beer with a lot of layers. 4/5
Eye Choirs 