Harriet Brewing Divine Oculust

Harriet Brewing Divine Oculust, whatever that might be, (some kind of spiritual opthalmologist?)Belgian-style Strong Golden Ale.

In my new black & white Harriet growler, (maybe I'll get another green one, next time I go back for an exchange), pours a hazy dark golden, it's too laden with yeast to cast a true golden hue, somewhere between amber and orange, this with a nice, big pure white head, that slims down, but stays steady.

Aroma: some sweetness, but mostly Belgian yeast funk, and malt. Fruity esters, some apricot and peach, orange rind riding under, minor hops, very much in the style of a Belgian pale ale.

Taste: Big and fruity, large malt flavor, really dominates the palate with light but predominant fruit character. Some bitter hops character rides the palate, but doesn't intrude or take charge, just sits in and says a few things. Yeasty, malty Belgian character is the main factor, the body is medium, and it's leaning on pretty damned tasty. That's the thing, truly. Although, not quite as crisp and delicate as a real Belgian golden, like Duvel, and really leaning towards a triple. Above all, it's definitely delicious. Sweet-ish, wild, crazy, funky, fresh, and zesty, too. I come close to calling it yummy. Heck, who knows, I just might. Yum, yummy, yum, yum. Me likey.

Alcohol peeps up and gets noticed soon enough, though drinkability suffers not in the least.

Here's what I love. They 're causing a genuine stir, and getting neighborhood folks in their doors to pick up a growler of a beer like this, many of whom may not understand the style, or perhaps have never taken the plunge into Belgians. This is their stepping stone. They are brought in by the idea of partaking in the new local good and service, the novel idea of an actual brewery in their neighborhood, but making these somewhat esoteric styles. Someone takes one home for the family dinner because they heard about it, and thinks, "this is beer?" It's their first Belgian style ale, and maybe they'll check out the real stuff, and keep going back to Harriet and fostering their progress, and allowing them to keep making great small batch Belgian-styles, just for this community.
I love the idea of new brewery making very small batches. Not available in stores, only at the brewery, and a small number of bars. You have to be here. You can't get it where you are, if you're not.

There were hundreds buying growlers today, of Divine Oculust. How many of these customers are trying this style for the first time, I wonder? How many may try other great Belgian brews, of at least break away from whatever rut they are in.

I was surprised and not surprised by which bars where among the chosen few, and honored that I was the first. Wednesday the 9th will be quite a night. Can not wait for the crazy excitement.

(Although, I don't think I did a first-rate job on these notes. May have to re-review with another growler. Consider this a work in progress.)