Sunday, May 26, 2013

New Belgium Lips of Faith Brewery Vivant Collaboration Biere de Garde

New Belgium Lips of Faith Collaboration with Brewery Vivant Biere de Garde. That's a mouthful. Fort Collins, Colorado, by way of Grand Rapids, Michigan, by way of France by way of Belgium. 9% ABV. (See link for more information.)


Clear, golden hued, full froth atop, gloriously snowy white, pillowy and lacey. An especially invited glass of ale.

Aromatics: Belgian yeast treats the nose first, with some fruit, some funk, and a flash of tart, a certain amount of wildness going down. Almost zero hops perceived, but plenty of citrus zest from yeast and malt, not mention grassiness, horse blanket-esque, and a touch of j'en c'est quoi.

Taste: Slides into the mouth citrus first, sweet malt in front, with funky flashes on the side. Rising in sourness as the drink continues, but never quit getting too anything. Very palatable, medium to light bodied, especially refreshing and delicious. Strength hasn't hit me yet, and I must admit to being annoyed again at a 9% brew that just doesn't need to be. Sure, this is an interpretation of a Biere de Garde that doesn't really resemble traditional versions, but this has the kind of flavor that would make me want to indulge in one after the next, but the alcoholic strength to prohibit it.

This is a slick and tasty ale that ends on the dry side, with a spicy kick floating on the flavor. It's fruity and fresh, and just wild and weird enough to entertain even the most discriminating Belgo-phile. Lemony, tart, with a clovey kick near the end to make it interesting. Another ingenious entry in the Lips of Faith series. If anything, these guys continue to take chances, and it pays off here.

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