Southern Tier Tier de Garde Bottle Conditioned Belgian-style India Pale Ale, Ale Brewed with Grapefruit Peel. 8.1% Alc./Vol. Brewed and bottled by Southern Tier Brewing Company, Lakewood, New York. USA. 750 ml bottle, 1 pint, 9 fl. oz.
It just occurred to me that the Southern Tier brewing company hasn't done many Belgian-style brews. If they've done any, I can't think of any that I've had. I had thought, based on the name, that this was their take on a Biere de Garde, but it's not, instead it's something much more up my alley. Now, let's proceed with the drinking.
Appearance: Clear-ish, bright amber coloring, glorious white head, long-lasting and lovely.
Aroma: Grapefruit greets us first, with Belgian yeast character right behind. Fruity and funky and wild and hoppy, and just exactly what I expect from a Belgian IPA. Very nice.
Taste: Again, the grapefruit leads the charge, with fresh, fruity hops dropping flavor and some bitterness behind. Smooth stuff, exceptionally drinkable, delightful and delicious. I said "fresh"? I said "Fruity"? Yeah, it's tasty stuff.
This is a beautiful beer, and I can't imagine it's really, truly 8% ABV. Wait, whoa, …there it is. Yum, yum. Wonder what that label tells us?
""Moving on the street at bicycle pace is an experiential way of being in the world. Pedaling with friends is a social event and an exercise in teamwork. All senses are tuned and each revolution moves the riders closer to the destination. Similarly, the ingredients in the bottle work together to reach an end. This is an invitation to raise a glass in celebration of a finish." Well, that tells us nothing about the beer, but, whatever...
Tasting notes: Hop bitterness & grapefruit zest w/ floral & apricot notes.
Pair with: Spicy seafood, aged cheese.
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