Blonde
Brasserie Moulin D'Ascq

 

 

Enjoyed from the 750ml bottle in a DFH snifter. This nice blonde pours a hazy blondish amber with a very nice white layer of slowly dissipating foam that leaves excellent lacing. Nose of tart apples, white grapes, a dash of citrus fruits, sweet honey, and light baked breads. Flavors follow the nose with a mild white grape and honey sweetness that is followed by crisp tart apples, and a lightly spicy white pepper and fresh bread/water cracker flavor mingling with a touch of a mineral note on the aftertaste. Mouth feel is well carbonated and refreshing with a moderately dry finish. A fantastic blonde from France. Excellent.

Cheers

 

 

Beautifully sculpted, the tired attempts at sweeter and fruity Belgian Blonde Ales has been solved with Moulin D'Ascq with this Blonde that's balanced with earthy and spicy tones and isn't afraid of hop usage.

Its hazy gold pour seems to scatter light like a prism as it settles into the glass. A creamy white lather builds atop the beer and retains well even as it recedes into a scattered sheet across the surface. Its lacing is scattered as it breaks with each sip. All in all, its a fine looking Belgian ale.

Grainy-sweet to start, its floral honey-suckle note is laced with fresh baking bread and water crackers. Slightly husky, its nose is mildly vegetal and weedy as the fruit esters build and its wine-like character overtakes the earthy tones. White grape, apple and pear skirt just above the sweetness and dive right into a wine-like acidic note. White pepper and cumin round out the scent even as the grassy hops build back in.

Its honey-like taste is sweet but stops just shy of true honey but is floral in taste as the malt sweetness intertwines with fruit esters. Yet its grain sweetness is suited for both barley broth and candy stores. But its fruity middle is met with a spicy counterpart of white pepper, clove and light detergent. Finishing with a mild chardonnay tone, its acidity cleans up the fruit and spice before its dry alcohol finishes its taste.

Medium-light, the beer is nearly dry but that honey tone and relatively subdued carbonation allows for an impression of weight to float delicately on the tongue. Even though the ale quivers a bit in the middle, it avoids thinness en route to a peppery, dry, and fleeting finish- ideally suited for delicate fish and pasta dishes.