La Bavaisienne Bière Ambrée
Brasserie Theillier

 

La Bavaisienne Ambrée pours clean deep amber to light chestnut under a 2” pillowy off white head that slowly collapses producing thick lace. It has a slight chill haze but it turns brilliant as it warms. A slight over ripe fruit aroma permeates the nose joined by fig and a hint of chocolate. Rich malt flavors initiate the palate suggesting a Hostess Twinkie without the cream filling followed by a touch of fruit funk then cola and an earthy quality and just enough bitterness to put everything into balance. Medium body and above average carbonation. I have tried this fresh, aged one year and aged 2 – fresh is better and more vibrant.

 

 

 

 

 

The beer is hazy deep amber, has a warm off-white large head that settles slowly leaving little lacing but heavy curtains.

The smell is sweet fruity, peaches, dates, raisins. Some eggnog or muffin batter.

Starting with sweet sponge cake, some lighter fruity aromas, apricots, pears and apple peel.

Little carbonation, soft and smooth texture, a good body, a hint of dryness.

A nice fruity brew, calm and enjoyable with hard cheese.

 

A: Fantastic warm clear deep amber pour with a really large tan compact head that takes some time to dissipate into nice lacings.

S: Light but still complex – just like the style stipulates. Dry malt and green apples with oranges and lemons. Yeast and spice. Grassy.

T: A bit maltier than you would expect, almost bready. Slightly roasted. Then there’s fruit and yeast with spices; peppers. I get quite some hops, both floral and bitter. Some sourness.

M: Long sour/bitter aftertaste. Body is a bit fuller than this style usually is. Carbonation is medium.

O: An interesting Biere de Garde with more malt than others.

4

A really nice deep coppery amber. Crystal clear and topped by a frothy head that drops down to a thin coating in a few minutes.

Spicy, slightly grassy noble hop aroma, with definite raisin and a touch of Belgian funk. As it warms, it gets more malty with caramel coming out. Fruity esters contribute apple/pear - more noticable as it warms as well.

Noble hops show up in the taste as well. Caramel malt really comes out strong as it warms giving it a nice warm maltiness. White grape juice in the flavor and a little in the aroma. Finishes dry, but the maltiness makes you almost think twice. Crisp, almost bubbly effervescence that tails off with time and smooths out.

Definitely worth picking up.