CynicAle
Surly Brewing Company

 

 

 

 

 

 

Type: 16-oz. can
Glass: Clear 16.5-oz. Belgian ale tulip
From: My cousin Sam
Price: N/A
Purchased: N/A; Received July 21, 2018
Consumed: July 27, 2018
Reviewed as: Belgian Pale Ale
Misc.: Canned on May 29, 2018 at 9:33 a.m. CT

Thanks, Sam!

Got this with another 10 from Sam. Was psyched to try another beer from Surly. Online description on Surly’s website read, “A pale-gold hued ale, fermented with a Belgian yeast strain, resulting in a beer that has notes of lemon citrus from the hops, and black pepper spice from the yeast, with a dry “tingly” finish.” Not the biggest Belgian Pale Ale fan, but was still looking forward to this one.

Poured an amber semi-clear color with two fingers of frothy off-white head. Lots of bubbles coming up along the sides of the glass. Outstanding watery lacing. Outstanding retention. (Sight - 4.25)

Smelled cloves, apple, pear, banana, lemon peel, citrus zest, Circus Peanut candy, peach, apricot, Belgian candy sugary, grass and black pepper notes. From the can got pear, apple, cloves and pilsner malt. (Smell - 4.00)

Tasted similar to the nose, maybe not quite as good overall. In order got cloves, apple, pear, peach, Circus Peanut candy, banana, black pepper, apricot, lemon zest, Belgian candied sugar, grass and sourdough bread. (Taste - 3.75)

Medium body. Oily texture. Lively carbonation. Long, spicy finish. (Feel - 4.00)

Really liked this surprisingly. Would recommend this to any Belgian Pale Ale fan. (Overall - 4.00)

3.92 | 88 | B+

 

Complex refreshing, pleasantly balsamic aroma, taste of berry, wonderful hops.

 

Pours a light amber, lots of bubbles and very clear. Strong yeast profile on the nose with a bit of sweetness. Taste is malt-forward, slightly spicy, decently sweet, with a tart and slightly fruity finish. Light bodied, smooth and leaves a dry feeling at the finish. I know I tried this about a year ago and didn't love it, but I've changed my mind (and my palate!). Very refreshing and will definitely be in my summer rotation.

Pours a nice light amber color with a slight head and lacing. Aroma had nice saison hints. The taste follows the nose with nice saisin flavor. A well made well balanced beer.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Surly beers were always too different for me... (I'd be considered a fuddy-duddy, malt-head by much of the craft culture.)
The six Surly beers I Had were all rated below the BA average... two, far below.
I've changed my mind. (And that's hard to do for a fuddy-duddy.)
Despite its name, CynicAle is a very pleasant drink as a session and even more pleasant to complement my favorite food (it involves lots of garlic.)

While this saison opens average and, to be generous, Smells that way also, the Taste is very, very well-balanced. (This balance of not leaning on the hops makes me wonder if this ale almost didn't come from a different brewer.) Malt-forward, spicing for interest write the rules in this can. With English oats in the malt bill, the Feel is soft enough to be nearly perfect to let garlicky food work. But you know what? I missed the hops typical of saisons. So, I had to add pepper to my food for added spicing. (Maybe I'm not such a fuddy-duddy after all.)

I bought a 4-pack of cans (which also is outside the comfort zone of Belgo-phile fuddy-duddies.) It may prove to be my best purchase this month. I was also glad to read on the package that Surly's Beer Hall has an upstairs gastro-pub that pairs their ales and food (and where they send fuddy-duddies.) This gives me cause to visit the Twin Cities and witness who I used to be.