-
Stop lurking! Log in to search, post in our forums, review beers, see fewer ads, and more. — Todd, Founder of BeerAdvocate
Ovila Belgian Style Golden
Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
- From:
- Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
- California, United States
- Style:
- Belgian Pale Strong Ale
- ABV:
- 8.5%
- Score:
- 86
- Avg:
- 3.83 | pDev: 10.7%
- Reviews:
- 62
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Retired
- Rated:
- Sep 14, 2021
- Added:
- Jun 24, 2012
- Wants:
- 13
- Gots:
- 13
No description / notes.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by BEERchitect:
Reviewed by BEERchitect from Kentucky
4/5 rDev +4.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
4/5 rDev +4.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Sierra nevada continues to march through the more popular styles of Belgian ales for the bennefit of the Abbey of New Clairvaux. This time, they do so with the ever ellusive elegance found in few Belgian strong pale ales, even within the boarders of Belgium.
With a quick pop of the cork, the beer sounds off with Belgian confidence right out of the shoot. Not a gushing beer, but the careful decantment yields a billowing foam structure that easily topples the tulip. As the beer separates from the froth, the golden elixir underneath is a thing of beauty. A modest haze allows the beer to glow with shades of goldenrod. Persistent head retention and intermittent lacing reinforces the beer's Belgian authenticity.
Sweet and succulent notes of floral hops, honey, and fruit swirl in just the right balance to remind me of honeysuckle. Backed by the supple malt of biscuit and pilsner, the beer's cracker-like breadiness grounds the esters, hop oils, sweet scent and gives the aromas structure. Balancing notes of white pepper, clove and dried orange peel offset the sweeter fruitier notes and offers yet another layer of complexity to the overall scent.
Flavors ride the same consistent line of that in aroma. A medium-sweet captures the taste of honey and powdered sugar before developing into a dry-fruit taste of apples and pears- reminding me of Riesling or drier French ciders or perry. The light bready base of biscotti and animal crackers rein in the esters and sweetness and give the spicy balance a springboard in which to jump. White pepper, coriander, and curacao orange peel accompany milder tones of clove and cardamom as the beer dries out wonderfully headed into finish. A late stance of hop bitterness matches that of spiciness but never rivals for command in balance.
Medium-light in body, the early firmness is aided by residual malt sweetness and a rich grainy-sweet body. But the carbonation pulls the malt from the tongue and favors an arid dryness of fruit and spice. Finishing off-dry, the beers 8.5% strength delivers a warm and soothing finish with high drinkability and lightness.
Sierra Nevada's philanthropic endevors leads them to a very classy and authentic tasting Belgian strong pale ale that's on par with those like Delirium Tremens, Piraat Ale, and Lucifer. But it must be drier to match that of Duvel. Still, it's a pleasure to sit with a bottle of the beer!
Sep 25, 2012With a quick pop of the cork, the beer sounds off with Belgian confidence right out of the shoot. Not a gushing beer, but the careful decantment yields a billowing foam structure that easily topples the tulip. As the beer separates from the froth, the golden elixir underneath is a thing of beauty. A modest haze allows the beer to glow with shades of goldenrod. Persistent head retention and intermittent lacing reinforces the beer's Belgian authenticity.
Sweet and succulent notes of floral hops, honey, and fruit swirl in just the right balance to remind me of honeysuckle. Backed by the supple malt of biscuit and pilsner, the beer's cracker-like breadiness grounds the esters, hop oils, sweet scent and gives the aromas structure. Balancing notes of white pepper, clove and dried orange peel offset the sweeter fruitier notes and offers yet another layer of complexity to the overall scent.
Flavors ride the same consistent line of that in aroma. A medium-sweet captures the taste of honey and powdered sugar before developing into a dry-fruit taste of apples and pears- reminding me of Riesling or drier French ciders or perry. The light bready base of biscotti and animal crackers rein in the esters and sweetness and give the spicy balance a springboard in which to jump. White pepper, coriander, and curacao orange peel accompany milder tones of clove and cardamom as the beer dries out wonderfully headed into finish. A late stance of hop bitterness matches that of spiciness but never rivals for command in balance.
Medium-light in body, the early firmness is aided by residual malt sweetness and a rich grainy-sweet body. But the carbonation pulls the malt from the tongue and favors an arid dryness of fruit and spice. Finishing off-dry, the beers 8.5% strength delivers a warm and soothing finish with high drinkability and lightness.
Sierra Nevada's philanthropic endevors leads them to a very classy and authentic tasting Belgian strong pale ale that's on par with those like Delirium Tremens, Piraat Ale, and Lucifer. But it must be drier to match that of Duvel. Still, it's a pleasure to sit with a bottle of the beer!
More User Ratings:
Reviewed by rodbeermunch from Nevada
3.61/5 rDev -5.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
3.61/5 rDev -5.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Broke this out for Derby Day in September (2020) because I didn't want to try and power through this entire bottle myself.
Pours an impressive appearance, golden leaning into light amber, full on 1" of white head that is dense and with amazing retention. The aroma hit the belgian pale yeast notes, but omitted the belgian spice rack thankfully. Light grain note and alcohol warmth.
Taste was better than expected in a style I don't normally jive with. The mouth feel had lively carbonation that kept the yeast from absolute domination. Still a light grain and alcohol heat to it, although firm, not problematic. Had a sense of mustiness. Had been cellared a few years. Light citrus aspect and heavier bitterness. Hint of pepper. Dry finish.
About 8oz of this was just right for my sensibilities. I liked the muted spice rack and straightforward yeast presence, but the beer drank just as much like a tripel as it did a pale ale at times.
Sep 14, 2021Pours an impressive appearance, golden leaning into light amber, full on 1" of white head that is dense and with amazing retention. The aroma hit the belgian pale yeast notes, but omitted the belgian spice rack thankfully. Light grain note and alcohol warmth.
Taste was better than expected in a style I don't normally jive with. The mouth feel had lively carbonation that kept the yeast from absolute domination. Still a light grain and alcohol heat to it, although firm, not problematic. Had a sense of mustiness. Had been cellared a few years. Light citrus aspect and heavier bitterness. Hint of pepper. Dry finish.
About 8oz of this was just right for my sensibilities. I liked the muted spice rack and straightforward yeast presence, but the beer drank just as much like a tripel as it did a pale ale at times.
Reviewed by Navanation from Pennsylvania
4.4/5 rDev +14.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.4/5 rDev +14.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Poured deep ruby red with minimal head that laced down the glass. Pomegranate added to the red color. Not as carbonated as a golden ale normally would. Delicious. Hard to get. This one isn't a regular at my beer store so when it shows up I buy a case.
Dec 16, 2020Rated by pathman from Ohio
4.5/5 rDev +17.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
4.5/5 rDev +17.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
05/29/20 bottle @ home
May 30, 2020Reviewed by Treyliff from West Virginia
4.04/5 rDev +5.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
4.04/5 rDev +5.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Taken from notes in 2015
A- hazy golden brown, small foamy white head that reduces to ring, lacing left behind
S- Belgian yeast with candied dried fruit, earthy and musty, some saison-like qualities
T- candied Belgian yeast with some musty notes up front, fruity mid-palate with some red berries, slightly tart finish, dry more yeast on thr linger
M- medium-thick body with moderate carbonation, creamy Mouthfeel and finish
O- fruity and yeasty, solid
Sep 12, 2018A- hazy golden brown, small foamy white head that reduces to ring, lacing left behind
S- Belgian yeast with candied dried fruit, earthy and musty, some saison-like qualities
T- candied Belgian yeast with some musty notes up front, fruity mid-palate with some red berries, slightly tart finish, dry more yeast on thr linger
M- medium-thick body with moderate carbonation, creamy Mouthfeel and finish
O- fruity and yeasty, solid
Reviewed by Brolo75 from California
4.25/5 rDev +11%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.25/5 rDev +11%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
750 ml bottle poured into a goblet
A: Pours a hazy golden orange with a bright white creamy head, great retention of a creamy head, lots of carbonation, light lacing, very nice appearance.
A: Lots of fruity aromas like green apples, pears, peaches, touch of pepper, Belgian yeast, touch of lemon peel tartness, subtle white wine, very complex.
T: Light stone fruit notes up front, kick of peppery spice in the middle, finish has some lemon peel tartness, lemongrass, wet hay, hit of Belgian yeast as well, banana, spice, pepper, clove, drinks very easy.
M: Medium bodied with lots of carbonation, dry white wine like finish, smooth, creamy, very nice.
O: Very impressed with this beer, my only complaint is there is an off flavor, like a lemon tartness that I usually don't get in Belgian Strong Pale Ales. Not sure what year this was bottled, I'm guessing at least two years old, and it's held up well. Definitely going to pick up another bottle if I see it again.
Dec 04, 2017A: Pours a hazy golden orange with a bright white creamy head, great retention of a creamy head, lots of carbonation, light lacing, very nice appearance.
A: Lots of fruity aromas like green apples, pears, peaches, touch of pepper, Belgian yeast, touch of lemon peel tartness, subtle white wine, very complex.
T: Light stone fruit notes up front, kick of peppery spice in the middle, finish has some lemon peel tartness, lemongrass, wet hay, hit of Belgian yeast as well, banana, spice, pepper, clove, drinks very easy.
M: Medium bodied with lots of carbonation, dry white wine like finish, smooth, creamy, very nice.
O: Very impressed with this beer, my only complaint is there is an off flavor, like a lemon tartness that I usually don't get in Belgian Strong Pale Ales. Not sure what year this was bottled, I'm guessing at least two years old, and it's held up well. Definitely going to pick up another bottle if I see it again.
Reviewed by KTCamm from New Jersey
3.97/5 rDev +3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
3.97/5 rDev +3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
2/16...pours thick hazy golden colored, completely opaque. Fizzy white foam mostly settles down. Orange citrus malt , floral, bright. Fruity citrus forward high carbonated taste. Orange rind and grapefruit bitter. Quite good, if not a touch fizzy.
Apr 16, 2017Reviewed by stevoj from Idaho
3.81/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
3.81/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
On tap at PreFunk. Silky golden body, small bubbly head. Lots of fruity elements, yeasty, some wine like flavors, minor alcohol heat. Pretty solid Belgian ale.
Jan 09, 2016Reviewed by Premo88 from Texas
4.11/5 rDev +7.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
4.11/5 rDev +7.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
13 oz. on-tap poured into tulip at Hay Merchant, Houston, TX
(drank 12/14/15)
L: peach ... not enough red to call it amber but way too much red to call gold ... a beautiful peach/orange; lots of stick, some lacing ... 50/50 hazy/clear
S: fruity ... super sweet ... slight lemon but also lots of peach/apricot
T: juicy sweet fruit mixed with slight pine/grass hops and some toasted malt ... great mix that works; slight tartness ties it all together; tropical fruit ... mango, pineapple; solid earthy base shows through at times
F: soft ale but filled out well enough with good carbonation
O: a great beer and my first Ovila ... plenty good enough that it won't be my last; it takes on a Belgian IPA-like character with lots of fruit and sweetness mixed with some American hop flavors, mainly pine but also some tropical fruits ... more grass-hop flavor would be awesome, but the hint of it was nice; the tartness is a highlight
Dec 21, 2015(drank 12/14/15)
L: peach ... not enough red to call it amber but way too much red to call gold ... a beautiful peach/orange; lots of stick, some lacing ... 50/50 hazy/clear
S: fruity ... super sweet ... slight lemon but also lots of peach/apricot
T: juicy sweet fruit mixed with slight pine/grass hops and some toasted malt ... great mix that works; slight tartness ties it all together; tropical fruit ... mango, pineapple; solid earthy base shows through at times
F: soft ale but filled out well enough with good carbonation
O: a great beer and my first Ovila ... plenty good enough that it won't be my last; it takes on a Belgian IPA-like character with lots of fruit and sweetness mixed with some American hop flavors, mainly pine but also some tropical fruits ... more grass-hop flavor would be awesome, but the hint of it was nice; the tartness is a highlight
Ovila Belgian Style Golden from Sierra Nevada Brewing Co.
Beer rating:
86 out of
100 with
221 ratings
We love reviews (150 characters or more)! Check out: How to Review a Beer. You don't need to get fancy. Drop some thoughts on the beer's attributes (look, smell, taste, feel) plus your overall impression. Something that backs up your rating and helps others. Thanks!