Chi Golden Speciale
Trinity Brewing Company

they are calling this one chi Belgian pils now, although I think it lacks a strong enough Belgian yeast component. it pours a clear golden color with a shockingly large white head, thick and heavy, that sits on top til the glass is gone. the nose is euro pilsener malts, light and bready, with that characteristic dusty attic finish. bittering hops only, and while Belgian yeast imparts some flavor and brightness, I think it needs to me ramped up for this beer to be anything distinct. as it stands now, its a little sweet, very light, easy drinking, but not particularly interesting. it amazes me that some beers at trinity are so pedestrian, when we know that they are capable of making some real magic. this one was a let down for me, but im sure it serves a purpose, good bike beer or something for all the cyclists coming through the place. I will skip this in favor of more interesting menu selections next time, although there is nothing at all wrong with this beer.

 

 

Hazy straw yellow with a thin creamy white head that fades fast but leaves creamy spots of lace. The smell is full of spice and belgian yeasts, cloves, pepper and bright lemony fruits. The taste is mellowed with a bready malt, a touch of caramel and balanced with bright fruity hops and spicy belgian yeast. An excellent version of a belgian blonde. Easy to drink, very well balanced and delicious.

Presentation: tap to goblet glass.

A: nice orange/yellow that's opaque like a hefeweizen with 1 finger off white head. Nice lacing on glass and bubbles retain throughout.

S: pretty straightforward belgian blonde, spicy, malty, some light fruit but the spices dominate. Really pretty good; surprising even.

T: nothing complex here, but nicely spicy, some light fruit flavors, hops are nicely balanced and never bitter. Very good!

M: undercarbonated, but creamy and style appropriate.

D: at 5.8% very high for a belgian style.

Pours a clear straw yellow with an off white head. The nose has light malts and some grassy hops along with peppery yeasts. Taste is for sure on the light side, but still good. Light, crisp body drinks easy. A great thirst quencher for a hot summer day.