Belgo Belgian India Pale Ale | New Belgium Brewing
Brewed by:
New Belgium Brewing
Colorado, United States | website
Style: Belgian IPA
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 7.00%
Availability: Year-round
Notes / Commercial Description:
No notes at this time.
Added by iSip on 10-07-2011
View: Beers | Place Reviews | Events
Reviews: 206 | Ratings: 866
3.94/5 rDev +2.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
A clear, deep gold beer with a slightly off-white head. A decent amount of lacing left behind with this beer. The aroma is as described with a mix of Belgian beer and IPA. There is banana, clove and pine smells coming out of this one with a yeasty background note. The taste is an intriguing mixture of classic Belgian and IPA. There is banana, yeast, clove, pine and some caramel sweetness. This thing is a mess of flavors that seems to work. I want to dislike this unholy marriage but I can't. This is a really great mashup of flavors and styles that works.
★ 559 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
A clear, deep gold beer with a slightly off-white head. A decent amount of lacing left behind with this beer. The aroma is as described with a mix of Belgian beer and IPA. There is banana, clove and pine smells coming out of this one with a yeasty background note. The taste is an intriguing mixture of classic Belgian and IPA. There is banana, yeast, clove, pine and some caramel sweetness. This thing is a mess of flavors that seems to work. I want to dislike this unholy marriage but I can't. This is a really great mashup of flavors and styles that works.
★ 559 characters
3.76/5 rDev -1.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
A clear strawberry gold with a few large bubbles rising. Half a finger of off white head that quickly settles to a ring. Spotty lacing down the glass. The aroma is grapefruit, lightly toasted bread, and a mild bubble gum/yeast note. Flavor is a little tart right away followed by a nice bit of grapefruit. Nice blend of bitter and sweet. Above average carbonation feel. Medium body and pretty dry all the way through. The bitterness builds as you drink the beer. Pleasant enough, but not great.
★ 494 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
A clear strawberry gold with a few large bubbles rising. Half a finger of off white head that quickly settles to a ring. Spotty lacing down the glass. The aroma is grapefruit, lightly toasted bread, and a mild bubble gum/yeast note. Flavor is a little tart right away followed by a nice bit of grapefruit. Nice blend of bitter and sweet. Above average carbonation feel. Medium body and pretty dry all the way through. The bitterness builds as you drink the beer. Pleasant enough, but not great.
★ 494 characters
4.54/5 rDev +18.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
Aggressively pleasant. Part flower, part happy punch, part clean and pure Belgian. Favors none of the above but reveals them as if detailed in ibsen stage notes.
★ 161 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
Aggressively pleasant. Part flower, part happy punch, part clean and pure Belgian. Favors none of the above but reveals them as if detailed in ibsen stage notes.
★ 161 characters
4.16/5 rDev +8.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Poured from a bottle into a shaker pint glass.
L: Nice golden amber color--a bit light for an IPA, but that's the Belgian style. Half-a-finger head that dissipated into a lacy blanket. Moderately effervescent with a few lingering bubbles.
S: Very floral and malty. Not as hoppy as I expected. Pleasant aroma (but a little faint).
T: Strong (typical) IPA aftertaste--very nice. Hoppy and citrusy.
F: Not as heavy as a typical IPA--I guess that can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on your preference. A bit more bubbly than most IPAs (again, that can be good or bad). For my part, the Feel is the strongest aspect of this beer.
O: Not as yeasty as most Belgian beers, which is a positive for me. I like New Belgium, and this one is definitely in keeping with their philosophy. A strong, drinkable beer, which (at 7.0% ABV) might get you in trouble.
★ 862 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Poured from a bottle into a shaker pint glass.
L: Nice golden amber color--a bit light for an IPA, but that's the Belgian style. Half-a-finger head that dissipated into a lacy blanket. Moderately effervescent with a few lingering bubbles.
S: Very floral and malty. Not as hoppy as I expected. Pleasant aroma (but a little faint).
T: Strong (typical) IPA aftertaste--very nice. Hoppy and citrusy.
F: Not as heavy as a typical IPA--I guess that can be a good thing or a bad thing, depending on your preference. A bit more bubbly than most IPAs (again, that can be good or bad). For my part, the Feel is the strongest aspect of this beer.
O: Not as yeasty as most Belgian beers, which is a positive for me. I like New Belgium, and this one is definitely in keeping with their philosophy. A strong, drinkable beer, which (at 7.0% ABV) might get you in trouble.
★ 862 characters
3.96/5 rDev +3.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Offers an interesting combination of hops and yeasty funk in both nose and taste. Smooth, but unusual flavor mix. Got four of these in a 12-pack from New Belgian, four of these along with 2 each of some of their mainstays.
★ 222 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Offers an interesting combination of hops and yeasty funk in both nose and taste. Smooth, but unusual flavor mix. Got four of these in a 12-pack from New Belgian, four of these along with 2 each of some of their mainstays.
★ 222 characters
4.27/5 rDev +11.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Look-It pours a clear golden color and a soft foamy white head. The lacing is thick and persistent.
Smell-The special Belgian yeast create a very strong BUBBLEGUM aroma which I have only very slightly sensed before in other beers. I get some slight citrus and spices as well.
Taste-The flavor is excellent. I taste the bubblegum also here and spices like rye. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied and slightly chewy. The lingering flavors on the palate are cloying and hoppy.
Overall-This is a really good beer. It is hard to find a really good Belgian IPA and I think this is a good beer.
★ 588 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Look-It pours a clear golden color and a soft foamy white head. The lacing is thick and persistent.
Smell-The special Belgian yeast create a very strong BUBBLEGUM aroma which I have only very slightly sensed before in other beers. I get some slight citrus and spices as well.
Taste-The flavor is excellent. I taste the bubblegum also here and spices like rye. The mouthfeel is medium-bodied and slightly chewy. The lingering flavors on the palate are cloying and hoppy.
Overall-This is a really good beer. It is hard to find a really good Belgian IPA and I think this is a good beer.
★ 588 characters
3.88/5 rDev +1.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
From my tasting notes: The Belgo Belgian Style IPA poured a dark gold with a white head. I let it sit and warm to allow all of the flavors and aromas to reveal themselves. You get the signature Belgian yeast aroma of sweet cloves and bananas with a bit of hops as well. The taste was complex with the Belgian yeast hitting you first with the bitter hops on the back end. The mouthfeel was creamy smooth on this well balanced beer which made the Belgo dangerously easy to drink considering its 8% ABV.
★ 500 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
From my tasting notes: The Belgo Belgian Style IPA poured a dark gold with a white head. I let it sit and warm to allow all of the flavors and aromas to reveal themselves. You get the signature Belgian yeast aroma of sweet cloves and bananas with a bit of hops as well. The taste was complex with the Belgian yeast hitting you first with the bitter hops on the back end. The mouthfeel was creamy smooth on this well balanced beer which made the Belgo dangerously easy to drink considering its 8% ABV.
★ 500 characters
3.79/5 rDev -1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
A vigorous pour into my New Belgium globe glass produces a three-finger thick, light tan colored head; there is a nice layered, though thin, lacing pattern left on the sides of my glass as I slowly work my way through this beer. The beer is a dark gold / light amber color that shows an almost brilliantly clear, bright gold hue when held up to the light. The aroma smells of spicy clove mixed in with fruity American type hops that lean towards lychee, pineapple, Juicy Fruit bubblegum and super ripe tangelo zest. My nose gets a bit too close to the foam and gets a little wet, which accentuates a dry cracker like, and pale grain husk character. The hops and yeast combine to produce touches of sweet ginger, fruity black pepper.
This has a nice spritzy carbonation; this accentuates some dry cracker like notes in the finish as well as supplying a carbonic bite to the end. The beer tastes sweet up front, much of this is brought out by the super fruit laden hop character and the clove / fruit notes from the yeast rather than from a lot of malt sweetness. Despite the sweetness this beer is fairly dry overall. There is a certain bitterness to this beer, it certainly has a bit, though I wouldn’t characterize it as overly bitter from an IPA standpoint. There is a dry, pale malt & cracker like character in the finish that lightly dusts the palate. The super hop fruit character from the nose is muted a bit in the flavor due to the dryness, but this is still a hop dominated beer. Lighter bodied and quaffable, though it still has some texture and viscosity to it; it has the perfect body for a regular IPA.
Not bad, as with most Belgian yeast fermented IPAs, the yeast character clashes a bit with the ample hop character; I find that a beer like this is better as the second or third (though I rarely get to that point) of an evening. Still, I will always have a hankering for a nice hoppy Belgian Ale and I am quite enjoying this one.
★ 1,949 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
A vigorous pour into my New Belgium globe glass produces a three-finger thick, light tan colored head; there is a nice layered, though thin, lacing pattern left on the sides of my glass as I slowly work my way through this beer. The beer is a dark gold / light amber color that shows an almost brilliantly clear, bright gold hue when held up to the light. The aroma smells of spicy clove mixed in with fruity American type hops that lean towards lychee, pineapple, Juicy Fruit bubblegum and super ripe tangelo zest. My nose gets a bit too close to the foam and gets a little wet, which accentuates a dry cracker like, and pale grain husk character. The hops and yeast combine to produce touches of sweet ginger, fruity black pepper.
This has a nice spritzy carbonation; this accentuates some dry cracker like notes in the finish as well as supplying a carbonic bite to the end. The beer tastes sweet up front, much of this is brought out by the super fruit laden hop character and the clove / fruit notes from the yeast rather than from a lot of malt sweetness. Despite the sweetness this beer is fairly dry overall. There is a certain bitterness to this beer, it certainly has a bit, though I wouldn’t characterize it as overly bitter from an IPA standpoint. There is a dry, pale malt & cracker like character in the finish that lightly dusts the palate. The super hop fruit character from the nose is muted a bit in the flavor due to the dryness, but this is still a hop dominated beer. Lighter bodied and quaffable, though it still has some texture and viscosity to it; it has the perfect body for a regular IPA.
Not bad, as with most Belgian yeast fermented IPAs, the yeast character clashes a bit with the ample hop character; I find that a beer like this is better as the second or third (though I rarely get to that point) of an evening. Still, I will always have a hankering for a nice hoppy Belgian Ale and I am quite enjoying this one.
★ 1,949 characters
3.57/5 rDev -6.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Medium to slightly bigger off white head slowly decides to settle above a slightly thicker particle filled straw golden colored beer.
Slight citrus and some spices in the aroma of this IPA.
Some lesser spices come through very well in the taste of this beer which has a nod towards the citrus.
A slight dryish aftertaste without much taste remaining with medium bodied beer.
A kind of like the light spices that come through in the taste of this beer.
★ 455 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Medium to slightly bigger off white head slowly decides to settle above a slightly thicker particle filled straw golden colored beer.
Slight citrus and some spices in the aroma of this IPA.
Some lesser spices come through very well in the taste of this beer which has a nod towards the citrus.
A slight dryish aftertaste without much taste remaining with medium bodied beer.
A kind of like the light spices that come through in the taste of this beer.
★ 455 characters
3.73/5 rDev -2.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.75
I have never been one for India Pale Ales but after trying this one I might have to give them another try the Belgian yeast and also the really great smelling Hopsin they put in here give it a very India Pale Ale smell but unfortunately dissipates quickly after opening the taste the real winner here reminds me of great grapefruit cut grass and also a few other fruity notes probably from the east I will definitely be buying this. Little disappointed on the mouthfeel doesn't seem to last very long
★ 500 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.75
I have never been one for India Pale Ales but after trying this one I might have to give them another try the Belgian yeast and also the really great smelling Hopsin they put in here give it a very India Pale Ale smell but unfortunately dissipates quickly after opening the taste the real winner here reminds me of great grapefruit cut grass and also a few other fruity notes probably from the east I will definitely be buying this. Little disappointed on the mouthfeel doesn't seem to last very long
★ 500 characters
4.34/5 rDev +13.3%
look: 3.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Poured this 12 oz. bottle into a New Belgium balloon glass. Through the hazy, golden orange body we can see a healthy amount of carbonation that rises to the top to support a frothy, creamy, egg-shell white head. As the beer recedes, scarred rings of lacing coat the side of the glass. It could use better retention, but it looks like a healthy Belgian IPA.
The smell is well-balanced, carefully pitting the Belgian yeast (which has a wonderful fruity aroma, carrying notes of pear and bruised apples) with a fresh, floral hop aroma. The resulting smell is rich with a honeyed sweetness, light fruitiness and a touch of lemongrass. It promises to be a delicious beer...and the taste doesn't let us down!
A bold flavor up front. Not full-bodied, yet certainly full-flavored, Belgo IPA has that complex interplay of spicy, fruity Belgian yeast with bitter hops even more so than the aroma. The hops (I get primarily Amarillo) come in quickly and impact the tastebuds with their bitter resin. The hops linger long into the aftertaste, but with each subsequent sip, more fruity esters come into play. A light hint of banana here, a faint touch of peach there. Very appetizing and easy to imagine with food.
The body, like I said before, isn't full, though it has a good amount of carbonation. It's smooth on the finish, and the frothy head on top almost brings a creaminess to the beer. The aftertaste is bitter and palette-coating. Great for an IPA.
I think this may be one of, if not the best Belgian IPA's that I have ever had. It does many things right here, from the good balance of yeasty qualities and hops, to the excellent aroma, to the well-suited body. This beer may not be a "session" IPA, but well worthy of seeking out if you want something in the Belgian IPA category. This is phenomenal, and would hold up easily against the likes of Houblon Chouffe and Piraat.
★ 1,877 characters
look: 3.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Poured this 12 oz. bottle into a New Belgium balloon glass. Through the hazy, golden orange body we can see a healthy amount of carbonation that rises to the top to support a frothy, creamy, egg-shell white head. As the beer recedes, scarred rings of lacing coat the side of the glass. It could use better retention, but it looks like a healthy Belgian IPA.
The smell is well-balanced, carefully pitting the Belgian yeast (which has a wonderful fruity aroma, carrying notes of pear and bruised apples) with a fresh, floral hop aroma. The resulting smell is rich with a honeyed sweetness, light fruitiness and a touch of lemongrass. It promises to be a delicious beer...and the taste doesn't let us down!
A bold flavor up front. Not full-bodied, yet certainly full-flavored, Belgo IPA has that complex interplay of spicy, fruity Belgian yeast with bitter hops even more so than the aroma. The hops (I get primarily Amarillo) come in quickly and impact the tastebuds with their bitter resin. The hops linger long into the aftertaste, but with each subsequent sip, more fruity esters come into play. A light hint of banana here, a faint touch of peach there. Very appetizing and easy to imagine with food.
The body, like I said before, isn't full, though it has a good amount of carbonation. It's smooth on the finish, and the frothy head on top almost brings a creaminess to the beer. The aftertaste is bitter and palette-coating. Great for an IPA.
I think this may be one of, if not the best Belgian IPA's that I have ever had. It does many things right here, from the good balance of yeasty qualities and hops, to the excellent aroma, to the well-suited body. This beer may not be a "session" IPA, but well worthy of seeking out if you want something in the Belgian IPA category. This is phenomenal, and would hold up easily against the likes of Houblon Chouffe and Piraat.
★ 1,877 characters
4.03/5 rDev +5.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
The Belgo IPA is very good. The beer pours clear golden with foamy white head that is leaving a lace in my tulip glass. The scent carries spice, hints of bitter citrus with touches of sweet Belgium malts. The taste starts with a zip of spice then a hoppy bitter citrus and sweet malt takes over and then a peppery finish. The mouthfeel is light to medium body with decent carbonation. Overall this is a decent beer.
★ 415 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
The Belgo IPA is very good. The beer pours clear golden with foamy white head that is leaving a lace in my tulip glass. The scent carries spice, hints of bitter citrus with touches of sweet Belgium malts. The taste starts with a zip of spice then a hoppy bitter citrus and sweet malt takes over and then a peppery finish. The mouthfeel is light to medium body with decent carbonation. Overall this is a decent beer.
★ 415 characters
3.84/5 rDev +0.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
"Friday night and the lights are low; Amarillo, Cascade, Centennial and Simcoe, looking for a place to BelGO. Get in on bottle-conditioned beats and hop aroma blasts as India Pale Ale grooves with Belgian yeast." Available occasionally in 6 packs in the Atlanta area, I picked this up as part of the Fall 2012 folly pack. Date on the bottle is 09 December 2012.
Poured from a 12 oz. bottle to my New Belgium Globe glass. Served at 50º Fahrenheit.
(Appearance) Pours a creamy off-white head with good retention and medium, flecked lacing. Body color is a golden orange with a heavy haziness and plenty of small-bubble carbonation. Density and head quality are all above what I expected for the style. Appearance is solid. 4.5
(Smell) Belgian biscuity malts, medium citrus hops aroma and bitterness, a dash of spicy rye, citrus ream, belgian yeast spices and a note of alcohol. A mild mustiness throughout but nothing overwhelming, it plays a compliment to the other notes. Hop presence is medium, although the potency of the yeast characteristics prevail most notably, and the spice and bread hit the nose strongest. Not the most appealing aroma for the style, as I'd have preferred a little subtler yeast characteristic, but the aroma is plentiful and appealing overall with plenty of malt, hop and yeast character. 3.5
(Taste) Flavor is largely consistent throughout; a spiced malt blend with a medium-thick bready consistency and a mellow citrus hop character throughout. Bitterness is medium, just enough to round out the flavor, and paired with the yeast spice and fruit is more than enough to round out the malt character. Balance is slightly bitter and spicy, with the sharpest notes prevailing, especially the strong, long-lasting citrusy hop finish. The malt base is actually perfect, but more challenging than usual to find with all the yeast and hop character density. Despite some challenges with balance, the flavor is busy and vibrant overall. An exciting flavor for the Belgian IPA fan. 3.75
(Mouthfeel) Mild carbonation with a touch of creaminess, some slight chewiness and a semi-dry spiced finish with some citrus pith. Body is medium/heavy for the style, medium+ overall. Alcohol presence is medium. Texture is very good paired with the flavor, not too busy. Enjoyable. 4.25
(Overall) The flavors of this Belgian IPA are bold and vibrant throughout. There's no shallow characters to be had here, as the yeast and the hop notes provide a lot of character and lead the flavor of the entire beer. The malt profile, while substantial in its own right, becomes overshadowed by the yeast and hop character, and the beer runs somewhat more bitter than sweet. Overall, I'm quite impressed with the flavor in this beer. Even in it's intensity, it manages to maintain interest and drinkability. 4
New Belgium Brewing's
BELGO Belgian India Pale Ale
3.84/5.00
★ 2,875 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
"Friday night and the lights are low; Amarillo, Cascade, Centennial and Simcoe, looking for a place to BelGO. Get in on bottle-conditioned beats and hop aroma blasts as India Pale Ale grooves with Belgian yeast." Available occasionally in 6 packs in the Atlanta area, I picked this up as part of the Fall 2012 folly pack. Date on the bottle is 09 December 2012.
Poured from a 12 oz. bottle to my New Belgium Globe glass. Served at 50º Fahrenheit.
(Appearance) Pours a creamy off-white head with good retention and medium, flecked lacing. Body color is a golden orange with a heavy haziness and plenty of small-bubble carbonation. Density and head quality are all above what I expected for the style. Appearance is solid. 4.5
(Smell) Belgian biscuity malts, medium citrus hops aroma and bitterness, a dash of spicy rye, citrus ream, belgian yeast spices and a note of alcohol. A mild mustiness throughout but nothing overwhelming, it plays a compliment to the other notes. Hop presence is medium, although the potency of the yeast characteristics prevail most notably, and the spice and bread hit the nose strongest. Not the most appealing aroma for the style, as I'd have preferred a little subtler yeast characteristic, but the aroma is plentiful and appealing overall with plenty of malt, hop and yeast character. 3.5
(Taste) Flavor is largely consistent throughout; a spiced malt blend with a medium-thick bready consistency and a mellow citrus hop character throughout. Bitterness is medium, just enough to round out the flavor, and paired with the yeast spice and fruit is more than enough to round out the malt character. Balance is slightly bitter and spicy, with the sharpest notes prevailing, especially the strong, long-lasting citrusy hop finish. The malt base is actually perfect, but more challenging than usual to find with all the yeast and hop character density. Despite some challenges with balance, the flavor is busy and vibrant overall. An exciting flavor for the Belgian IPA fan. 3.75
(Mouthfeel) Mild carbonation with a touch of creaminess, some slight chewiness and a semi-dry spiced finish with some citrus pith. Body is medium/heavy for the style, medium+ overall. Alcohol presence is medium. Texture is very good paired with the flavor, not too busy. Enjoyable. 4.25
(Overall) The flavors of this Belgian IPA are bold and vibrant throughout. There's no shallow characters to be had here, as the yeast and the hop notes provide a lot of character and lead the flavor of the entire beer. The malt profile, while substantial in its own right, becomes overshadowed by the yeast and hop character, and the beer runs somewhat more bitter than sweet. Overall, I'm quite impressed with the flavor in this beer. Even in it's intensity, it manages to maintain interest and drinkability. 4
New Belgium Brewing's
BELGO Belgian India Pale Ale
3.84/5.00
★ 2,875 characters
3.75/5 rDev -2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Acquired from brewerburgundy courtesy of BA Secret Santa 2011, so a big “Thank You” goes out to him. Poured from a 12oz bottle into a US tumbler pint glass.
A: The beer is a light gold color, with a large white head that fades slowly and leaves a thick lace on the glass.
S: The aroma contains floral hops, Belgian yeast, caramelized malts and some citrus.
T: The taste starts out with a strong bitter hops flavor that is followed by a Belgian yeast breadiness. Then some very mild sweetness comes in from flavors of citrus and bananas. The malt character is hearty but not too heavy and provides some balance. The after-taste is slightly bitter.
M: Crisp and a little smooth, medium body, medium carbonation, finish is slightly sticky.
O: Tasty, goes down easily, not too filling, decent kick, good representation of style, it’s a solid beer but there are others in the style that I would pick first.
★ 912 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Acquired from brewerburgundy courtesy of BA Secret Santa 2011, so a big “Thank You” goes out to him. Poured from a 12oz bottle into a US tumbler pint glass.
A: The beer is a light gold color, with a large white head that fades slowly and leaves a thick lace on the glass.
S: The aroma contains floral hops, Belgian yeast, caramelized malts and some citrus.
T: The taste starts out with a strong bitter hops flavor that is followed by a Belgian yeast breadiness. Then some very mild sweetness comes in from flavors of citrus and bananas. The malt character is hearty but not too heavy and provides some balance. The after-taste is slightly bitter.
M: Crisp and a little smooth, medium body, medium carbonation, finish is slightly sticky.
O: Tasty, goes down easily, not too filling, decent kick, good representation of style, it’s a solid beer but there are others in the style that I would pick first.
★ 912 characters
3.76/5 rDev -1.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
poured from the bottle into a tulip glass
A - Pours a hazy golden apricot with flecks of yeast floating around. A few bubbles rise to the creamy, off-white head. Head stays intact all the way down the glass and leaves behind a beautiful, thick web of lacing.
S - Tons of coriander and orange great the nose upon opening the bottle with cascade hops and yeast playing supporting roles. Once in the glass, green-apple smelling yeast takes over.
T - Yeast and dry hops upfront. The body is dominated by flavors reminiscent of a dry-hopped American IPA, but with dry yeast edge and sour/tart green apple. Strong yeast as the beer passes over the back of the tongue leads to a dry, crab apple finish as the belgian yeast mingles with the american hops.
M - Relatively light bodied (about like a tripel) with moderate amounts of carbonation. Could be an iota thicker to help balance out the hop notes.
This is another classic example where to things that I like by themselves aren't incredible when combined. I love both belgian triples and American IPA's, but this, although interesting, doesn't really do it for me. Although a gorgeous beer packed with flavors, the notes don't really seem to gel and the stupidly acidic and tart crab apple finish really only motivates me to take another sip to get that flavor out of my mouth for a bit. This significantly degrades what is otherwise a pretty sold beer.
★ 1,408 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
poured from the bottle into a tulip glass
A - Pours a hazy golden apricot with flecks of yeast floating around. A few bubbles rise to the creamy, off-white head. Head stays intact all the way down the glass and leaves behind a beautiful, thick web of lacing.
S - Tons of coriander and orange great the nose upon opening the bottle with cascade hops and yeast playing supporting roles. Once in the glass, green-apple smelling yeast takes over.
T - Yeast and dry hops upfront. The body is dominated by flavors reminiscent of a dry-hopped American IPA, but with dry yeast edge and sour/tart green apple. Strong yeast as the beer passes over the back of the tongue leads to a dry, crab apple finish as the belgian yeast mingles with the american hops.
M - Relatively light bodied (about like a tripel) with moderate amounts of carbonation. Could be an iota thicker to help balance out the hop notes.
This is another classic example where to things that I like by themselves aren't incredible when combined. I love both belgian triples and American IPA's, but this, although interesting, doesn't really do it for me. Although a gorgeous beer packed with flavors, the notes don't really seem to gel and the stupidly acidic and tart crab apple finish really only motivates me to take another sip to get that flavor out of my mouth for a bit. This significantly degrades what is otherwise a pretty sold beer.
★ 1,408 characters
3.67/5 rDev -4.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
12 oz. bottle poured into a standard pint.
Belgo has a nice pale golden color I didn't get much of a head, maybe because of my pour, but what head was there dissipated quickly. It does leave a nice lacing as you drink it. Darker than most pale ales. has a good hoppy smell, it foretells of the hoppy taste you are about to get. The flavor is good, strong. you can easily tell what you are drinking as the flavors hit you right as they hit your tongue. it has a good, smooth feel as you drink it which is nice for a pale.
I was half expecting the standard IPA flavor and smells, but this was a pleasant surprise and change of pace. I might actually like it better than New Belgium's Ranger IPA. It doesn't linger as long, thought it does have a nice kick to it at 7% ABV. Good beer.
★ 785 characters
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
12 oz. bottle poured into a standard pint.
Belgo has a nice pale golden color I didn't get much of a head, maybe because of my pour, but what head was there dissipated quickly. It does leave a nice lacing as you drink it. Darker than most pale ales. has a good hoppy smell, it foretells of the hoppy taste you are about to get. The flavor is good, strong. you can easily tell what you are drinking as the flavors hit you right as they hit your tongue. it has a good, smooth feel as you drink it which is nice for a pale.
I was half expecting the standard IPA flavor and smells, but this was a pleasant surprise and change of pace. I might actually like it better than New Belgium's Ranger IPA. It doesn't linger as long, thought it does have a nice kick to it at 7% ABV. Good beer.
★ 785 characters
3.67/5 rDev -4.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
12oz bottle no date
look is a slightly murky yellow gold. decent retention and lacing. Smell is musty yeast, big and bright bubblegum and some clove and spice. Taste follows but with peppery/floral hops interlaced with the dry yeast and bubblegum. Feel is medium and somewhat cloying. Some alcohol lingers after a swig.
Interesting beer, but not very tasty. If you enjoy belgians and hops, you'll probably love this.
★ 418 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3
12oz bottle no date
look is a slightly murky yellow gold. decent retention and lacing. Smell is musty yeast, big and bright bubblegum and some clove and spice. Taste follows but with peppery/floral hops interlaced with the dry yeast and bubblegum. Feel is medium and somewhat cloying. Some alcohol lingers after a swig.
Interesting beer, but not very tasty. If you enjoy belgians and hops, you'll probably love this.
★ 418 characters
3.97/5 rDev +3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
A - This cloudy orange brew is topped with a small white head that, upon swirling, deposits a lot of really nice and finely bubbled lace on the glass. The lace looks like it will stick around long after the brew is gone.
S - Pineapple, pink lemonade, bubblegum, and canned mixed fruit. Nice yeast behind all of that sweet smelling fruitiness. Hint of pepper. Fruitcake with some pineapple rings in the mix. Bubble Tape and Big League Chew. More typical grapefruit and pine as it warms. Really complex, but falls short of amazing. Conflicting aromas seem a bit strange, but I can't stop smelling it.
T - Fruity, fruity, fruity. Pound cake doused in Dole canned pineapple juice. Doesn't really strike me as "Belgian-style" per se, but there is quite a bit going on here. Very sweet.
M - Medium bodied, but very creamy. Finishes hoppy, astringent, and quite dry. A little whiff of alcohol lets you know what you're in for.
This is a very odd beast. Tropical sugary fruit and some American hop notes of bitter citrus with a hint of pine on the back end. Weird and interesting, but not outstanding. Seems a bit bizarre.
★ 1,118 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
A - This cloudy orange brew is topped with a small white head that, upon swirling, deposits a lot of really nice and finely bubbled lace on the glass. The lace looks like it will stick around long after the brew is gone.
S - Pineapple, pink lemonade, bubblegum, and canned mixed fruit. Nice yeast behind all of that sweet smelling fruitiness. Hint of pepper. Fruitcake with some pineapple rings in the mix. Bubble Tape and Big League Chew. More typical grapefruit and pine as it warms. Really complex, but falls short of amazing. Conflicting aromas seem a bit strange, but I can't stop smelling it.
T - Fruity, fruity, fruity. Pound cake doused in Dole canned pineapple juice. Doesn't really strike me as "Belgian-style" per se, but there is quite a bit going on here. Very sweet.
M - Medium bodied, but very creamy. Finishes hoppy, astringent, and quite dry. A little whiff of alcohol lets you know what you're in for.
This is a very odd beast. Tropical sugary fruit and some American hop notes of bitter citrus with a hint of pine on the back end. Weird and interesting, but not outstanding. Seems a bit bizarre.
★ 1,118 characters
3.46/5 rDev -9.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Into a pint. Best by Jan 2013.
A - A slightly cloudy straw yellow with a good sized pale head. Nice lacing with good retention.
S - Funky floral, fruit and yeast bouncing off to the nose. Really juicy sort of aroma going on here. Slight hop presence.
T - Has everything I expected from the nose: floral hops but not overwhelming, dry crackers, yeast and a touch of pepper. Not balanced well in my opinion.
M - Creamy medium body with large carbonation. I would like to see the carbonation tuned down a notch.
O - Not a bad showing from a brewery that rarely impresses me on their brews outside their Lips of Faith series. This is certainly drinkable and I would have one again.
★ 683 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4
Into a pint. Best by Jan 2013.
A - A slightly cloudy straw yellow with a good sized pale head. Nice lacing with good retention.
S - Funky floral, fruit and yeast bouncing off to the nose. Really juicy sort of aroma going on here. Slight hop presence.
T - Has everything I expected from the nose: floral hops but not overwhelming, dry crackers, yeast and a touch of pepper. Not balanced well in my opinion.
M - Creamy medium body with large carbonation. I would like to see the carbonation tuned down a notch.
O - Not a bad showing from a brewery that rarely impresses me on their brews outside their Lips of Faith series. This is certainly drinkable and I would have one again.
★ 683 characters
3.65/5 rDev -4.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
From a 12 oz bottle into a tulip.
A-The brew is mostly golden colored and clear. There was a nice, two-finger head of white foam that left great lacing and rings on the glass as I consumed.
S-The beer had a floral, sweet, hoppy whiff at first with a little bit of white pepper and yeast. Those hops had just a touch of funk underneath.
T-The taste was not quite as floral or impressive as the smell, but similar. A quick hit of slightly resinous and floral hops up front is followed by mildly sweet yeast and biscuit on the finish.
M-The brew has creamy, fine carbonation and a medium body.
O-This was a decent beer, but a touch on the sweet and yeasty side of the style for me. The hops and yeast work well together here, but I found myself wanting a drier, crisper feel and a little more prick from the carbonation. High marks for the lacing, however.
★ 858 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
From a 12 oz bottle into a tulip.
A-The brew is mostly golden colored and clear. There was a nice, two-finger head of white foam that left great lacing and rings on the glass as I consumed.
S-The beer had a floral, sweet, hoppy whiff at first with a little bit of white pepper and yeast. Those hops had just a touch of funk underneath.
T-The taste was not quite as floral or impressive as the smell, but similar. A quick hit of slightly resinous and floral hops up front is followed by mildly sweet yeast and biscuit on the finish.
M-The brew has creamy, fine carbonation and a medium body.
O-This was a decent beer, but a touch on the sweet and yeasty side of the style for me. The hops and yeast work well together here, but I found myself wanting a drier, crisper feel and a little more prick from the carbonation. High marks for the lacing, however.
★ 858 characters
3.82/5 rDev -0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Poured into Sarah's folk's water glass in DSM
A:Gentle pour yields 1 finger of tight white head with great retention. Cloudy greenish-gold liquid. The color is not the most attractive. Great head retention, it sticks around for the entire glass!
S: Sharp, peppery funk mingles with tropical fruit and dank hops. Some bubblegum from yeast. Some sweetness.
T: Pungent and wild puckering yeastiness dominate with some bitter grapefruity hops coming in late. Tiny sweetness is in there in the aftertaste.
M: Pungent and grapefruit bitterness are up front. Round in the middle and a tad thin in the finish. Quite bitter throughout and quite dry.
O: One is enough. This is definitely Belgian and an IPA. Many BIPAs are tnot Blegian enough or not hoppy enough. This one achieves both. I would order a pint, but I won't buy 6 again I don't think.
★ 838 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5
Poured into Sarah's folk's water glass in DSM
A:Gentle pour yields 1 finger of tight white head with great retention. Cloudy greenish-gold liquid. The color is not the most attractive. Great head retention, it sticks around for the entire glass!
S: Sharp, peppery funk mingles with tropical fruit and dank hops. Some bubblegum from yeast. Some sweetness.
T: Pungent and wild puckering yeastiness dominate with some bitter grapefruity hops coming in late. Tiny sweetness is in there in the aftertaste.
M: Pungent and grapefruit bitterness are up front. Round in the middle and a tad thin in the finish. Quite bitter throughout and quite dry.
O: One is enough. This is definitely Belgian and an IPA. Many BIPAs are tnot Blegian enough or not hoppy enough. This one achieves both. I would order a pint, but I won't buy 6 again I don't think.
★ 838 characters
3.59/5 rDev -6.3%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Poured from a bottle into a chalice.
Appearance: Pours a cloudy, deep yellow. A thin white head disappears quickly. Some thin lacing is evident.
Smell: Nice aroma; citrus and floral dominate.
Taste: Starts sweet with lemon, then bitter and grapefruity with hops, then yeast and malts. Bitterness is fairly high.
Mouthfeel: Crisp, light-medium body. Yeasty aftertaste lingers.
Overall: A good one for New Belgium. Really easy drinking for the ABV. I could see downing these in the front yard with neighbors on a nice summer afternoon.
★ 538 characters
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5
Poured from a bottle into a chalice.
Appearance: Pours a cloudy, deep yellow. A thin white head disappears quickly. Some thin lacing is evident.
Smell: Nice aroma; citrus and floral dominate.
Taste: Starts sweet with lemon, then bitter and grapefruity with hops, then yeast and malts. Bitterness is fairly high.
Mouthfeel: Crisp, light-medium body. Yeasty aftertaste lingers.
Overall: A good one for New Belgium. Really easy drinking for the ABV. I could see downing these in the front yard with neighbors on a nice summer afternoon.
★ 538 characters
3.73/5 rDev -2.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4
A....Hazy yellow with pure white pillowy head
S....Very nice floral aroma with a little bit of sweet citrus
T....hops forward, lots of bitter followed by a pine resin type of hoppiness. Finishing off a little sour. A bit of a sour yeast and doughy maltiness. A bit out of balance but in a pleasant way.
M....a little flat on mouthfeel. Looks more carbonated than it actually is.
O.... this is an easy drinking beer. Would be great on a hot day. Light body with a crisp feel and quick finish. I think non hop heads would like this.
★ 534 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 4
A....Hazy yellow with pure white pillowy head
S....Very nice floral aroma with a little bit of sweet citrus
T....hops forward, lots of bitter followed by a pine resin type of hoppiness. Finishing off a little sour. A bit of a sour yeast and doughy maltiness. A bit out of balance but in a pleasant way.
M....a little flat on mouthfeel. Looks more carbonated than it actually is.
O.... this is an easy drinking beer. Would be great on a hot day. Light body with a crisp feel and quick finish. I think non hop heads would like this.
★ 534 characters
3.88/5 rDev +1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a dark yellow, slightly murky, but inviting and good looking and everything. Smells floral, and citrus and fresh garden and good. Clean taste, sweet but not too malt forward, and then bitterness, really fresh high note hops, and with nice sustain of the bitterness. Some yeast and fermented back notes too. Mouth-feel is slick, a refreshing, the carbonation moderately assertive. Nice. I could do rows of these.
★ 417 characters
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours a dark yellow, slightly murky, but inviting and good looking and everything. Smells floral, and citrus and fresh garden and good. Clean taste, sweet but not too malt forward, and then bitterness, really fresh high note hops, and with nice sustain of the bitterness. Some yeast and fermented back notes too. Mouth-feel is slick, a refreshing, the carbonation moderately assertive. Nice. I could do rows of these.
★ 417 characters
Belgo Belgian India Pale Ale from New Belgium Brewing
3.83
out of 5
based on 866 ratings.
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
I simply loved this. Steelerguy's review nailed it: I did taste the bubblegum in there, just couldn't place it, but Whoa, there it is. For a 7pt this goes down super easy & will please any sweet craving. A real mouth surprise and taste sensation. I was impressed.
★ 266 characters