Mozaic Black Bitter
Brasserie Du Mont Salève

L - black with a good beige head

S - roasted malts and herbal hops

T - Chestnuts at first, then grapefruit and earthy notes

F - really smooth and dry, and with a good body even with the low ABV

O - a really great session ale, qite balanced and bitter sweet

 

Drinking very much like a stout but the hop/roast balance is well done. I must say that I am impressed and it is always good to have a well made beer that reminds you that the hoppier the better or the higher ABV the better is not always the case.

Deep dark brownish-black. Slight white foam, appears very bubbly. Little to no scent. Very bitter with a hint of sweetness, tastes of grapefruit. Light, pleasant mouthfeel with a fizzy buzz from the carbonation. Overall, very drinkable but could use a bit flavor to balance out the intense bitterness.

Got a bottle at Paris's Cave a Bulles on their recommendation. Very cool little session beer and the sort that I like to brew. The body is relatively light, but still has a little body similar to an Irish dry stout. The hops are big, dominating with floral, juicy grapefruit and a peppery finish. The more subtle malts offer a smoky, roasted cocoa that melds with the hops for a peppery finish.

 

 

330ml brown bottle purchased from Cave à Bulles in Paris. Tried Mont Salève on the recommendation of a friend of a friend when looking for French craft beer.

Pours a Decent deep brown colour, with some clarity despite the depth of colour. Head forms a very fine film of pale beige that leaves good lacing. Body looks surprisingly firm given that the beer is only 3.5% ABV. Overall, it looks pretty good.

Nose is great. Nice toasty brown malt characters with a depth of flavour beyond just being "dark". On top of this is a fairly mild, but noticeable hop presence, bringing a little dark chocolate orange note to the beer. The malt is the main event though, and it's really nicely crafted.

Taste is also very good, especially given the low ABV of the brew. There's a depth of roasted character, and a persistent sweetness and body which makes the beer go on. Lingering hop characters give a slight plasticky hint, along with a little vegemite, anise and carob. Again, it's really well crafted, and all the flavours are really nicely balanced against one another.

Feel is remarkably smooth given its weight. It works well with the flavours of the beer.

Just like I'm impressed when a huge ABV beer doesn't feel huge, I'm impressed when a relatively light beer doesn't feel light. There's stacks of character and body to this brew, all in a thoroughly sessionable and highly drinkable package. This is cracking stuff.