Living Proof: Belgian Pale
Country Boy Brewing

 

 

 

Brewers love to fuss over their malt bill, or their hop schedule. Hell, they even like to pretend that they know something about water chemistry. But the yeast is the after thought- the stuff you dump in right before sealing it tight and going home. But with the host of flavors for which the yeast are responsible, at the end of the brewday, things are just getting started. This is living proof.

Country Boy's Living Proof is turbulent in its carbonation, fueling a tall cap of eggshell froth. Streaming from the rim come a host of toasted scents and fruit-laden spices. As the taste gently rolls onto the tongue, there's a soft cashew, caramel and toasted bread flavors that calm the senses and satisfy the thirst.

As its steely sweetness relaxing into a soft honey and grain taste, the abundance of fruit flavors arrive- apple, pear, orange and apricot frame the estery side of balance while cinnamon, white pepper and light clove anchor the drying spices. What is floral and flowery early slowly develops into a pleasant herbal grassiness late.

Fading into a semi-dry finish, the medium-bodied ale is given a lift with its initial gusto of bubbles. But with the effervescence equalizing, the ale trails with a wake of residual caramel, nuttiness and honey. Its sharp and grassy bitterness crispens the taste as the aftertaste is enlivened with vanilla and mint.

 

A Belgian Pale with Brett and dry hopped with Citra and Belma.