Heralded Nocturnes Fall Harvest Project: Hop Harvest Ameri-Belgo Pale Ale
Paradox Beer Company

this maybe wasn't one to cellar, a wet hop brew that really should have been consumed fresh. the hops have mostly faded by this point, but the beer still has a few redeeming characteristics. not sure if this was ever supposed to be a wild beer or not, but a minor infection has definitely developed in it, and unlike so many other paradox beers, its actually pretty flattering to the brew. orangey copper color, mostly flat, with some haze but none of the chunky yeast i am used to seeing in their bottles. a nose of belgian yeast and the oak/wine complexion, which is quite potent here, and mouth watering. i smell a little bretty or lactic funky thing, not sour yet, but definitely more than the belgian yeast. the taste is the same, yeasty and infected a little, but in a more drinkable way than others. i am entirely missing hops, and thats our own fault for hanging onto this one instead of drinking it fresh, i didn't expect it to be any different. ill bet this was really tasty as a wet hopped brew. too still for me though, especially as a belgian, totally flat isn't nice. however, ill take partial blame for this one, not drinking it when it came out. meh.

 

 

 

 

Bottle #223 of 1350

Listed as a Belgian Pale Ale since there is no current listing for the Ameri-Belgo pale ale style in the BA beer styles. My review is based on the Brewers Association 2012 Beer Style Guidelines (January 10, 2012) which does list the American-Belgo Pale Ale style.

Pours a hazy, amber-orange color with a nice, creamy off-white head; lots of ongoing, gentle carbonation rising. Interesting orange/malt aroma; orange rind; biscuit; fruitcake; cinnamon and coriander. Initial sweet and citric flavors give way to a slightly phenolic bite; prominent bitterness midway through and in to the finish. Wet, smooth, medium bodied; tart and dry finish.

This interesting beer would seem to fit the BA 2012 Style Guidelines to a tee. Nice fruit, malt, hop bitterness combination; comes across fairly well-balanced and definitely has the complexity within to tease and test your taste buds.