Maya Premiere
Une Année

 

 

Had this at Howells & Hood in Chicago for their Belgian Independence week. Top billing on their limited edition menu. Tap pour in snifter glass with 3/4" head. Nice caramel color. Not a very forward or distinctive aroma, but general DIPA note of hoppiness does come thru. Belgian yeast dominates at the front of the palate with a strong banana flavor that quickly yields to the malt underpinnings (with a 10+ ABV it was bound to be there). End of taste/aftertaste lingers in true DIPA style of bitterness from the hops. Boozy at the end too and doesn't sneak up on you like some less-bitter DIPAs. Overall it is like a boozy smashup of a traditional American DIPA, or a heavier Brit IPA, with a sweeter Belgian. Good beer to have as a nightcap.

 

 

Served from tap in a snifter at Bigby's Pour House - Rolling Meadows.

Finally trying out an Une Annee offering (not counting the bottle-bomb quad a few months back). This one pours a hazy sunset tawny-amber topped by a finger of glowing off-white foam. The nose comprises pine needle, leaves, grass, mild biscuit, a hint of banana peel, and a kiss of pine resin. The taste brings in more of the same, along with some light vinyl, menthol, and mild yeast. Suffice it to say, the bitterness is very off-putting clouding any other potential character. The body is a light medium, with a light moderate carbonation and a dry finish. Overall, this beer just didn't do it for me. It was far too bitter for its own good and lacked most of the alleged Belgian character. Maybe next time for these guys...

Appearance: Pours a dark murky burnt orange color. Finger and a half worth of head which was thick and creamy and lingered while drinking. Active carbonation is a touch on the lower side.

Smell: Candied sugar and sweet malts jump out on the front. Hops have an herbal, piney aroma. The spices come off with a bright effervesce which really pops. Grassy and straw linger on the undertones.

Taste: That candied sugars immediately warms the palate on the first sip. Gummy malts continue to shine into the body. A splash of herbal pine hits on the body with some light tropical hops. Spiced notes are earthy but like the aroma they are light and highly drinkable. Some buttery yeast notes round out on the finish and keep you reaching for more.

Mouthfeel: Incredibly drinkable, which is attributed to the modest carbonation, sweet malts, and perfectly implemented spices. 10.5% is well integrated, which just a palate perking touch of alcohol sting to keep you on your toes.

Overall: This is no doubt in the upper ranks of Belgian IPAs I've ever had. Candied sugars and sweet malts play along so well together with herbal hops and spices as wonderful accessories. Well done Une Annee