Icon Series: Belgian IPA
Saint Arnold Brewing Company

 

Okay, I didn't know what I was getting into but, for a change, I'm pleasantly surprised. Combining two things usually results in a horrid thing-think Frankenstein's monster-but this creation is good.

It reminds me more of a Belgian than an IPA. The hops are subtle, almost tea-like, as opposed to tasting like a mouth full of nickles like some IPAs. I especially like the finish, a little fruity and it fades quickly.

It's a good beer that didn't disappoint. It's complex enough to let you know there's thought behind it but not so complicated you have to dissect it to appreciate it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Poured from a 12 oz bottle into a cheap clear glass, medium dark gold color. Moderately clear. Smells fantastic, citrusy, spicy, wonderfulness.
Taste is initially spicy with the slight malt sweetness immediately giving way to an intense hop flavor. It has a moderate carbonation that is just percect for what this is. The mouth feel is very good, dry with a lingering bitterness that permeates through your mouth and sinuses. This gives any upitty west coast ipa a run. I prefer the more balanced Texas ipa's but this is just outstanding. The high adv really kicks in after 3 bottles. If you can find it you wont be disappointed.

A: Pours a clear golden/yellow color. A dense two finger white head forms with good retention. Plenty of lace is left behind.
S: Orange peal and citrus aromas. Some pale malts, and lingering bitterness. I don't get much esters or Belgian character. Seems more of a straight up IPA to me, which isn't bad at all.
T: Follows the nose with orange peal and citrus flavors. More of a biscuit malt flavor come next. Again lingering bitterness, and i don't get much of any yeast or ester flavors that I would be looking for. Still enjoyable for an IPA.
M/D: A medium body with moderate carbonation. Crisp and smooth at the same time, clean and dry as well. Easy to drink and enjoyable. Even if I don't get a lot of a Belgian character.

I don't get much of a Belgian yeast character at all here. Which may vary at tasters discretion. While I didn't find much in the estery, yeast, spicy clove department, this is still a well made IPA. Something I have had a few times, if I miss the Belgian flavors it still doesn't completely take away from my enjoyment, so that is something.

 

 

 

Poured from bottle into tulip, minimal cream colored head, recedes to a pool so so lacing. Clear light golden in the glass. Smells of citrus, some faint Belgian esters and every now and then a whiff of some musty funk. Taste is initially Belgian fruity esters, some clove, juicy fruit and then flows into some light citrus in the middle. Finish is a medium bitterness, dry peppery/spicy finish. Nice mouthfeel, nice beer. So need a Texas brewery to do a Belgian IPA year round.

 

 

 

Straw gold pour 1.5cm head, nice lacing. Nose is a bit indiscriminate: a bit floral, banana, dank... kinda musty. Taste is subtle clove and spice upfront, which give way to spicy Belgian yeast (most notable flavor), nice hop light hop resin. Sweet candy overwhelms the dry hop finish. The citra hops do play a bit. Nice hybrid some St. Arnold. Their Icon & Bishop Barrel brews are quite superior to their mainstays.