Jessenhofke Bzart Blonde
De Proefbrouwerij

With the boundaries that separate France from Belgium so close, the terroir that plays out in those famed French wines also play out in Belgian ale. Since most of the flavors of each come from fermentation and not the notable difference of grape to grain, its clear why the blonde ale of Jessenhofke would find so much in common with the fame of wine.

Contract brewed at de Proef, Bzart Blonde pours a hazy, yeasty goldenrod to burnt straw while shedding an arid white froth with the turbulence of sparkling white wine. A bold aromatic display of delicate orchard fruit, citrus, cider and vine all mingle on the nose with a backdrop of soft spices, Its wine and wheat scent gives a bready sweet juxtaposition to the otherwise striking champagne-like ale.

As the flavors unfold on the tongue, a sweet and fruity upstart of candied pear, apple, white grape and lemon all have a whimsical taste of cotton candy and sugar drops. Its sweetness soon gives way to a mild acidic taste of wine to join the fruit in a most sangria kind of way. As the spices develop on the middle palate, a notion of white pepper, coriander, clove and lemongrass lead into a grassy, hay-like hop bite to ensure drinkability, dryness and one final pop of flavor.

Medium light on the palate, the strong golden ale trends dry and effervescent like sparkling chardonnay. Remnants of malt offer a brief aftertaste of sourdough and yeast spice in a medium length aftertaste. The alcohol spice also cleans up the finish and ensures one last legacy of white wine.