Melange A Trois - Reserve Series Aged In French Oak Chardonnay Barrels
Nebraska Brewing Company Production Brewery & Tap Room

Bought from the Rare Beer Club. And with 304 ratings from across the country, a lot of other BA-ers probably scored this gem from Rare Beer. But interestingly, there are a wide variety of opinions. Not everyone agrees with Melange's complexity and integrated whole. And I suspect that Nebraska took a few releases before they got it right.

As for my copy, it Looks pretty; but I like a more active foam, and the barrel probably dissipated these protein swirls. Smells are apples and oak and Chardonnay; citrus notes around the edges, but this Smells of wine. Tastes are balanced in that they are distinct, but all play nice together... which is why we wink at this name. Amazingly, this ABV is not in my face and instead offers a dry, lingering fruitiness that apples and grapes do best.

I had Melange with appetizers and the meal (a vegetable stew) and a salad and chocolate cake. All pairings were satisfying, except the chocolate was a stretch. While price is a consideration, I would definitely consider Melange again.

My copy was 2021 vintage. I believe Nebraska has cultivated a peppery yeast for Melange that is as good as the best from Belgium. I'd like to try others from Nebraska Brewing, particularly since they seem so comfortable in the Belgian tradition; having more than a few successful saisons and wits. They are accomplished micro-brewers and have brought craft culture to the Great Plains and from across the pond. For that, they get some very good Overall Hugs.

 

 

 

 

 

Soft yellow body, semi-hazy; tons of carbonation rising slowly; thick and billowy head, white, dense, and creamy. Huge wheat and cracker aroma; dry hardwood, oak; mild esters as the beer warms up; a bit of herbal / spicy / earthy scent going on, too. Rich and malty taste; biscuit; a nice layer of chardonnay barrel aging in the background; phenol and earthy spiciness; low hop bitterness. Heavy body; very soft and velvety; spongy; semi-dry.

Although there is no bottling / production data on the bottle, whatever the beer's creation time-frame, it all boils down to being one incredible drinking experience. For my palate, it's the malt and yeast that are the highlights. The chardonnay barrel aging is noticeable but really more in the background, at least taste-wise. The body is incredibly smooth and rich. Without a doubt, an extremely satisfying Belgian golden strong ale.

 

 

 

Bottle from 2014ish

A: Poured into a Duvel tulip to a clear golden yellow topped by a dense and fluffy two finger white head which retains well and leaves excellent lacing as it fades.
S: Smells of fruity esters, hints of white wine with a hint of tartness on the nose, nice peppery spice, and a little bit of mustyness
T: Taste is fruity up front with some orchard fruit notes, a nice hit of peppery spice, light and dry cracker malt like sweetness with some nice wine barrel notes intertwined which bring in just a little tartness and melon. On the swallow it's a lot of wine barrels and oak with some lingering orchard fruits and peppery spice.
M: This beer has a body which is on the lighter side of medium. Carbonation is effervescent and slightly prickly while the beer finishes quite dry.
O: Overall this is a really well executed beer that has held up well to over five years in the bottle. Really nice complexity and flavor with no signs of oxidation or falling off. Definitely worth a try if you can find it and don't mind the price.