Domestique
Rouleur Brewing Company

my first from these guys, just called a blonde ale on paper, so it surprised me when it hit with some fermentation character leading the way. it doesnt look like much, sort of a muted brassy tone, clear enough but without the radiance some of these have, and just a short white head. it smells somewhere between mild constrained belgian yeast esters of pear and green grass and like french saison yeast where white wine and light spiciness comes in, the malt bill seems robust for something called a blonde, a little deeper color, a little more depth in the aroma, not quite nutty, but honey for sure, a bready wrinkle, and some earthiness, late summer harvest vibes to this overall, unique right away. the flavor is cool, the yeast is subtle but distinct, definitely belgian but also somewhat distinct, not just a common culture, which is cool, and it almost has lager yeast notes to it with this grain base, european, a little doughy, minerals, wet ground. light white pepper and clove spice, pennies, herbal hops, and green banana and pear at the end, it warms up nicely, is never overly estery, and drinks easy for being as complex as it is. i think it could be slightly more effervescent in feel, but i like it finishing this dry, even some hop bitterness late. neat beer, so much more than a lot of other blondes can offer, neat yeast strain and usage, and overall i think probably worthy of its gabf gold this year, cant imagine the judges tasted too many like this, very distinctive. hope to try more from these guys, this is solid.

 

Type: 16-oz. can
Reviewed as: Belgian Blonde Ale
Glass: AleSmith .25l tulip
Price: $2.50
From: Trader Joe’s in La Mesa, Calif.
Purchased: Dec. 31, 2020
Consumed: Jan. 8, 2021
Misc.: Born on Nov. 23, 2020

Had Rachel pick me up one of these even though I’d see it many times in stores. A family friend of ours really likes this one and it’s a new beer to try, so why not? Their website calls it “The Domestique is the silent, tireless and selfless enabler, offering a supreme dependability and loyalty to all who entrust themselves to the cause. Our Domestique Blonde Ale is accessible, yet holds its own when put against any contender. This beer is designed to be approachable yet memorable with a soft malt backbone and delicate Noble hop bitterness, keeping it from being too heavy or sweet. The aroma is slightly grainy, yet not astringent, and the forward palate is reminiscent of malted milkshake, grain, and honey. The finish is dry and crisp with just the slightest hop bitterness. Well rounded, smooth and reliable.”

Poured a clear medium amber color with two fingers of frothy-to-fizzy white head, which dissipated quickly. Could see plenty of bubbles coming up from the bottom of the glass. Below average watery lacing. Bad watery retention. (Sight - 3.00)

Smelled Belgian clove, honey, graham cracker, sweet grain, caramel, pear, apple and grass. Much of the same from the can. (Smell - 4.00)

Tasted maybe even better than the nose. Got Belgian glove, honey, graham cracker, sweet grain, caramel, pear, apple, grass and lingering peppery spice. (Taste - 4.25)

Medium-to-light body. Oily texture. Soft carbonation. Long, spicy finish. (Feel - 4.25)

Liked this for what it was. Outstanding. (Overall - 4.00)

4.07 | 91 | A-