King Eider
Brewery Faisan

 

real neat belgian dubbel, possibly rye based, sweet but good, less dark and honestly complex on the malt side than the best of these, but this is a bit of a different take, a creative and well executed beer not quite like any i have had before. hitting less in that deep reddish to mid brown range and more pale, almost toffee colored, lightly hazy but with a decent off white head on it, maybe not quite the belgian level of refinement and excitement, but it looks good. the nose and taste do the same thing, heavy raisin, earthy spice, caramelized malt character, and familiar belgian yeast that hints at white pepper, clove, and anise, sort of an autumnal mix here, very pleasant if you dont mind the somewhat exposed residual sugar, which takes over a little bit as it warms. rum soaked raisin, light corrugated cardboard but not really oxidation its like a grain note somehow, not out of place actually, marzipan, date sugar, toasted coriander seed, cream soda, light possible rye spice melding into what the yeast does pretty effectively and seamlessly, more bubbles than i can see, and a pleasant nutty aftertaste that rides the sweetness awhile. a bit of a different take, i like the less robust less dark grain approach, leaves a lot of room for the yeast to stand out, and yet its not too estery or anything, rather well done. these guys seem to have a good thing going, thankful for the family who sent me out some cans to try, would love to check this place out one day when we visit them!