Hop Harvest 2011
Brouwerij Brasserie De Ranke

 

Found this one hiding on a bottom shelf in my beer cellar. Best before date is the end of 2016. Hazy yellow-amber pour with a two finger foamy white head with decent retention and lacing. Nose is typical Belgian IPA with lemony citrus and wheat up front along with hints of corriander, white pepper, grass, and pine. The taste follows suit with lots of lemon, grapefruit and grass along with hints of pine, corriander, orange peel, and some subtle mint on the finish. The mouthfeel is medium bodied and surprisingly fizzy considering the age, with a crisp, dry, and subtly spicy finish. Overall, I have to contribute the bottle conditioning for keeping this beer so totally drinkable after four years in my cellar. I would have loved to try it when it was fresh.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A - Hazy golden-yellow with a finger of frothy white head. Fades normal.

S - Grapefruit, citrus, floral, pine, and grassy hops, sweet grainy and wheat malts, Belgian yeast, coriander, pepper, other spices, lemon zest.

T - Grapefruit, citrus, pine, floral hops, some bitterness, wheat and grainy malts, Belgian yeast, coriander, pepper, other spices, lemon zest.

M - Medium bodied with moderate carbonation. Smooth with a dry, spicy, and lightly bitter finish.

D - Nice Belgian IPA. Good overall balance.