Lafayette's Escape 2008
General Lafayette Inn & Brewery

I was quite impressed with this 1.9% Belgian-style ale. It's similare to a dubbel, and at first sip I was taken aback at its depth of flavor. A jagged edge of dark-roastiness ran through the middle, amidst flavors of dark skinned fruit and spice. Wow! This is, essentially, a light beer!?! Then maybe Belgian-style beers will be the new face of light beer. I should have thought of it myself. All of the yeast character is there, giving it depth beyond whatever malt and alcohol remains. The problem is, it costs just as much as any other beer and most customers look at that and opt for something with a little more bang for the buck - unless of course, they're being cautious and opting for a lower alcohol beer before they head out at the end of the night. But why shouldn't it cost the same? Because there's less barley? Certainly not. It still takes a whole day to brew, and ties up just as much time in the fermenter. And the utilities costs are the same. Highly recommended! Well worth trying.

A: Amber body with a minimal off-white head... fades fast. minimal lacing

S: Good balance of sweet-candy malts and caramel highlights.

T: Taste mostly follows the aromas... sweet malts make up the backbone of the flavor profile.. hints of caramel as well charcoal-like roasted flavors..

M: Medium bodied... smooth... clean.

D: Not too bad.. the overall smoothness of the flavors and the feel makes this easy to sip for a while

A: Dark amber with a thin head and little retention.

S: Some malty sweetness and some light caramel and toffee.

T: Caramel and toffee flavors with a bit of smoke and roasted flavors. This reminded me of Smithwick's. I did not get any Belgian yeast or funk.

M: Smoothand well carbonated with a crisp dry finish.

D: Good taste for something with very little alcohol. I could drink this all day. Just not enough Belgian flavor to garner a 5.