Vervifontaine Bière Du Lion
Brasserie Vervifontaine

750mL: Splendid dark golden hue is complemented by a brownish opacity. Initially generous fluffy white head slowly diminishes to 1-inch cover that lasts and laces adequately though not quite as voluminous as expected from Vervifontaine. Hypnotizing rustic nose, fully gueuzy and bretty. A succulent fluffy lemon pie going up the nostrils while collapsing into a floral epiphany. Those citrusy esters were obviously born in the deepest barnyard. Strong noble hop dryness is very surprising at first, incredibly dry in fact, I know I enjoy it, but I know that the complexity seems a bit limited by it, the malt fails to develop its nuances in the shadow of this wonderful yeast strain that creates all kinds of clean spicy undertones (no spices are used) and immuned to age hops (assuming this has quite a few years on it, this has certainly held up). Unfortunately a tad overcarbonated even for the style which seems to enhance the dryness and cut the flavor shorter than it deserves. It has the likeable "expanding in foam" texture characteristic of a Fantôme or a hitachino, but with more harshness from those agressive big bubbles. Not as good as the blonde (what is?), but still more than praiseworthy for amateurs of the genre and incredibly contemplating when you know this was the first beer produced by that brewer. Will definitely reward myself with both the blonde and Lion in the same session as an hommage to one of the great subdued ghosts (RIP) of the brewing world eventually. Thanks Jerry! Still available at Somerville Supersavers in New jersey

Extreme barnyard is first and foremost, evaporates like a bathroom dump after a half hour or so. A strong not a tripel, so I submitted a change request. There's unfiltered yeast and decent carbonation. Like a homemade attempt at a Fantome. Alcohol burn, acidic. Needs to go with roast beef and strong condiments.

The beer after its decanting and its emergence from the 330ml brown bottle sets in the glass a foggy orange color with a mountainous brilliant white head that is creamy in texture, the lace forms a satin like sheet upon the glass. Nose is tart with hints of ripe fruit, peaches maybe, spicy and sweet with malt, start is lightly sweet with a fair malt profile and the top light. Finish is meekly carbonated and the hops potently spicy and the aftertaste quite dry, a drinkable brew.

Hazy light orange in hue, w/ a tremendously thick and persistant porcelain white head. Belgian lace is left. Citrusy, mildly spicy hops hit the nose at first, then are ensued by notes of tart, grainy wheat and white grape fruitiness. Sweetness in aroma is mild, but a barely ripe guava like fruitiness is present towards the end. A snap of citrus rind and pith bitterness quickly yield to a dry combination of lightly peppery alcohol and bready pilsner malt. Light yeast mustiness emerges mid palate along with understated black licorice and pear - like esters. Moderate hop bitterness and apparent dearth of caramel malt contribution in flavor prevent any residual sweetness from surfacing, lending an overall dry profile to this brew. Lightly bodied and very well carbonated, but sufficiently proteinaceous from the wheat for an agreeable mouthfeel. Finishes dry, lightly minerally w/ mild chalkiness lingering. Beer of the Lion is a bit shy in malt and yeast derived complexity and is somewhat raw all around, but is nontheless an enjoyable brew. The wheat in the grist provides a pleasant, grainy undertone. Unique, but not outstanding.