Swamp Fox Belgian Blonde Ale
Natty Greene's Pub & Brewing Co.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

After a somewhat disappointing meal (Natty's food has been decreasing in quality over the years...processed cheese sauce on the nachos now? Really?), thought I'd fill the growler with this offering. It pours a beautiful shimmering bronze color, glowing like a sunset and having enough bubbles rising to the top of a snow white head to keep it going awhile.

Aroma is largely fruity, peach/apricot mostly, and not all that far away from Magic Hat's #9. And there's my hang-up: there's very little Belgian yeast presence in the nose. A smidgen of creek stone/mineral. But nothing in the aroma that screams "Belgium!"

Fairly wispy flavor profile, in that the peach/apricot remains at the forefront, while the malt provides only thin character and bland taste. The hops are herbal/spicy; Belgian yeast is nowhere to be found. It drinks like some kind of American fruit/wheat ale thing, and not so much like a Belgian ale of any kind. The ingredients aren't coming together as I'd hoped, but if I'd tasted this without any expectation, I probably would have considered it a passable summer offering.

Decent softness amidst many tingling, gentle bubbles, and a textural fullness that tries to prevail over the thinner flavors.

I've tended to like Natty Greene's bigger beers, or their relatively experimental offerings. This just happens to be one that doesn't really deliver. Almost as disappointing as those nachos...

At 7.3% abv. I put this in the Belgian strong paleategory but it drinks like a lighter style.Poured a lighter blond shade with a thin quick to fade white head,aromas were slightly musty with some pear and phenolic spice.Flavors have that mustiness along with some white grape,a leafy sharpness comes late from the hops.It goes down quite easily for a beer of that heft,not bad but it lacks a little.