Mélmor
Brasserie Warenghem

This beer demands some forenotes, due to its nature:

This is a beer based on the French tradition of chouchen, which is a variety of hydromel. Hydromel is infamous for being illegal in France in a manner analogous to how absinthe is "illegal" in the USA, or poitin in Ireland. In truth, it isn't illegal, but the common view is that it is because the true version is allegedly "too dangerous". All that said, hydromel itself is not instantly translatable to "mead" (aka honey wine). While both are indeed honey based, this does not mean they are the same or that they should be judged as the same. Certainly both Westvleteren beers and Budweiser varietals are barley based, but that does not mean they are the same style or even some may argue the same type of alcohol.

This beer is made "out of" or "with" chouchen (it is difficult to translate the French word "au"), but it is certainly not merely a beer with chouchen added. Such a production process would be absurd in France.

Notes aside, I'll proceed with the review. I acquired this .33cl bottle in Strasbourg and poured it into a Swiss kitchenware glass in Zürich, Switzerland. (Don't ask). Reviewed live.

The first thing that struck me was the clear bottle. We all know that no self-respecting brewmaster would allow clear or green bottles on his/her production line. This is a warning sign.

A: Two finger head, very thin, without cream, and featuring amongst the poorest retentions I've ever seen. Colour is a clear gold.

Sm: Full barley. No honey, to my surprise (and chagrin).

T: Chouchen! Honey glory with a sort of tequila-ish twist on the climax. Very unique. Maybe even some lime and sausage (I shit ye not). Complex and unique, but not particularly refreshing or even good. I do like it for its uniquity, and it's balanced, but there's an artifical underlying tone that bothers me.

Mf: Smooth and wet, complementing the flavours of the body.

Dr: This is a unique affordable beer that demands the attention of beeradvocates. It may even be the start of a new style which I would love to see developed. I think this will go overlooked, which is unfortunate. It's not great, but if done right I think other beers based around the idea of chouchen could be.

This is beer with added mead (aka chouchen aka hydromel). It comes in a 33cl clear glass bottle, best by Feb 2010 on back label. I poured into a tulip.

Soapy head, big bubbles, dissipates quickly with no lacing. Clear golden liquid.

Smells somewhat floral and grassy, but there is a stronger funky smell, like a fridge that needs cleaning.

At first the taste is very sweet like a simple syrup or maybe watered down clover honey. The sweetness hangs through but other flavors come in the finish, reminding me of darker lettuce or arugula. A very slight bitterness is perceivable in the finish.

The mouthfeel is great - more viscous and coating than you would expect from a light ale.

The strange flavors and off aromas make this one a difficult beer to drink. The alcohol is well hidden, though.

To sum up, the sweetness is too much for me. The flavors and aromas which should be balancing it seem unpleasant as well. Disappointing.