= Brewpub97 La Fin du Monde, Unibroue (Canada). 9% ABV (4/09)
Slightly hazy golden amber color with a fine mousse. Aromas of toasted muffin, poached egg, sautéed spinach and peach jam are reminiscent of Eggs Florentine and follow through on a round, foamy entry to a dryish medium-full body with tangy spiced orange, honeyed apple and pear skin and crème brûlée crust notes. Finishes with wave of alcohol, baguette and earthy hop flavors. A big, delicious food-centric beer.
92 Bon Secours Blonde Ale, Brasserie Caulier (Belgium). 8% ABV (5/07)
Hazy bright golden amber color. Complex aromas of light brown sugar, golden raisins and soy. Smooth and supple entry leads to a dryish medium-full body of lemon curd, cilantro, salt and Brazil nut flavors. Finishes with a long, earthy and savory dried fruit and salty sourdough fade. Exotic and inviting—a great choice to serve with roasted pork or blackened chicken.
91 Belgian Blond Abbey Ale, Abbaye de Leffe (Belgium). 6.6% ABV (5/08)
Brilliant, bright golden amber color with a blanketing white head. Dense aromas of orange marmalade, peanut brittle, mossy earth and pastry dough follow through on a rich, frothy entry to a dry-yet-fruity full body with layers of spice, river stones and sourdough. Finishes with a long, tangy nut, sweet orange gum and peach marmalade fade. Rich and flavorful with great drinkability.
89 Hoppenbier, Jopen (Holland). 6.8% ABV (5/08)
Hazy gold color with a persistent fine foamy head. Vibrant sour yeast, basement, sour cream, sour cherry, bitter orange and sweaty cheese rind aromas follow through on a mellow entry to a dry medium with interesting notes of tropical fruit cocktail. Finishes with a tart and tangy citrus peel, cheese, clay-like hop and white nut fade. A intriguing food beer with a racy style.
89 Abbaye De Saint Martin Blonde, Brasserie De Brunehaut (Belgium). 7% ABV (5/07)
Slightly hazy golden color with a white head. Earthy clay, light molasses and buttered cauliflower aromas. A crisp, frothy entry leads to a dryish medium body of figs, creamy caramel and roasted carrot flavors. Finishes with dried fruit and cashew fade. Interesting, but perhaps a too touch funky for some.
88 Blonde Ale, Cucapa (Mexico). 4.5% ABV (4/07)
Golden amber color. Toast and lemon curd aromas follow through to a refreshing, dryish light-to-medium body with a nice wave of nutty toast, toasted meringue and bittering hops on the finish.
86 Bon Secours Blonde de Noel, Brasserie Caulier (Belgium). 10% ABV (5/07)
Hazy yellow golden color. Golden raisin, bubblegum and candied almond aromas. A round, frothy entry leads to an off-dry medium-full body of fruity caramel, sweetened dates and salty toasted nut flavors. Finishes with a toffeed nut and delicate spice fade. Very fruity and a relatively sweet—try with cheeses and nuts for dessert.
