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To Quench and to Savor
Belgian golden ales are pale to golden in color with a lightish body for their deceptive alcoholic punch, as much as 9 percent alcohol by volume. The benchmark example, Duvel (Devil) from Belgium, is quite heavily hopped to give a floral nose and a tangy, fruity finish. Typically, such brews undergo three fermentations, the final one being in the bottle, resulting in fine champagne-like carbonation, and a huge rocky white head when they are poured. Often such beers can be cellared for six months to a year to gain roundness. These beers are probably best served chilled to minimize the alcoholic mouthfeel.
Interpreting the 100-point Scale
Consumers can translate the point score to the following quality bands:
| Point Range |
Quality Band |
| 96-100 points |
Platinum |
| 90-95 points |
Gold |
| 85-90 points |
Silver |
| 80-84 points |
Bronze |
| Less than 80 |
Not Recommended |
Legend
= Brewpub- ABV = Alcohol by volume
- Date denotes the date on which the beer was tasted
91 Triple Moine Ale, Brasserie Du Bocq (Belgium). 7.4% ABV (5/07)
Hazy bright golden color. Toasted nut bread, dried banana and citrus and delicate tarragon aromas. A rich entry leads to a dry-yet-very fruity full body of orange custard, delicate spices and anise cookies. Finishes with a long cream of wheat with orange honey and peppercorn fade. Delicious and a great choice at the table.
90 Demolition Strong Golden Ale, Goose Island Brewing Co. (IL) 2007. 6.2% ABV (5/07)
Pure golden amber color. Golden raisin toast and delicate orange marmalade aromas. A crisp, refreshing entry leads to a dryish, vibrant, medium-full body of toasted light rye bread, clover honey and sea salt flake flavors. Finishes with a long savory fade of salted nuts, bitter orange marmalade and spicy toast. Excellent on its own and will be exceptional with artisanal cheeses.
