Much like a festive feast, Artisan’s December 2023 trio ascend with jovial bonhomie, their enthusiasm oblivious to a decent nudge and eventual couch nap from which at some point the words: "What day is it again?" will be mumbled.
Citrus Dawn debuted at Petition Beer Corner in 2018 when Artisan’s now brand manager was the venue manager. The native ingredient-embellished citrus sour’s refreshment clearly stuck in the mind as five years later it makes a warm weather return. Described as an "exotic lemonade stand sour", the dance of botanicals and sour saison base are almost Sprite-like, with sweet citrus, pomelo and crushed lemongrass notes. Juicy lemon rules the back third as the botanical mix and light tartness wantonly call for a glug of gin.
Palate now opened, the tango of subtle clove spice and tropical mango found in Tropenkel elicit thoughts of basted the beer over a Christmas ham in an Aussie-Belgio twist on English tradition. It’s an enkel beer, also referred to as Patersbier or single in Belgium: the sort of beer often produced for the monks' own consumption by using the second runnings from stronger beers. The tropical mango addition riffs on Tripel Treating, one of Artisan’s most-loved beers, and informs a rather smart portmanteau: Trop – Enkel. Insert palm tree and Belgian flag emojis.
The first thing to note about Yule Fuel ’22 is that it’s a year late. Tardy timing for anyone without a Vintage Ales tag, but not Artisan. Upon deciding that the original release wasn’t quite ready a year ago, Yule Fuel was conditioned for another full year before receiving additions of cinnamon, nutmeg and vanilla designed to elevate the seasonal themes. Citrus peel charms the nose as honeyed and light caramel malt sweetness swirls with a touch of vanilla, all while a soft carbonation buoys woody spice notes and a subtle spiritous character, both rounding out proceedings with a warming familiarity.
Guy Southern
Published December 11, 2023 2023-12-11 00:00:00
