We got a little confused. With Mountain Goat ending the year in which they claimed Champion IPA for The Zymurgist with not one but two limited "Breed" releases, we thought this Christmas Ale was being launched this week. Turns out it's actually Pulped Fiction that's out this week. So apologies if you read this, think: "I must have that in ma belly!" only to find some of the very limited number of kegs sent around the country have already been drained. Thankfully, there's always the wax-dipped fancy bottles...
As with all Barrel Breeds to date, the beer was aged in Lark Distillery barrels. Unlike last year's Christmas Ale, which was based upon darker, heavier Belgian quadrupels, this time around the Goats stayed in Belgium but opted for a strong golden ale, one they reckon is "made for enjoying on a glorious summer's day" – even at close to 10 percent ABV.
Based upon the "pleasant, bready character" of specialty Belgian Chateau pilsner malt, the key characteristics, as is often the case with Belgian beers, are those imparted by the yeast, in this case "spiced fruit aroma, reminiscent of pear with a hint of tropical fruit", we're told, with the brewers suggesting the oak adds a drying finish and roundness to the beer.
Published December 9, 2016 2016-12-09 00:00:00
