Mike's Beer of the Week

Beer Information

Brewery: Trappist Westvleteren 

Beer Name: Blonde

Beer Style: Belgian Pale Ale

Abv.: 5.8%

Serving Glassware: Snifter, Chalice, Tulip, Oversized Wine Glass

Serving Temp.: 45-50 deg. F. (BeerAdvocate.com)

Local Availability: N/A

Pairings: If you obtain this beer, enjoy it by itself...then call me!

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Mike's Ratings (1-5)

Overall Grade/Rate: A+/4.58

Appearance: 4.5

Aroma: 4

Taste: 5

Mouthfeel: 4

Drinkability: 4.5

BeerAdvocate Avg. Rate: A-/4.23

Mike's Description

Thanks to Craig for giving me this amazing and extremely rare beer! For those of you that are unaware, any Trappist Westvleteren beer must be reserved and obtained from the monks who brew it within their trappist in Belgium... and it's very very pricey. 

Appearance - Pretty much a perfect representation of what a Belgian pale ale should look like...very aesthetically pleasing. Extremely modest bottle with no label, merely "Trappistenbier" engraved in the glass...mysterious...and a sweet logo on the cap. Completely opaque yellowish golden hue with a 1/2" of white head. Very good retention and moderate speckled lacing.

Aroma - Pure Belgian yeast...mmmm...unparalleled. Earthy and woody scents with a slight hint of citrus and perhaps pine from the hops. 

Taste - This is just awesome. The Belgian yeast dominates as in the aroma with a slight citrusy taste. Very complex spiciness that only Belgian trappist beers are capable of...go monks! Very earthy tones take over the background.

Mouthfeel - This is where the Belgian spices really steal the show. The natural spices are present immediately, through the experience, and in the aftertaste. The unique yeast strain plays a role here as well...it seems as though it's still fermenting in my mouth.

Drinkability - Overall I believe that this beer is the pioneer of the style. Not my favorite style, but the leader nonetheless. It is the perfect spring beer and I wish I had more than one to drink! Thanks again Craig!