Brewnotes

The brewery describes it as follows: “brewed with a blend of 5 Noble Hop varieties from each of the world’s only remaining Noble Hop growing regions. The spicy, herbal and citrus hop character is well balanced by the Weyermann Bohemian Pilsner malt, adding honeyed malt character and full body without sweetness.”

This beer is clear, golden and pours with a nice white head.  Citrus and floral notes abound.   Hop dominate but not too bitter.   Coming in at a mere 4.9% ABV, this beer is a great drinker.   Clean classic Czech style Pilsner. 

Current Beeradvocate rating: A-.

My take: This is a fantastic beer and I couldn’t be more surprised.   This is one of the better examples of this beer style outside of the Czech Republic.

This is an extremely hazy, pale colored strong beer with flowery hops notes, a huge kick and lingering bitterness.   Coming in @ 8.1% ABV, the alcohol on this beer is deceptive.  This is the kind of beer that you would expect from a Delirium Tremens brewmaster.

Current Beeradvocate rating: B+

A good example of the new avant-garde beers coming out of Belgium.  However, in my opinion I would not seek this beer out as I believe the finishing hops are out of balance and overpower the rest of the beer.

I’ve talked about how stunning the winery is itself.   Now let’s take on their major commodity.

”Pleasing aromas of pear, mango and clove along with a hint of vanilla mingle on the nose of this classic Sonoma County Chardonnay. The well-balanced acidity wraps around a luscious core of pineapple, lemon and melon flavors and creates a creamy palate. The wine has a refreshing finish.” via the winemaker.

I started with a cocktail and my wife had a glass of vino.   The recommendations were decent but $14 for a glass of Pino Gris?  Next came my appetizer – a Caesar salad.   Very good if you like a true example including anchovies.

Overall, the food is very good but somewhat $$$$.  The service was adequate but I wouldn’t say it was stellar.    The room is nicely decorated but feels like a cavern with the 20ft+ ceilings.    It was also somewhat drafty every time the outside door was opened.

• Food – Very Good
• Portions – Good
• Ambience – Good
• Service – Good
• Noise Level – Moderate

A very approachable beer with good malt (caramel notes and biscuit)and just enough hops to balance it; 5% ABV and 30IBUs, caramel color and a nutty flavor.   Columbus and Willamette hops provide some citrus notes.

Current Beeradvocate rating: B-

My take: many people put this beer down because most of the DFH beers represent something much bigger.    This beer is very quaffable and close to a session beer if the alcohol was a little bit lower.   Easily, one of the easiest drinking beers around.

Charlie’s latest album: ‘Gentlemen, I Neglected To Inform You You Will Not Be Getting Paid‘ was well represented.

This was live music at its best in a small venue such as the 8×10.

Emmanuel De Landtsheer started the brewery in Flemish Brabant in 1997 but the family had a long tradition in brewing.

“Malheur 12 is brewed with a significant portion of dark aromatic malt, providing some interesting nutty aromas and flavours” as described by the late Michael Jackson.

This is a rich, dark in color, refermented and bottle conditioned ale.   You can’t help but notice the hop aroma and well-balanced flavor this beer exhibits.   A touch of sweet alcohol but still very dry.   Honey and rum notes.  

Current Beeradvocate rating: A-

What I like about this beer is the mouthfeel and how easy this beer drinks.   The richness of this beer would be great with a steak and a cold winter night.  Watch out, this beer comes in @ 12% ABV.   Wow!

This beer has an assertive malt backbone that holds up nicely against the hops.   Hop aroma/presence is prolific and upfront but not overwhelmingly bitter with a hint of pine.   The beer pours a deep golden color with a white head.   Moderate carbonation.   7% ABV.

Current Beeradvocate rating: B+  

This is the kind of American IPA that I really appreciate.     70ish IBUs are about my maximum.   With all that considered, this is an extremely drinkable beer that I will seek out from time to time.