The Stone Brewing, Cali-Belgique IPA...
This is a beer that Matt requested, and I knew next-to-nothing about. I presumed from the name, of course, that this might be a beer I would like due to a European twist on the typical Stone brews. The back of the bottle answers all of my questions though...
Apparently the word "Belgique" is how Belgium's French-speaking population refers to 'Belgian', while the Dutch-speaking say "Belgie." This California-style IPA uses a carefully selected Belgian yeast strain, on their otherwise "identical twin to Stone IPA". And there is even a disclaimer on the bottom of the bottle that notes half of the bottles have been labeled "Belgie" and half were labeled as "Belgique" so that no one is offended. That's very California of them...
Anyway, the beer itself: Right off the bat, it doesn't look quite like the typical Stone IPA. The head is much more lively, and full, in a just slightly off-white color. And WOW, does this beer smell great! Immediately I'm getting all kinds of both piney and floral hops. There are some mild hints of spice, but the aromas are largely dominated by big, bright fruit like grapefruit, tangerine, maybe some mild orange.
First sip however, is not so exciting, wtf. It tastes good, like the description would suggest, a Cali-style IPA with just a touch of funk. But, as soon as we swallow, it's like it never happened, there is absolutely zero after-taste. I'm going to let this one sit for a bit and warm up, see if it evolves with a little higher temperature.
*Twenty minutes later* The aromas have subsided a bit; even with a heavy swirling, and great foam and lacing, there is noticeably milder aromas. Once taking a sip though, this beer has come alive! The hops are great, bitter and dry like I'd expect from Stone, but with some fruity/floral notes too. Now that the beer has warmed up, it's much rounder and fuller on the palette. The aromas I was smelling the first go-around seem to have worked their way into the flavor of the beer. Now the tables have turned, and the taste is the impressive part.
This is easily my favorite beer from Stone Brewing! It is still hoppy, but much more drinkable, I think, than the other Stone's I've had. Up until this beer, I thought everything I've ever had from Stone always had that signature flavoring stating "You're drinking a Stone", this is different. It's a great, flavorful, drinkable version of an IPA. Quite frankly, I think Stone nailed it with the Cali-Belgique intention.
My only complaint is the lack of flavor when the beer is cold. I know, I know, good beer should be drank closer to room temperature, and I agree. However, I also want the beer to taste good right out of the fridge. If I wanted to wait 20 minutes for a beer, I'd go down to Chili's. I like my beers like I like my wines, taste good with the very first sip, and evolve and grow as it warms and aerates.
Stone Brewing
Cali-Belgique (Belgie)
T.C.S.H. Rating - 8/10
Aka - Nice job guys, my favorite of all the Stones!
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