#064: The Lost Abbey » Inferno Ale (Belgian Strong Pale Ale)

A deceptive brew for The Fallen...

The Brewery: The Lost Abbey (San Marcos, CA)
The Brew: Inferno Ale (Belgian Strong Pale Ale)
Availability: 750 and 350 mL
ABV: 9.0
Rating: 9.2/10
Location: Home

The Story?  I was first introduced to The Lost Abbey from a friend who used to reside in Philadelphia. With no distribution to NYS, they weren't on my radar, but would soon turn into one of my favorite U.S. breweries. Shortly after that initial conversation, we were in Philly for the best DIY in-home tasting I've ever been a part of and my palate was introduced to The Lost Abbey through their Red Poppy Flanders which remains one of my favorite beers. The next morning I enjoyed a tulip of Gift of the Magi while down at the marvelous Local 44.

I was hooked. And bummed, knowing it would be difficult to obtain the rest of their offerings without distribution. But, with a productive beer haul from Chicago and an online order, I was able to stock the cellar with a few of these tasty brews.


The Beer? The presentation, pour, head, and nose on this promptly proclaim pure beer bliss. No gimmics, additives, or collaborations needed here. A gentle pour yields a quickly rising, bubbly, lacy head which is sweet, spiced, and bright to the taste. Carbonation is easily seen in the transparent brew, akin to a quality low-gravity pilsner or pale.

The nose is quite transparent. Delicately deceptive with understated notes of crisp bread and lemon. Indulging my palate, Inferno is graceful and well-balanced. Light mouthfeel, complimented with plentiful carbonation and prevalent yeast flavors. Mellow hop bitterness is present, held up by the Belgian spices, which also strengthen mild hop heat notes.

The true trick of this beer is how delightfully and deceptively low-gravity it appears, when beneath the mask, Inferno weighs in around 9.0% ABV.  Towards the very end of the bottle an alluring, bitter booze begins to appear which alludes to it's true nature.

Overall, an excellent American take on the Belgian tradition. Strong, elegant, and disparages the trend to overwhelm the palate.