Earlier this month, Ithaca Beer launched their second, limited 12-pack - Box of Belgians, packed with (mostly) hop-centric takes on the Belgian style.
Fleur de Belgique – IPA w/ Trappist yeast) ABV 7.5% | 9/10
Kicks off with a bright, fruity, citrus nose - like a citra hop party. The body is pale, hazy, light caramel color with a thin lace of white head. It's undoubtedly an IPA with big tropical and citrus flavors, with some esters in the second sip. Dry, semi-sweet with a champagne-like mouthfeel and hot hops in the finish. Great start.
Hopbloem (IPA w/ Belgian yeast) ABV 8% | 9.2/10
The hop nose has a bit more pine and earth than Fleur with a pale yellow body and lacy white head. The flavor is delicious and the finish is amazing - smooth and bitter with tons of complexity. Soft hops, spices along with hints of lime, clove, yeast, and esters make this a highly enjoyable beer. Big ups on this one.
Laissez Faire (Belgian-Style Tripel Ale) ABV 10% | 9/10
A clear, pale straw body pours out with minimal head. The nose is beautiful - tropical fruit, muscate grape, green apple, minterals; all akin to a Resling. Down the hatch, it's a pleasant brew. It's wet and smooth up front with a dry, spiced finish. Juicy fruit up front quickly snaps shut with sweet, prickly light cinnamon. Solid.
Obscurite (Belgian-Style Stout) ABV 10.1% | 8.8/10
Black body and leggy, mocha head set this stout up right. There's light spice to the mildly roasty nose. Dry, roasted and scorched flavors supported by a light body and lively carbonation. Robust flavor with a short finish.
Overall, a great box. Hopbloem and Laissez Faire easily took the cake for me personally. I'd grab any of these on draft if presented with the opportunity. Kudos to Ithaca Beer for stepping it up a notch over the last year. Looking forward to the next one...!
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