#182: New England Brewing Co. » 668 Neighbor Of The Beast (Belgian-style Ale)

Love thy Satanic Neighbor...

The Brewery: New England Brewing (Woodbridge, CT)
The Brew:  668 Neighbor Of The Beast (Belgian-style Ale)
Availability: Cans, Draft
ABV: 8.5%
Rating: 9.0/10
Location: The Westy

The Story: New England Brewing offered up several of my favorites from 2013, including Ghandi Bot and their Galaxy Pale Ale. 668 has been on my radar since doing this quickie post last year, but on a stop down to The Westy, this was my first chance to try it out on tap and give it a full once-over.

The Brew: Served up, this Belgian-style ale is a hazy and golden with a slim cap of fluffy white head. Immediately on first sip there's a big mouthful, bursting with a plethora of spices. 668 starts out dry, almost velvety, blooming with coriander and all spice. Shortly thereafter, Neighbor smoothly breaks into a more silky mouthfeel, fully of sweet malts, eventually settling into a creamy, wet and drinkable brew. Bready yeasts, toasted malts, soft citrus, mild grass and hop notes complement each other as it mellows.

Overall, a wonderful Belgian-style with significant phases rewarding an attentive session throughout the glass. Recommended.

#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.

#063: Green Flash » Grand Cru (Belgian Strong Dark Ale)

GF's mysterious dark ale...

The Brewery: Green Flash Brewing Co. (San Diego, CA)
The Brew: Grand Cru (Belgian Strong Dark Ale)
Availability: 12 oz. & 650 mL Bottles
ABV:  9.1%
Rating: 8.5/10
Location: Home

The Story? As part of my aforementioned goal of working through Green Flash's entire bottled offerings on this blog, I found myself with a bit of free time for a drink and a science documentary before performing. A smooth, high gravity brew from Green Flash ought to do the trick.

The Beer? This Grand Cru starts off with an intriguing, dark, rich nose with hints of citrus and chocolate. Fluffy head with lots of late and staying power caps the chocolate colored brew.

Delectably smooth, with a light body. Refreshing, dark ale, intertwined with roasted malts, citrus, fresh plums, and other juicy fruit. Classy, clean taste and mouthfeel complimented by cordial interactions of yeasts, spice, rich malts, and hop complexity. A twist of the 9.1% heat begins to creep in at the end with mild raisin noses.

Overall, a unique and elegant Belgian style that is complex and accessible.  Recommended to share with friends. I think everyone is going to experience this one in their own way.