This beer from Brussels brewery De La Senne is one I look forward to each year. Brewed only on the 22nd December each year, it celebrates the day the first brew was completed in the new brewery back in 2010.
As mentioned for previous versions of this beer, it seems quite a simple malt profile. This remains unchanged year-to-year, with the hops being the ingredient that is altered up each year. For the 2016 version, an experimental hop from Slovenia was chosen.
The brewers describe the beer as a Belgian IPA, but I don’t think there is enough hop character to move it past being a Belgian pale ale.
There is a clean bready malt body and a fresh fruity, grassy hop presence. Grapefruit, melon and pear provide a tropical fruit sweetness with a tinge of tart. A spicy yeast character compliments a firm and sustained hop bitterness for a lingering dry bitter finish.
Definitely a little spicier than previous versions, and a long bitter finish which we come to expect from De La Senne. Always favouring the old world, earthy and grassy hops, and in always generous additions.
A lovely crisp and flavoursome Belgian Pale Ale featuring Crystal & Tettnang hops
Another variation of BBNo's Belgian Pale style, this time featuring Hallertau Blanc and Mandarina Bavaria hops
The 2014 vintage of De La Senne's commemorative brew - a ripper Belgian Pale Ale
by Brasserie d'Achouffe (Brouwerij Duvel Moortgat)
The spring time seasonal beer from La Chouffe
A lovely blond bitter beer from one of Belgium's home-brewing success stories
A slightly happier Belgian pale ale from Brasserie Les 3 Fourquets
by Brasserie Artisinale Millevertus
A really well-balanced Belgian Pale Ale featuring Chinook hops
Belgium's hoppy beer, but there is more to this beer than just the hops
The 2014 vintage of De La Senne's commemorative brew - a ripper Belgian Pale Ale
A Black IPA from Brasserie De La Senne - lots of roasted malts and earthy hop flavours
This beer is known as the most bitter Tripel style beer in all of Belgium!
A refreshing over-hopped pale ale with a Belgian touch, from Brussels second only brewery.
A Christmas beer that is lighter, drier and hoppier than a standard winter seasonal
A malty blond ale with a pleasant peppery bite from only the second brewery in Brussels
