For my second-ever mission with SCN I got to experience Austin-based Adelbert’s Brewery. Let me first say that these folks are doing the craft beer a solid by paying homage to a place that is known for its beer and waffles: Belgium. I admire the experimental beers we have come to see here, especially on the west coast. I love them! I think it may be more difficult to be successful in this market when you pull back and really contain your flavors in this day in age where the American pallet is over seasoned with everything from salt to sweet and heat to hop but Adelbert’s has done a phenomenal job of reigning it all in and giving us a pure, classic tasting and sophisticated line of brews. If most of our craft breweries are the equivalent to food trucks, Adelbert’s would be a Michelin three-star French restaurant. Adelbert’s currently distributes to California, Florida, New York, and of course the great state of Texas. Ask your local pub to bring it in if they do not already carry it, or swing through your beer store and pick some up.
Naked Nun Score: 7.8
Belgian-Style Wit ABV:5.8% IBU:15
This is perfect for a crisp New England evening in September eating oysters and lobster rolls with friends. It is light in body, deep in flavor. I really enjoyed the coriander. The next time you want to get your friend to try craft beer forget Blue Moon, and start here.
The Traveler Score: 8.9
Belgian-Style IPA ABV:7% IBU:55
This delicious nectar will be a nice addition to your Thanksgiving dinner. Not that the holiday needs any help being awesome, but it will help you ease through any annoying family or in-laws. This IPA is awesome with its balance of fruit and herbs, which is why I said Thanksgiving, but it would go nicely with the way I grill my yard bird. I didn’t want to stop drinking this. I might not have.
Naughty Brewing: Zijden-Kousen Score: 8.8
Belgian-Style IPA ABV:8.6 IBU:89
You keep trying to pronounce it, and I will sit here and finish the bottle! Complex across the mid-pallet, yet delightfully balanced with a long, clean finish. I could drink a lot of this. This is the first batch, and I am excited to see the follow ups.
Scratching Hippo Score: 8.7
Belgian-Style Biere De Garde ABV:6.9% IBU:30
This is really good brew! This is the kind of beer I picture when I think classic. This is a Chevy truck, a Ford Mustang, the girl next door. This is a beer man’s beer. It should be enjoyed frequently… a daily driver so to speak.
Philosophizer Score: 9.0
Belgian-Style Saison ABV:7.8% IBU:36
This Saison is as complex as the name would suggest. I feel as though I should be wearing a tweed jacket when enjoying this delicious gem with some Asian inspired salmon and snap peas. The citrus fruit sits on top on the spice and makes for a fantastic pairing beer.
Naughty Brewing: I Think She Hung the Moon Score: 9.0
A Tenebrous Smoked Saison ABV:8.5% IBU:19.7
Hokey Pokey. That’s what this is all about! Just when I thought I figured this thing out, it would change. It has a nice pecan smoke on the nose. It hit my pallet with hints of floral notes and then chocolate, and just when I expected this thing to dance and flirt with my pallet all night, it went down quicker than a porn star. This is the beer version of “Lady in the street, but freak in the sheet”. It makes me keep coming back for more. I could be in trouble with this one.
Black Rhino Score: 8.0
Belgian-Style Black Ale ABV:5.6% IBU:35
I love coffee! The nose on this black ale is full of coffee notes. I could have smelled it for hours, but I was busy. The thing I loved about this beer was that coffee note and it was the first thing I tasted and I was super excited, then it finished quicker than a virgin on prom night and left me thinking “where did it go? We were just getting started!”. Even though the fore-play was the best part, I would continue to drink this one. Maybe if I play just the sip, I can make it last longer.
Dancing Monks Score: 8.5
Belgian-Style Dubbel ABV:7.2% IBU:22
This could be the most versatile beer in the portfolio. It is savory, and would pair with so many foods. I can’t quit thinking about a Juicy burger loaded with thick bacon and blue cheese. There are hints of caramel on the nose and molasses, grains, and stone fruit hits the pallet. I could drink this beer at breakfast and not feel bad about it, don’t judge me.
Tripel B Score: 9.0
Belgian-Style Tripel ABV:9.3% IBU:28
Here is true sophistication in a glass. I believe this to be best enjoyed wearing a bowtie… the rest of the attire is personal preference. It is a crisp golden color and has a wonderful bouquet with aromas of fruit, spice, and honey. I picked up some banana and clove on the pallet. To hell with Miller High Life… THIS should be the Champagne of Beers. I’m going to start a petition.
Flyin’ Monks Score: 9.2
Belgian-Style Quad ABV:10.9 IBU:40
Quad could describe the Belgian style that it is, or the number of stars it should receive from anyone who drinks it. This is a deep, rich brew that I would order in the place of dessert. If I didn’t think you would think badly of me, I would keep this around for a midnight snack!
Naked Nun Barrel Aged 2012 Score: 9.3
Barrel-Aged Wit ABV:5.8% IBU:15
Pour this beer in a flute and be amazed! I sat watching the movement this beer has out of the bottle as if were 4th of July and this were a firework show. Its also reminiscent of the finest champagnes with its tight, rapid bubbles shooting to the top. The barrel-aging really stands this beer on its own. It has a toasted fruit appeal that I really enjoyed. I would eat it with Ice cream. Naked Nun a la Mode.
Dancing Monks Barrel Aged 2012 Score: 9.5
Barrel-Aged Dubbel ABV:9.1% IBU:22
I couldn’t have finished the night any better if I would have set the tasting up myself! This is an outstanding beer that is the cherry on top for a world-class brewery. Do yourself a favor and try this one if you can find it, because it does not get much better than this. This has found a comfortable home in my top 25 of All-Time. This beer was so good Eric, the brewery rep extraordinaire dropped the proverbial mike, went to bed and could have made me lock up on my way out after washing dishes, and feeding the animals, and I would have done it.
