Today's beer in question certainly has a fine pedigree. The Brasserie d'Achouffe produces Houblon Chouffe, a beer considered by some to be the best Belgian IPA around. McChouffe is an even more unorthodox brew than Houblon, and is described as a "Scottish Abbey Ale." Get your mind around that one.
McChouffe is certainly an attractive beer, pouring a deep copper with ruby highlights that seem to beam from the glass. Its flavour is fairly complex, with notes of brown sugar and a light flavour of peat. The character of the Belgian yeast is understated but still present, adding an interesting and unusual element. For a beer of this strength and style it is incredibly drinkable, the character of the peat doesn't clobber you over the head as do so many Scottish-style beers. The peat also doesn't dominate the flavour but waits until the aftertaste to assert itself. Although maybe not as incredible as Houblon Chouffe, McChouffe is still a fine beer. I'm pretty sure this beer, along with it's cousin Houblon, can't yet be found in BC, but when it does hit the market, give it a bash.
Rating: Very Good
I had the Houblon at the Alibi two days ago and I thought it was so-so. This might reflect my enmity toward BIPA… I have another Houblon in bottle in the fridge which I offer to bring over when I get back from Vancouver, if you wish. Let me know.
ReplyDeleteSo Houblon is available in BC then? I remember talking to Lon at the Strath several months ago and he said at that point it wasn't. Maybe some is now making it's way here?
ReplyDeleteI won't be around until September, so if you can't wait that long, no worries. That being said, I'd definitely be down with having some Houblon, I'd probably still have something unusual from my trip to Portland that I could contribute as well. Talk to you later.
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I'll put the Houblon to one side. Maybe I'll give it to Dave to cellar as I have no will-power and I'd like to share it with you. Lots of Houblon in FireFly and Brewery Creek. Let me know when you're back.
ReplyDeleteBTW - the only stuff I'm super excited to try is yours.
ReplyDeleteRight on Dan, we'll set something up when Im back in town next month.
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