Goudenband
Poured from a big ol' bottle into my Orval chalice. Appearance is a hazy dark red, no head. No lacing. To me smells of caramel apples. Very little yeast aroma. Taste is quite tart. Some reviewers have said lime, although I'd sooner go with sour green apples. Slight caramel and tobacco aftertaste. again yeast is barely detectable. This beer has a distinctive cider like quality. Mouth feel is surprisingly crisp. again brings to mind cider. Very biting carbonation, I assume from the bottle conditioning. Drinkability is only hampered by the high abv. Otherwise quite drinkable. Goes down very smooth considering the carbonation. I found it refreshing, which I did not expect. A great beer with very interesting complex flavors, the first of this style I've tried. Based on this sample I'd try it again.