Top Tastings 2009
ABV: 9 per cent
Origin: Erpe-Mere, Oost Vlaanderen
Website: www.glazentoren.be
Glazen Toren Saison d'Erpe-Mere
You’d expect something special from the “glass tower”, a relatively young micro tucked away in the hilly country of the so-called “Flemish Ardennes” — it was co-founded by beer writer and leading Belgian beer expert Jef Van den Steen, editor of De Zytholoog, magazine of beer consumer organisation Zythos. Its beers are beautifully presented in tissue-wrapped 750ml bottles and the contents don’t disappoint, particularly in the case of this saison which, though brewed in Flanders, challenges many of the Wallonian examples as a paragon of the style.
This “eindejaar” (New Year) edition is more special still, with the strength racked up from 6.9% to 9% ABV. It’s a hazy pale straw with a thick white head and a meaty, hoppy aroma scented with caraway seed, dried orange peel and a trace of wild yeast. The spiciness is notable as no spices are actually added — the ingredients include only barley and wheat malts, hops and liquid sugar.
The palate is firm, complex and lightly astringent, with exotic fruit, orange and muscat grapes giving a winy note, followed by a big burst of spicy hops. The lovely moreish finish has vanilla, apricot nectar and a bitterish peppermint-like note.
Read more about this beer at ratebeer.com: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/glazen-toren-saison-derpe-mere-speciaal-ende-jaar/116677/
Leave a Reply