08 Jan 09 Twice Weekly Beer Tastings At The Charleston Beer Exchange

It would be a laudible aim, in my view to get along to these tastings on Wednesdays, and Fridays, between 5 and 7pm, at the Charleston Beer Exchange.

I don’t know that my schedule will allow me to do so, nor are my pockets that deep. Some of these wonderful beers come at a hefty price!

Still I did make the tasting last evening,  and there were three Belgian Ales to taste.

The first offering was from the De Troch Brewery, and was their Chapeau Kriek. It is not a strong beer, with an abv of only 3.5% but it had a light and refreshing cherry flavor. I have always been a fan of the Lambic style,  which are brewed in the open air. They can be an acquired taste, I will admit, and those that have never drunk them before, might find them a little strange to the palate.

Next up was Sterkens White Ale. I suppose, for the uninitated, one could describe this as a down and dirty version of Hoegaarden or Blue Moon. It has a definite coriander dominance, although there is a hint of citric tartness too.

It has smooth carbonation, with a moderate body. It has a quick dry finish. ABV 5.1%

Last, but by no means least, of the three was Satan Gold from the De Blocke Brewing Company. It is made from pale malts which gives it a superb golden color. It has a round, fine and fruity taste, with just a touch of bitterness. It is spicy and quite complex, and one for the connoisseur to enjoy. ABV 8%

I actually purchased a bottle of Satan Red, and a four pack of Kasteel Triple, which has been a favorite of mine for some years.

Tags: abv, belgian ales, bitterness, blocke, blue moon, carbonation, chapeau, cherry flavor, connoisseur, coriander, de troch, dirty version, fruity taste, hefty price, hoegaarden, malts, moderate body, palate, tastings, wednesdays