The Lost Abbey Carnevale Ale
Just slugged a 22 oz. bomber (6.5% ABV) of one of the most recent releases from Tomme Arthur’s The Lost Abbey. As I
drank it, I continually reminded myself “self, this is a saison style ale, appreciate it for what it is.” While contemplating the yeasty banana characteristics of this brew, I realized that one of the issues I have with Belgian style brews relates to the fact that, as a wine drinker, I have been conditioned to throw up (“throw up,” in no way reflects my reaction to this beer) red flags when I encounter overt bretty flavors. Don’t get me wrong, we are talking about mild brett funk in this beer, not Tijuana hooker yeast infection. Anyway, I managed to embrace the funk.
Poured a hazy golden color, medium head. Aromas of banana, maybe a little peach, a slight hint of citrus (due to American hops?), and aforementioned brett/funk. Taste was fruity/yeasty/a little bit of hoppy citrus peeking through (see above TJ/yeast reference, and add a beer-soaked lime wedge from your Pacifico). I felt like it lacked a little carbonation? Went down very easy, maybe due to the fact that I was craving and looking forward to something hoppy and bitter to go with the goddamn Kettle brand Thai potato chips that were burning my mouth. Shit, I admit to enjoying this beer despite my xenophobic views of Belgian beer, however, I am not rushing out to purchase it again for the $8.99 I paid.
87 points on the Boozereviews sliding scale.
(9 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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