by Brasserie d'Achouffe (Brouwerij Duvel Moortgat)
Our favourite little gnomes are back, and one look at the label art and you know what this beer is going to be. It is Chouffe’s spring time ale, something of a cross between a Belgian Witbier and a Belgian Pale Ale.
Soleil replaces the Biere du Soleil (4.5% Amber Ale), which has been discontinued. Brewed only between April to October each year, this is Chouffe’s attempt at putting some sunshine in your beer glass.
To do so they use three grains (barley, wheat and rye), Styrian Goldings as the bittering hop and Amarillo for dry-hopping, with the addition of a little curacao.
The result is a pleasant summery ale bursting with fresh flowery aromas. The hazy, unfiltered body is full of citrus, with a nice balance fruity sweetness against the hop bitterness.
A hint of spice adds to the lingering citrus and hop bitterness. Dangerously drinkable for the well-concealed 6% ABV.