When we think if De Moersleutel it is usually either for hazy hoppy beers, or their big tasty imperial stouts. To have a beer that sits somewhere in the middle is an interesting proposition.
The American Brown Ale is a style that we don’t see so often in Australia, though it is a very popular style in the US (naturally!). For me they have a good dose of both hops and malt to enjoy. And with this being an imperial version, it means all the good bits are amplified.
The dark brown malt body gives of lots of flavours to enjoy. Dark chocolate, roasted malts, coffee, brown sugar and even a hint of dark dried fruit. Then the hops join the party to provide an earthiness, a hint of grassy spice and a medium to firm bitterness that lingers in the aftertaste.
It is the sort of beer that will evolve as you drink it as well, so note how the bitterness seems firmer when the beer is colder, with the lovely malt character slowly taking over as the beer warms.