St Feuillien is a common beer label when in Belgium (or even France/The Netherlands), but here is a beer that I’d only recently come across.
It is an interesting beer for a few reasons, not the least of which is that it is certified Gluten Free. So hooray if you want to share this rare beer with a coeliac friend!
It is a cross between a Belgian Tripel and a farmhouse ale, which I reckon is a really good combination. Lots of nice elements that are quite complimentary, and in truth probably indicative of how many beers would have traditionally tasted before breweries got so clever with hygiene and yeast control.
There is a little early malt sweetness, with hints of citrus and white stone fruits. There is an earthy minerality as well, backed by a solid bitterness. And then in behind is that hint of farmhouse funk just adding to the character.
It is by no means a classic tripel, nor is it a straight up farmhouse as the name might suggest. But it is tasty and interesting. And yes – the 250ml bottles are something that I find a little annoying, but what do you do when that’s the only format they come in?