Something a little different here from our Dutch hop masters, we have a strong ale.
The term ‘strong ale’ is a bit of a generalization to be fair, as it can encompass quite a few distinct beer styles, for example an old ale, scotch ale, barley wine or even a tripel. And then the choice of hops can lean the beer toward say an English strong ale (earthier, noble hops), or an American strong ale (more bitterness, maybe using the tropical US hops).
The name alone doesn’t really give us a lot to go on, other than the fact the ABV is high. And thanks to the can we know the beer is made with four different malts and Magnum hops. Best we crack this baby open and take a look what’s inside.
It has quite an orange body, and there is a pleasant fruit and malt aroma. Early on you will get a good dose of fruity sweetness – I’m thinking apricot, pineapple and orange citrus. There is a nice level of bitterness to offset that fruit and malt sweetness and the beer continues with a good balance.
In the aftertaste we have a little prickly bitterness, and still that fruit persists. It is almost like marmalade in a way, pleasantly sweet but with a little bite. And thanks to the ABV there is a warmth that chases those flavours down.