Country of Origin: Belgium
Price comparison: About twice the price, ounce for ounce, of domestic macrobrews; however, in a four-pack, pretty affordable at about $10 USD. Not for me, though - this was a holiday gift from G and I spent precisely nothing on it.
Alcohol percentage by volume: 7½%
Cute bottle/label? Slender little brown 11.2 ounce bottle with a black and beige label depicting a jolly, Santa-looking monk holding a chalice in one hand and a humongous key in the other - presumably the key referred to in the slogan over the jolly monk's head: The Key to Heaven.
Appearance: Cheerily yellow, delicate but profuse effervescence rendering its appearance nearly opaque. Lovely, soapy, snow-white head leaving sticky mounds on the sides of the goblet.
Scent: Spice, citrus, and a faint yeastiness.
Flavor: The hoppiness catches you almost immediately, with a fresh piney feel. Deep grapefruit tones with a touch of honey and malt at the finish.
Impressions: I don't know if it's the key to heaven, but it is a very smooth, drinkable beer - stronger than the leading brands of domestics but not too strong for session. The hoppiness pairs well with anything salty, from bar snacks, to most deeply-flavored cuisines, to pungent cheeses, though it's definitely got sufficiently interesting characteristics to fly solo.
Will I buy this beer again? Yes. It's not a great value in and of itself, but it's packaged very affordably and its flavor and drinkability are worth it. I don't think you'll find this in a supermarket or any packaged goods shop without a decent selection of imports, but if you can get your hands on some, I do recommend it. (Thanks and a hi-sign to G.)
Rating:
4 out of 5 cute beer glasses
Reviewed: December 27, 2006
