This week we're headed across the pond to a little nation you may be familiar with... in fact, I'm pretty sure they're known for their brewing. ha ha ha. It's time for beer from Belgium! Hooray!
It's been awhile since we've explored the beers of Belgium, and I thought this hot and sticky Friday would be a perfect time to reintroduce ourselves to these finely crafted brews.
The Weekend Brews report is proud to present, La Chouffe from the Brasserie d' Achouffe. Brewed by two brothers-in-law, Pierre Gobron and Chris Bauweraerts, this artisanal golden ale is made from spring water (from a spring right near the brewery!), malted barley, Styrie and Saaz hops and coriander for a little spice.
La Chouffe has won numerous awards since the brothers-in-law began brewing back in 1982. And you can just tell from their creepy little gnome mascot that this beer is going to be good.Lets get to it!
The La Chouffe looks brilliant as it fills the glass with a "Florida sunshine" orange glow. A light and foamy head sits neatly atop the orange liquid. Tipping the glass toward my nose I smell the aroma of coriander, Saaz hops, a very light note of citrus and the faint smell of banana.
Another tilt of the glass and down the hatch she goes... mmmmm. Very nice. This beer is light, refreshing and flavorful. The perfectly smooth beverage is highlighted by the effervescent carbonation that does just fine on this brutally hot June evening. There's a slight taste of citrus, although my tongue may be getting fooled by the fact that it looks like there's a big orange in my glass. ha ha. Either way, this beer is damn good!
If you're suffering through the heat, I recommended
kicking back with a bottle of La Chouffe. It's 8.0 ABV though, so you'll only need one. This beer would go great with some grilled chicken and a Caesar salad. You don't want to mix this one with any heavy foods as far as I'm concerned.So give it a shot. Let this bottle take you away from the humidity and over to the dry and comfortable climate of Belgium. I even gave you a photo of the brewery in the wintertime(courtesy of their website) to make you feel a better.
Enjoy my friends, and happy Friday!
Slainte!
Overall score of the La Chouffe: 4.25 out 5.0
P.S. I just checked the temperature and it has dropped to 92 degrees. Woo Hoo!
And here's a little magic from a dixieland band at the brewery's Grande Choufferie celebration!
8.0, eh? So that's why you were a little loopy when I called you Friday night. Is okay, any beer with a gnome on the label is a winner by me.
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