As I mentioned in my piece about Black Kettle, the North Vancouver brewery’s lineup may be modest but it really makes up for that in full-on flavour.
Brewer Philip Vandenborre’s wheat ale is my pick of Black Kettle‘s current crop, a gorgeously glowing pale amber-coloured ale with lemony highlights, almost like unpolished liquid amber. Topped with a full, frizzy white head, it’s a refreshing, light yet multi-layered brew that will make for excellent patio drinking this summer.
The sensational aroma buzzes with fruit and spice. It’s got big orangey-lemon citrus above a solidly sweet malt base, which is balanced out by bitter orange herbs, and crackles with pepper and subtle clove. There are also dull herbal overtones and a clean saline freshness over top.
While the aroma screams, the flavour whispers seductively. In the mouth, those orange-lemon notes wash over the tongue in a deliciously soft wave. Subtle herbs and biscuity malt move through the middle, while the almost creamy carbonation boosts the beer’s flavours as it moves into the finish. The bitterness is fairly subdued but assertive enough, and the finish offers some more gentle herbal falvours along with a soft dryness to balance.
Overall, it’s just deft enough. Any bolder and its flavours might get cloying.
Food pairing: Seafood all the way: prawns, scallops, crab, lighter fish, oysters. Also, a toasted sandwich with roast ham or roast chicken and a good brie would be just fine.
Beer Cat: Interested
Sleeves and growler fills available at Black Kettle Brewing C0mpany; limited 650ml bottle release in private stores
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