![Session logo](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgkxQAltkp4Q5NkVuGCumIJ5oQsMr3Y1RNT2TCaUiMmySBXuWLbaiCTTQW8BmWg8tPgBpgsf7qQLhzgnj8dmOH1CVhjfiiH1d_S6pbXR_phNPqZnArw5BMGQbR3rM7ucYY2JmA/s400/session.jpg)
And yet, I love throwing away the frame. I love to pick a beer totally at random and drink it with no previous knowledge of what it's going to look or taste like. It's far more fun than tracking down the much-sought-after brew that everyone else is talking about (though I do enjoy that too). All I know about Belzebuth is that it's French and that it's 13% ABV -- understandably this is advertised in massive bright orange characters on the neck: the only frame the brewery really wants you to be aware of. So what's inside? Nectar or tramp juice?
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjh_YR8INH07DjpLwb0CAwwYcN5sGVJIB0pDHKH8obEQJnkpox8m5u4s1AYU7sTElc-QOLyBwrp6ulbNAnj3lAt1kG0euwty3ZVM4z3uE_QvHZ-waCXjZyWRkIcUInKw_CZ3Y3kXg/s200/belzebuth.jpg)
I was wrong on the blondeness anyway: it pours amber with lots of head which dissipated quite quickly, giving off a lightly boozy nose, with hints of pale sherry or white vermouth.
The first taste was a shock: incredibly syrupy, in a realm beyond Special Brew or similar stupidly strong soupy beer. Yet it's not one for the sink. There's enough of a proper hops bitterness to save it and make it a worthwhile sipper. The heavy and bittered malt flavour reminded me a lot of some beer schnapps I picked up in Munich, and that's how I think this beer is best treated. Take an hour over 25cl in what's basically a brandy glass.
I never enjoyed the similarly-strong Belgian ale Bush and haven't tasted it in years. This has got me thinking that liqueur-style sipping may be the correct approach. To be continued...
"I love throwing away the frame." Well said! Though I confess I am still learning about beer styles-- it's a nice place to be really-- where everything is a surprise or "joyful mystery!"
ReplyDeleteI don't know about the beer but the post title is fantastic. Doing away with the hype and perceptions of a beer is always good. You get to taste it without expectation. You can be surprised if you do it.
ReplyDeleteYou can say what you like about a Catholic upbringing, but you do get some nice blog post titles from the rubric.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the kind words, guys.