BIS005 - Belgian Pale

Sitting somewhere between a saison and a US pale ale, this Belgian-style pale ale delivers on flavour while keeping things tight. A relatively cool fermentation means the fruity esters and spicy phenolics we know and love are present and correct, without being in your face. The caramel sweetness often found in Belgain pales is dialled in very low here, making for a crisp and refreshing yet satisfying profile.

Restrained and well balanced with the fruity-spicy complexity we associate with Belgian beer, this is a light, easy drinking ale that starts smooth and ends with a snappy tang from a moderate bitterness and zippy carbonation. German Mittelfruh hops add a delicate floral element to the aroma.

What The Hell Was I Thinking?

After producing four full-flavoured styles to launch the Big Ideas Series, I decided some restraint was in order. This beer started out as a saison; hence the lack of caramel malts. I wanted to do something along the lines of the European Pale Ale - achieve a fruity complexity with only European hops and yeast - but in this case to reign things in a bit. I love the way Mittelfruh hops compliment Belgian yeast, and this relationship is really important here. I tried adding some crystal malt to make it more authentic, but I preferred it without, so here it is!

Naturally carbonated, vegan friendly