Brouwerij De Ranke – Hop Harvest 2012: Is a Belgian Ale brewed in Belgium at a strength of 6% abv which was poured into my Chimay goblet. Apparently this aged craft beer is their Pere Noel Christmas Ale with the Bitter XX hops, it was dated 2012 with a best before date of 2017 printed on the bottle.
Aroma and Appearance: It pours a clear copper orange with 1 finger of foam and a very bubbly appearance. The aroma is classic clove and grassy malt with some hints of lemon.
Flavour: It is a bit metallic with some sweet grass malt and lemon citrus with a creamy and effervescent mouth feel and a very dry bitter finish.
Overall Impression: It’s good, perhaps lost some hop characteristic that a fresh bottle may present however the flavours are balanced and the beer was very good.
Rating: I give it a very good rating of 7/10, I think it is in it’s drinking window right now as I can’t see what a few more years would do.
Food Pairing: This would pair well with a lightly dressed Caesar Salad.
I am excited for my bottle of Cuvee De Ranke after trying this one!
