Beer #206 - W/C 4 February 2019
BREWERY // San Diego's Alesmith have just been announced as the 6th best brewery in the World according to RateBeer users. Not bad considering there are over 36,000 breweries listed on the site. It's no surprise though- this is the 17th year they have been in the top 10. AleSmith was founded as a 3 man team in 1995 inspired by the beers of Belgium & Great Britain. They are still know for their American takes on these traditional styles and also their distinctly 'new World' beers such as Speedway Stout & IPA (rated the best IPA in the World). The brewery is definitely worth a visit. It has the largest tasting room in the city and they have recently started producing cheese (under the name CheeseSmith) in the brewery. Alesmith co-owner & CEO Peter Zien has been an hobby Caseicultureist for years and the new venture is already releasing cheeses such as Speedway Stout Cheddar.
BEER // Back in 1998 AleSmith's Belgian Golden Strong Ale wowed the crowds at the Great American Beer Festival and went on to win 17 more medals at GABFs alone. Their interpretation of the classic style is made with candi sugar and a yeast strain from a Belgian Trappist monastery. The yeast is the hero here and gives a complexity of aroma and flavours including bubblegum, sweet banana allspice and pear. Horny Devil is decidedly sweet but has a clean, dry finish and (considering the 10% abv) surprisingly little alcohol flavour. The coriander seeds compliment the spicy esters of the yeast with refreshing zesty citrus notes. Probably not suited to swigging from the bottle on the beach then...
BREWERY // Alesmith
BEER // Horny Devil
STYLE // Belgian Golden Strong Ale
ORIGIN // San Diego
ABV // 10%
TEMPERATURE // Cellar - 10-13C
FOOD MATCH // Chips & Mayo. Steamed Mussels. Washed Rind Cheese.
GLASS // Goblet