This weekend, I've decided to have people over and break out some of the gems of the stash in the cause of the International Branch of the National Toast. Last night there were fifteen in the house at one point, though eight were under nine. Mayhem. Hi-jinx even. Anyway, after opening the last Brise-BonBons, I grabbed this one knowing only that it was a sibling to the fabulous Kriek De Ranke, justification enough in itself for my sour beer studies. Glad I did.

After the invigorating mouth wallop of white peppery and hoppy yeastiness of the Fantome BBB, this one was a quick switch to the contemplative even with its activity at opening. Voices lowered. Dishes became clean. Kids put themselves to bed. It poured a fine curtaining white foam and rim over clouded straw ale. At 8.5%, a little light for a triple but still a sturdy abbey ale. Soft water rich cream of wheat with maybe a nod to honey becomes structured with likely aged stony hops and definitely some more of that white pepper but no where near to the level of a Fantome. In the malt, autumn apple and pear. Easy, milky lemon cream without much of the citrus, this one has a remarkable gentle texture.

100% BAer approval as it deserves.