Queen
When Spanish beer drinkers look abroad for something other than their locally-produced macro lagers, the first thing they come to is Belgian ales. Local tastes in the classic Belgian ales run more to the refined sweetness of a Duvel than the bitter and yeasty face punch of a Dupont Moinette. So it comes as no surprise that a Belgian strong ale from an Asturian brewer would do the same. Queen is a surprisingly smooth beer for a Strong Ale. I expected more bitterness initially. But I have come to love the danger inherent in a smooth, sweet 7.5% beer.
The aroma is not overpowering, but definitely makes me want to drink it. A certain ‘warmth’ to the sweet banana notes rising from it. Highly carbonated but not overly so. A few moments in the glass and things calm down.
Soft and gentle on the palate, with a full mouthfeel. Banana notes predominate at the beginning. Some other fruity flavors come after, along with a slightly peppery note. Further into the glass, Queen gives up some yeast and honey flavors, and the gentle hoppy bitterness builds a bit. Never to a high level, but more noticeable.
The aftertaste is medium-long and leaves the pepper note swimming in a sea of malty sweetness. Caramel and brown sugar as well of course.
Queen is the kind of beer that is made with the intended drinker in mind. That is an admirable quality in a brewer. Standards are good and all, but much more important is making beer that you and your regulars like to drink. Admirably done here!
Style Guidelines
- Color: Deep Amber (11 SRM)
- Standard: Amber to very dark (8-35(16-70 EBC) SRM)
- Clarity: Slight chill haze
- Standard: Chill haze is acceptable at low temperatures
- Perceived Malt Aroma & Flavor: Biscuity, sweet, and caramel malt flavors all present.
- Standard: Medium to high malt aroma and complex fruity aromas are distinctive. Medium to high malt intensity can be rich, creamy, and sweet. Fruity complexity along with soft roasted malt flavor adds distinct character.
- Perceived Hop Aroma & Flavor: Very low hop aromas and flavors
- Standard: Low to medium
- Perceived Bitterness: Low (26 IBUs)
- Standard: Low to medium (20-50 IBUs)
- Fermentation Characteristics: Ba-ba-ba-banana! Some slightly spicy phenols somewherein the background, and some nice yeasty notes too.
- Standard: Yeast-derived phenolic spicy flavors and aromas are present at low to medium-low levels. Diacetyl is usually absent in these beers but may be present at very low levels.
- Body: Medium
- Standard: Medium to full
Tasting Notes
A properly deceptive strong ale. The alcohol content is decidedly higher than the flavor would lead you to believe
