Top 100 Beers of 2021

#1

98
St-Feuillien FIVE
Brasserie St-Feuillien

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CEO Edwin Dedoncker Talks St. Feuillien FIVE

Who was responsible for this beer’s recipe?
The idea and concept behind St. Feuillien FIVE was initiated by myself. The entire brew team worked on the R&D for this outstanding beer, but the recipe itself was conceived by our Brewmaster Alexis Briol.

What sets this beer apart from other examples within the style?
FIVE is a top-fermented ale followed by a three-to-four weeks aging period in horizontal-cylindrical tanks, followed by a secondary fermentation in bottles. Whereas we usually brew high-ABV beers, FIVE only has a 5% ABV (fitting for its name) while showcasing a clean and crisp aromatic profile with ample flavor. The St. Feuillien touch is definitely recognizable in this masterpiece, which is clearly related to the unique St. Feuillien yeast strain and the pure source water we use for brewing.

What makes this beer truly World Class?
Complexity and refreshing character are two differentiation points that make FIVE a must-have in your beer fridge. This freshness comes from the blend of noble and aromatic hops with an added touch of citrus zests.

What is your favorite aspect of this beer (flavor, aroma, mouthfeel, etc.)?
Definitely the low-alcohol content and the easy-to-drink aspect of it. When you’re from Belgium, mostly drinking strong beers with a great variety of tastes (Tripel, Quadrupel, Grand Cru, etc.), you’re often disappointed when drinking low-alcohol beers such as lagers and pilsners. With St. Feuillien FIVE, that is not the case. You get a lighter alternative to the strong Belgian styles, but with a full taste of top-fermented Belgian beer.

How popular is this beer among your faithful fans?
FIVE was also awarded at the 2020 Brussels Beer Challenge with a bronze medal, and then with this incredible score of 98 in your Official Review. The awareness of this beer is growing on all sides of the planet, and it is becoming a milestone in our range. And believe us, getting your nose above FIVE means emptying your glass!

Judge’s Second Opinion

Transcendent beers are, by their very nature, rare. They’re the ones that provide the drinker with a new experience, possibly a newfound love, while challenging one’s conception of what beer can truly be. For this beer drinker, that catalogue includes the giants Aecht Schlenkerla, Westvleteren 12, and Sierra Nevada Pale Ale. But St. Feuillien FIVE from Brasserie St. Feuillien is the newest addition to the club.

Before we unpackage the aromas and flavors that FIVE brings to your palate, remember that it’s all contained in a low 5% ABV package. Personally, I love sessionable beers, as they can be the backdrop for experiences and great conversations whether that’s at a picnic, around a bonfire or out on the golf course. And in full transparency, I was lucky enough to obtain a second shipment of FIVE in order to provide my second opinion.

Fascinatingly enough, the second bottles were somehow better than the first with a brilliant appearance that showcased the effervescent quality of the beer. FIVE’s upfront fermentation character is dominated by peppery phenols in both the nose and taste and is quite dry in the finish. Its drinkability is further enhanced by its light body and spritzy carbonation. What really sold me on the beer was its supportive flavors. Light Bartlett pear and red apple provided additional intrigue to the fermentative quality of the brew while the cereal, straw and grainy malt provided the backbone on which the phenols could dance. And finally, the restrained herbal, lemon and thyme hops and low bitterness generated a third level of interest to the beer.

If I had to guess, most consumers would place this beer somewhere between a Belgian blond ale and a saison due to its upfront phenols and dry finish. Although I judge beers to style, sometimes a rare gem is discovered and deserves stylistic flexibility. The finesse that’s required to produce a brew of this caliber takes inherent skill and subsequent years to cultivate and mature that talent. And here’s one beer judge that’s glad the brewmaster did so. – Michael Bury