Troubador Blond

Made in a brewery launched by four Belgian schoolmates in 2000, Troubador Blond introduces itself with a complex nose. It teems with aromas of vanilla bean, clove, apricots, and cherries. Underneath the dominant fruit and spice notes, Mike picked out an engaging cotton candy sweetness underscored by a touch of white pepper. Mike also found a slightly edgy, chalk-like note. Pete enjoyed the complex spicy aromatics, noting “hints of clove, anise, licorice, and cassia” all wrapped around an almost candy-like sweetness. Pete and Mike both noted the absence of aroma hops, with Pete wishing for “at least a hint of Noble hop spice.” A huge, frothy white head sits atop this light orange beer that throws a distinct chill haze. When held to the light, the beer shows glints of gold and bronze at the edge of the glass. Tracking along with the nose, this beer’s flavor shows alternating hints of sugar, spice, and a touch of alcohol. Lee complimented the “sweet, honeyed malt” and felt it meshed well with the “fingerprint of Belgian yeast,” though he found the dry, slightly astringent finish somewhat off-putting. Rick felt the malty sweetness came across as “artificially sweetened vanilla frosting,” though he did enjoy the complex, spicy notes of fennel and anise seed. An highly flavorful brew, Troubador Blond is a good way to reward yourself after surviving the rigors of the day.