CRAFT BEERS
Jason Bartis

Food Loves Beer Editors

OUD BEERSEL OUDE GEUZE VIEILLE
 
Geuze is an ancient style of ale created by blending spontaneously fermented lambics of different ages. Typically, a one-year-old lambic is blended with lambics that are two to three years old, then bottled and allowed to age for a second fermentation. The result is geuze, a sour ale with the remarkable ability to age for decades. Our bottle had a ‘best before’ date of 2035!

Oud Beersel Oude Geuze Vieille pours tawny gold with a rich head that lasts to the bottom of the glass. A champagne-like effervescence carries aromas of ripe peach, funky yeast, petroleum and leather. Oude Geuze Vieille stands out from other brands of this style with a hoppier flavor than most. The noble hops are delicate and balance the tart notes of granny smith apples and white grapes. A mineral undertone flows throughout as a foil to the sour and wild yeast notes, and the finish exhibits a light bitterness. While geuze may be an acquired taste, as it bears more resemblance to dry white wine than it does to most beers, it is nonetheless something that everyone should experience. The complexity and depth of Oud Beersel Oude Geuze Vieille is a sensory experience that won’t soon be forgotten.

Serve in a flute or tumbler glass at 45-50F.

Suggested Food Pairings: The strong flavors of Oude Geuze are the perfect complement to triple cream brie, Arugula & Dandelion with Beer-Poached Shrimp, and rustic game dishes.

Food Loves Beer taste tested and recommended!

Food Loves Beer Editors

STONE OLD GUARDIAN BARLEY WINE (2015 CLASSIC VERSION)

Stone Brewing has been delighting beer lovers with the special release of Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine for the past seventeen years. A dark amber elixir with a delicate tan head, this hefty brew is one to be slowly sipped and savored. Aromas of toffee, caramelized banana, and cooked pears are at the forefront, followed by molasses and prune. The flavor is a blend of dark fruit malt with pronounced hop bitterness and nuances of citrus peel. Tropical fruit and bubblegum come through as the beer warms. Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine will age nicely for many years when cellared properly. Expect the hop bitterness to subside as the dark fruit flavors take center stage.

Serve in a snifter or half-pint glass at 45-50 F.

Suggested Food Pairings: The 22-ounce format of this beer is perfect for sharing throughout a fine meal, and its flavors will complement bold cheeses, Chicken and Fennel Stew, and applesauce cake.

STONE OLD GUARDIAN BARLEY WINE – EXTRA HOPPY (2015 ODD YEAR RELEASE)

As if the annual release of Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine wasn’t enough of a treat for beer aficionados, every other year we get to enjoy an added ‘odd’ version released at the same time. Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine – Extra Hoppy showcases Azacca, a new hop variety with complex citrus and fruit characteristics. Quite different from the classic release version, this beer’s aroma is bursting with tangerine, ruby grapefruit, and cotton candy, with star anise coming through as it warms. The flavor is a fruity mix of sweet and bitter citrus, pineapple, and marshmallow, with a full mouthfeel throughout. Hop bitterness lingers in the finish, where it’s balanced by subtle malt sweetness. Like the classic release version, Stone Old Guardian Barley Wine – Extra Hoppy will continue to evolve with proper cellaring.

Serve in a snifter or half-pint glass at 45-50 F.

Suggested Food Pairings: The bold fruit character of this beer goes well with aged cheddar, smoked tofu chili, and tropical fruit salad. We couldn't resist using it to make our Extra Hoppy Ice Cream.

Food Loves Beer taste tested and recommended!

CRAFT BEERS
​Jason Bartis