Horny Devil Ale

Horny Devil Ale

      I really need to get new beer glasses--a variety of them at that.  So I'm back and I am fulfilling my promise of continuing to record my beer experiences.  This time I've obtained a bottle of a Belgian pale ale from the company AleSmith that, judging from the website, likes to keep their beers on the upper end of the spectrum-- champagne like bottling, harder to find, more expensive, etc..  This beer goes for about 13 USD, but luckily I got it for free from a tasting that happened at the restaurant I work at (the labor is annoying, but it has its perks).  There's a new word I've learned when researching this beer (which some might say I should've known, but I've been out of it for awhile) which is "Brussels lace" or "Belgian lace."  This term refers to the foamy residue that hangs around on the beer glass.  Supposedly it measures the cleanliness of the glass and/or the freshness of the beer.  I kind of feel like it's a steaming load and is just another aspect for beer critics to talk about.  Thus, you won't hear anything from me about brussels lace.  And with that, on to the show.

Appearance
      
     This has a dark honey color.  It was golden but hazy and had a lot of bubble streams rising.  Oh and if you're wondering why the glass isn't completely full, it was because I had friends over and we shared and couldn't fill to the top.  Just pretend the lip isn't there.  The head was super thick and, from the top view, looked like the top of an ice covered mountain and had the color and texture of white sugar.  I read a few reviews that said otherwise and I suspect it was from age or transport or something of that nature.  The head was a little over an inch and had a lot of retention--no dissipation until I started drinking (and that was a good 10 minutes because there was good conversation going around.)  Now I said I think my bottle was really fresh, and I really believe that because you won't believe the strength of the smell.

Smell

     I don't know if anyone has noticed but my smell sections are usually short shrift and feeble.  Well, it's because I smoke so I don't trust that sense too much.  I've tried to stop several times' and, one day I will, but the disclaimer is here today.  With that said, this beer filled the entire room.  I mean strong, strong, strong.  This beer claims to be brewed with coriander and it really shows in the smell department along with a smell of meat, floral undertones, and citrus.  Sweet meat and citrus hit us all in a thick cloud that quickly shifted our attention.  

Taste

     This wasn't the first time I have tasted this beer.  I also had it at the tasting where I am currently employed.  Before I get into that, let's start with the taste alone.  Again, this beer was very full and robust.  The taste correlates to the smell almost exactly.  It was thick and sweet with a twist of saltiness.  The citrus flavors came out subtly and there was a floral sort of plant taste that hung around as well.  The salt and floral tastes lingered after swallowing while the sweetness was more immediate.  I'm convinced that the saltiness is the kind of saltiness you get with a juicy tri tip or ribs. 
     Now if you're into pairing your beers with food, which I'm not really into but at the tasting I couldn't refuse without looking like an ass in front of my bosses, this is a 'pair with a food' kind of beer.  Plus, after working a shift I'm usually damn hungry.  I work at a Hawaiian restaurant called Back Home In Lahaina and blindly grabbed this beer to drink with my meal.  I had a bacon wrapped loco moco (ground beef wrapped in bacon atop a bed of rice  and a fried egg on top of that and all covered in gravy.  Sorry for the lack of pictures and, yes, it's a fat boys paradise) and some pork gyoza (dumplings).  The beer didn't pair with the gyoza too well, but the bacon wrapped loco moco was perfect.  The saltiness and fat from the loco moco pulled and strengthened the flavors from the beer, and vice versa.  Again, I don't like pairing beer with food because I view beer as a meal already and mixing it with food not only makes me too full, but also dilutes the flavors; but, this time it really hit. 

Mouthfeel

     This beer is strong in smell, taste, and mouthfeel as well.  Strong carbonation, thick, and heavy.  The carbonation doesn't burn but bites the tongue and makes sure you don't forget about it by heating up the stomach upon impact.  Since the beer is full of flavor, I imagine the heaviness and thickness is due to the ingredients.  Not much dryness but the flavors coat your entire mouth. 

Overall

     I honestly give this beer an A+, but won't be drinking this again--not for a long while, at least.  It's just too strong and I only give it a '+' marking because it really popped out when paired with the loco moco. I'm sure it's good with succulent meats, but coming back to it, especially considering drinking it alone, seems like asking for a nap afterwards.  And at 11% it definitely knocks itself out of being a session beer.  But this really is the epitome of what beer drinkers want when it comes to craft beers--an experience.  I can talk about it, say I've enjoyed it, and move on to the next adventure.  So if you see this, have yourself some fun.  As a matter of fact, drink half for yourself, then cook a nice dinner for your loved one that includes meat, and drink it with that, see what you like or even if you like it.  It's your life, I don't care what you do with it.