[Trappist]

Written by Trappist   
Tuesday, 08 March 2011
Hi,
The Zythos Beer Fest has been finished and what a load of great Belgian beers were tasted by the BBB on Sunday afternoon.
One of the most remarkable inovations that was noticed on this 2011 ZBF-edition was the introduction of the Hop Randall.
All details about this hop boost technique is published in previous article.

See: https://belgianbeerboard.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=623 (not working)

Time for the ultimate taste experience !!!



And here we have it! The famous Hop Randall, introduced here in Belgium by authentic brewery Smisje - www.smisje.be

As you can see, the Hop Randall is filled with fresh dried hop flowers.
Brewmaster Johan Brandt has used different American aromatic hop varieties during the ZBF.
On Saturday the use of American Cascade. On Sunday, the use of American Palisade.
Unfortunately I had to work on Saturday, so I couldn't taste the Cascade thruestreamdryhopped Smiske R-Ale.
But, no worries, the Palisade thruestreamdryhopped Smiske R-Ale was a true hoppy delight.
According Johan, the Cascade version was that much more delicious.



Here we see the installation.
The Hop Randall installed between the keg and tap.
Pouring - as such - will give an amazing dry-hopped beauty.



Also available that weekend: The new Smiske Bruin. A dark beer which was vastly demanded by the local people of Mater.
More from this new beer later....



Time for a taste.
Johan pouring a Smiske R-Ale The glass in front here is an already poured Smiske R-Ale.
The objective: Tasting the Smiske and the R-Ale side by side.



                                         Thruestreamdryhopped Smiske R-Ale.

Wow, what a great look this beer has. Hazy, rich head, promising already.



Ok, here's the two beers next to eachother.
On the left, the normal Smiske. On the right side Smiske R-Ale.
Notice that the normal Smiske is quite hazy, but that's only because a new cask was installed, which ofcourse gives that hazy beer when pouring the first glasses.
Folks, I was AMAZED with the flavours and the differences between both beers.
Knowing that both beers are in fact the normal Smiske, and the R-Ale underwent that special dry-hopping treatment, still gave both as completely different.
The fresh Smiske is ofcourse still very 'earthy' hoppy, but this beer has that wonderful balance between hops, malts and sweetness.
On the other hand, the balance completely vanished with that thruestreamdryhopping treatment.
The Smiske has become a true hop monster. Cal it an IPA but in this case, due to the use of Palisade, not citric nor grapefruity.
The aromatic hops really were so earthy in flavour and aroma. Something I would never have expected from an American hop variety.
You see, even the BBB webmaster still has to learn. makes it all that more pleasant.
Anyway, the main differences are indeed the loss of balance into extreem hoppy. You love it or you hate it.
Well, I surely loved it.

Now, and this is quite important I think. Can we call this beer a new beer ? After all, the basis beer is the normal Smiske.
Personally, I would classify this beer as a different variety, an additional treatment by the brewmaster himself has been achieved !
In this case the brew process finished just before pouring into the glass. The final product is a dry-hopped Smikse, to be called R-Ale.

All together a brand new and different beer !

Cheers,
Filip