Flying Dog Raging Bitch Belgian IPA

With my final IPA for the day, it's Flying Dog Raging Bitch Belgian IPA.

I'm curious what will make this Belgian, but the look is similar to the other two from earlier in the evening, though the color is a bit more light orange and the head is both bigger and sticking around longer.

The smell is both hoppy and yeasty. Lots of orange and coriander before the hops come in. Not a ton of malt here. But a very bitter finish. Outstanding lacing. I'm getting more Belgian than IPA, but I like this. I believe I'm a fan of these kind of hybrids in general.

Overall, a pretty tasty brew, and it's nice to see some innovation in the style.

Grade: B

P.S. I have only been listening to songs with Bitch in the title while writing this. Let's dig on some Stones together, shall we?

Orval

One of the 6 Belgian Trappist breweries, Orval pours a hazy orange with a magnificent head that'll take some taming. Lots of sweet orange, spice, and lemon zest in the smell.

The taste is very unique. Lots of champagne qualities. Quite sour and a big bitter hop bite at the back end. There's quite a bit of lemon and pepper in here, too. Most of the flavor is coming from the hops and yeast, as I'm not getting much malt here. You won't find many beers with this much carbonation, either.

Exceptionally complex and interesting. I've never had anything quite like Orval.

Grade: A

Duvel Belgian Golden Ale

The Belgians are certainly known for unique beers, a great brewing history, and Duvel is high on that list. Crisp and golden white a very aggressive white head, don't let the appearance fool you into expecting something light and watery. The first thing I notice in the smell is apple and some hops bite. It's full and dry on the tongue, with sour fruit at the back end. Very well balanced between malt and spicy hops, and there is a lot of both. I'm also getting a late alcohol warmth, and at 8.5% ABV, that is expected, but you'd never guess it's that high.

Here is proof that a light colored, fizzy beer can have tons of flavor. This is one to seek out

Grade: A