Wednesday, May 13, 2009
Restaurants Beer pick of the week: Moinette Blonde
Posted by Jeff Holland on Wed, May 13, 2009 at 6:27 PM
Brasserie Dupont
Tourpes, BEL
8.5% ABV
This Belgian strong pale ale differs from others in the style in that it is dry and effervescent like a saison, but has a higher alcohol content than is typical for that style. Upon popping the cap an immediate cascade of bubbles races to the top, pushing a frothy head out of the bottle before it is even poured. Open it over the sink to avoid spillage. After the initial gush, it pours a glowing yellow-gold, with a modest one-finger head of pillowy foam atop that leaves sheets of Belgian lace on the sides of the glass.
A heady aroma of yeasty bread, white pepper, and orchard fruit greets the nose, with a bit of estery alcohol and citric tang. The taste is dominated by powdery pale malts, tart yeast, and earthy, woody spices. The crisp, dry mouthfeel is remarkably refined, with a tannic bite of white grape skins. A clean finish and champagne-like effervesence will appeal to wine drinkers.
This a sophisticated beer with amazing attenuation for such a strong ale. Refreshing and complex, it can be enjoyed with summer salads, seafood, cheese, or fruit. At $4-5 a bottle, it is an indulgence, but one you won't regret.
Comments (4)
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I had the exact same open-over-the-sink lesson this week with some Gavroche Red Ale I bought at Hop City. Really crazy carbonation, but I love the beer. This Moinette Blonde sounds like it might be similar in flavor too, though a little drier.
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Does anyone know where to buy Moinette Blonde in ATL? The only restaurant I've seen carry it with regularity is the Brick Store & never seen it retail (been a while since I've checked Green's though).
I got mine at Tower on Buford Hwy (a mile outside the Perimeter). They're actually having a sale on single bottles of Belgians and other imports for Tower Club members. You can get your card at the register when you check out. The Moinette was 50 cents off, while most of the 750 ml bottles were a dollar off. This was last week, so you might want to call first if you are coming from a long way away. Incidentally, my second bottle did not bubble over. Just another one of the great things about Belgian beers--variability.
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