Day 132: Hell's Belle

Name: Hell's Belle

Brewer: Big Boss Brewing Co. (Raleigh, NC)

Classification: Belgian Pale Ale

Alcohol: 7%

Thoughts: The Beer Year is getting a double dose of Big Boss this month with Hell's Belle getting a taste test this time. If you missed it Bad Penny was up earlier in November. The reason I have another Big Boss brew on tap was because a co-worker bought me a 6-pack of it for my birthday this past Monday, and I wasn't going to pass up the opportunity to use a free beer for a blog post. This version of a Belgian Pale Ale pours a gorgeous hazy orangey-gold color with a crisp white head that settled nicely upon pouring it into my awesome Big Boss pint glass. The aroma is mediocre and should be stronger because that's Belgian beer is about, strong smell and bold flavors. You can smell the banana esters and faint spice if you stick your nose in the glass. In the taste of Hell's Belle you get a little more of what you expect with a Belgian brew. There is a decent amount of spice from the Belgian yeast, a subtle sweetness from the malts, and a nice finishing dryness from the hops. This is a wonderful beer to introduce to somebody who may have a little trouble handling the boldness of stronger Belgian beers. Again, Big Boss with a good attempt at a tough style of brewing. 

Rating: 84/100