Today I saw a brewery that I always eye every time I lurk on the coolers at Ol Beer Cafe; Brewery Dieu du Ciel. What really catches me is their labels. Like other great things there is great beauty past the intended purposes they hold. Well they had a few beers, and I so happen to pick the one brewed with hibiscus flowers. Before I review this go an pick it up. Then go frolic in a field full of flowers while drinking, and don't forget to up your Claratin dose!
Appearance: Doesn't reviewing this get boring by now? Well it resonated this goldish brown amber color. Can you have all at once? The color can be similar to an oak, but not in the same context as whiskey. Lacing an head was boring, and basically a buzz kill.
Aroma: I am suffering allergies, so I'll skip this. I would never want to give biased results.
Taste: This is a very mellow, and light bodied beer. It isn't heavy in the mouth like some stouts, tripels, and/or IPAs can be. Taking the first sip you can really taste the hibiscus flowers, but it isn't overbearing or even funky. I know a lot of beers brewed with "something" sound cool, but produce funky flavors, but that isn't the case. After taking a few more sips some sweetness starts to appear along with tropical notes. I wouldn't say the tropical notes came from the hops, because this wasn't a hoppy beer (not even close to reminding me of an IPA). Within all the sweetness you get notes of the holiday type spices, and not the spicy. You will notice some nutmeg, brown sugar, cinnamon. After a few sips I noticed the finish was pretty sour for what it was worth (I was reminded of Russian River). If you know me well enough then you would know if I am reminded of Russian River then the beer is probably pretty good. What causes me to actually dislike beers is usually, because it has too much of something. In other words it isn't balanced or structured properly. I've had IPA's that don't feel like IPA's, stouts that remind me of water, and beers with an alcohol burn, and beers that remind me of vodka...This beer isn't one of them...
Mouthfeel: Swirling this in my mouth you get kind of that burning carbonation feel that coke gives off, but that adds the character. Mouth feel was pretty light bodied, and this would go perfect after a large meal.
Overall: Well structured, and well balanced. Stayed consistent throughout. Being an ale I would say this would be perfect for "not a fan of beer" person. Not to overwhelming for a person new to craft beers, but definitely a beer they could brag about from a brewery they probably can't even say. So if you are still in community college you can brag about having Brasserie Dieu Du Ciel brew, and hopefully someone know what you are talking about.
