THE SESSION #18 - HAPPY ANNIVERSARY

I really struggled with my decision about what beer to highlight for this month's installment of The Session. Interestingly enough, I've been on a Holiday beer sampling kick lately - sort of a Christmas in July thing, I suppose. I could have chosen one of these beers and technically been somewhat consistent with this month's theme which calls for "a limited release, anniversary beer." But are Holiday/Christmas beers really "anniversary" beers? Sometimes, I guess, but not usually. So, instead of highlighting my recent tasting of Brasserie Dupont's Avec Les Bons Voeux or Brasserie Des Geants' Noel Des Geants, as I had originally thought I might for this month's collaborative, I opted for a "true" anniversary beer - a one-time off beer, brewed specifically to commemorate the brewery's anniversary. Better to stick with the theme, huh!

As it turns out, it's fortuitous that I decided to stick with the program this time 'round. Our host this month, The Barley Blog, posted a review of the Canadian brewery Unibroue's 16th Anniversay ale, "16," for this month's Session much to my delight. The beer I finally picked to highlight for my own contribution ...? Unibroue's 15th Anniversary ale, "15," of course! We just need to add the 17th Anniversary beer (a hint to those bloggers still on the fence as to what to write this month!) and we'll have a virtual, vertical tasting on our hands! I love it when a plan, or lack thereof, comes together.

Without further ado, here is my review from notes about Unibroue's 15th Anniversary ale - a Belgian-style strong pale ale:

This beer is poured from a sleek, blackened 750ml bottle with goldleaf -esque labeling into a standard tulip-style glass. The beer pours a medium gold color, and is slightly cloudy with some residual yeast flecks in suspension. The head is moderately tall and solid white in appearance. Lots of staying power as well, with only subtle lace detectable as the bubbly head slowly settles down.

The nose is predominantly of that signature Unibroue yeast strain, with additions of citrus fruit, coriander, and peppery spice. Hiding in the background I detect a little bit of banana in there as well. The palate quite banana-laden right up front, with loads of sweet maltiness, Belgian candi sugar, white pepper and cloves. This beer is a little more phenolic than expected, but this isn't bad. Another strong pale ale that blurs the lines between a strong pale ale and a tripel in many respects.

The mouth feel is medium and just a bit "sticky sweet" throughout. This beer is generously carbonated - a saving grace that keeps it from being too heavy and cloying in the mouth. The finish here is peppery and sweet with a lingering spicy character that is pleasant. The 10% alcohol is present, but not overly aggressive on the palate. Overall, this is a good strong pale, but certainly not the best I've tried. I'd argue this is not the best beer from Unibroue either, but it's a good, solid effort. The La Fin Du Monde (technically a Tripel, I guess) is a bit bolder, and just has more unique character in my opinion. That being said, this is still quite good.

The "Unibroue yeast" isn't quite as pronounced here as it is in many of their other beers. Still, the 15th Anniversary ale is a pleasant, sweet and seductive treat for the senses. There's nothing from Unibroue I just plain don't like, so I expected it to be good. No let-downs here. If you're fortunate enough to see it still on the shelf somewhere, pick it up. I imagine it has only gotten better with a couple of years to think about it.

Looks like that's another Session in the books! Keep an eye out for next month's Session theme and host. If you're a beer blogger, why not think about joining in next month as well. Cheers!