Madhouse Belgian Golden Ale

The Madhouse Brewing Company is in Newton, Iowa.  This 8.0% ABV beer is part of their Venture Series.  From the bottle:  "Venture Series - A series of one-time release, seasonally brewed beers that allow craft beer enthusiasts to explore the diverse flavors and styles of their favorite beverage. This Belgian Golden Ale features the Nelson Sauvin hop from New Zealand. This hop variety is named for its aromatic similarity to Sauvignon Blanc wines."

The beer pours a dark honey golden to light copper in color. There is a tall head of white to off-white foam, a bit thick. The aroma is toasted golden grains, grassy tang of hops and a fruity yeastiness, lightly sweet, but tempered by grass and straw. The taste follows the aromas and adds big juicy apricots and a little more sweetness than the aroma. The tangle of round, juicy, fruity sweetness, along with citrus and kiwi tartness add a vinous note, no doubt the Sauvignon Blanc notes deriving from the Nelson Sauvin hops. There is a medium-bodied, full, round, smoothness in the mouth. The carbonation is light, the bitterness is also light and the finish is just this side of dry. This is excellent. 

(Dear Madhouse, please age this in Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay barrels and then release some more, thank you.)