Urthel Hop-it

This "Superior Hoppy Blond Ale" is from Urthel, with the beers created by Hildegard Van Ostaden in Ruiselede, Flanders, Belgium and brewed in the Netherlands at Konnigshoeven in Tilburg. As the bottle says, "Dutch with a touch of Flemish." This 9.5% bottle conditioned beer was inspired by the hoppy beers tasted by Hildegard when she visited the United States. It uses European Noble hops.

The beer pours just slightly hazy and dark honey golden in color. There is a tall, thick, foamy, bubbly white head. Some light lacing is left on the glass. The aroma is grassy, floral, herbal, tangy, spicy and yeasty. The taste follows the aromas, adding in citrus. It is moderately bitter, with a grassy and floral bitterness. All the hops sit on a bed of honeyed grain. The finish is refreshingly dry, but also spicy. It is finely carbonated, tingling like champagne. This beer is well worth trying.