Liquid Gold - Captain Lawrence Brewing Co.

MusicaleMike

Pennsylvania

3.18/5  rDev -18.9%
look: 2.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 2.5

Poured a hazy gold body with a decent amount of white head on top, but that quickly disappeared to almost nothing and left zero trace after it was gone.

The smell is filled with spicy notes, a heavy handed aroma, with what I think is a lot of coriander, grains of paradise and a ton of esters from the yeast. It is somewhat onion-like and reminds me of dirty feet. I moved past that though, and appreciated the spices for what they were. However, I'm not the biggest fan of this particular mixture.

The taste was very similar, and carried a sharp tangy nature that just felt out of place. The aftertaste is messy and carries a lot of herbal, flowery notes, with hints of hibiscus, chives, rosewater, and then this hint of beefy coriander.

the body is actually quite decent for this style, with sharp enough carbonation and a medium body that wasn't too heavy. The tangy part up front dissipates and leaves the bitterness at the front door.

Overall, a beer that I will not revisit again. It is only a difference in opinion here, but the herbs and spices that they used are a bit overdone, and the yeasty quality, hops and malts are lost underneath them.

Serving type: bottle

05-09-2013 22:44:18 | More by MusicaleMike

northyorksammy

Ontario (Canada)

3.74/5  rDev -4.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

On tap at the Blue Monk. A lighter Belgian ale. Pours deep yellow to golden colour with a minimum head. Carbonation bubbles. Yeast is the characteristic, as it warms I can distinguish a tad of funk, spiciness featuring clove. True to style, but Something needed to distinguish itself in this style?

Serving type: on-tap

05-03-2013 11:34:54 | More by northyorksammy

mattbk

New York

4.14/5  rDev +5.6%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25

A: Completely clear, no head retention, very carbonated. Looks like: beer.
S: Nice witte like aroma, clove, pepper, banana, orange, very nice. Another aroma smell gave me something a little grapey.
T: It's very nice, orange peel, a little banana in flavor, definitely fruity, fairly sweet actually. I like this, fairly complex yet very drinkable. Another sip and it's just a little grassy and spicy, a little peppery. I like this quite a bit.
M: Mouthfeel is medium bodied, not very dry actually, but I like this, it makes the beer very interesting. Medium carbonation, just a bit crisp on the tip of the tongue and lips as it goes down.
O: Very, very nice beer. Already planning on a six of this in the summer. Can't wait. Why'd they filter it? Only real ding against this beer.

Serving type: bottle

03-22-2013 01:04:24 | More by mattbk

farrago

New Jersey

3.55/5  rDev -9.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Pours a fairly thin head of bone white, mostly tiny bubbles which dissolve off swiftly, the lacing likewise close to nonexistent. The liquid is a shimmeringly bright yellow, fully transparent, only a few bubble beads but these are highly active. Very expressive nose of banana, strawberry, apple fruit, clove and cinnamon, bubblegum and all kinds of general yeastiness, undercurrent of powdered milk chocolate, here too it is pure and unblemished, preferring a spring to its step than grounding itself firmly. Light to medium-bodied, fluid with a sort of metallic ring to it at first which makes the attack somewhat bitter. The carbonation churns steadily and agitates more than let’s the underlying creaminess take hold. White pepper and lemon peel beat the clove, nutmeg, allspice to the punch. Eventually turns more resinous in feel which brings out more yellow apple, peach, banana, melon fruit. That cocoa maltiness persists. A lot going on retronasally. Lower yeast presence, more unbaked dough than bread or scone, etc. and certainly outpaced by the grassy nip. Overall, it’s pleasing to quaff, guileless and simple to the verge of innocence. You’d lose interest after a couple of dates.

Serving type: bottle

03-08-2013 01:15:12 | More by farrago

KTCamm

New Jersey

3.95/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

Poured from a twelve ounce bottle into a pint glass.

Pours clear see through golden hued. Very little foam remains. Belgian yeast strain nose. Light fruit. Taste is smooth, yet bitter. Firm hoppiness throughout but balanced into the mix. Firm carbonation in the mixture. This is a good beer. Deceptively simple.

Serving type: bottle

03-03-2013 13:56:38 | More by KTCamm

PHBoiler

Illinois

3.45/5  rDev -12%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

12 oz bottle into a tulip glass

Bubbly with loads of effervescence and a bright golden color.

Hard to pick up much scent despite agitation with some slight yeast

The mouthfeel is pretty thin, but I do appreciate the carbonation.

Not a lot of flavor coming through. I just don't pick up the Belgian in this one.

Serving type: bottle

03-01-2013 03:34:10 | More by PHBoiler

ThePorterSorter

New York

3.83/5  rDev -2.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75

Clear pale golden with no head. The nose is pure bubblegum with a hint of hops and artificial smelling fruity esters. The taste has a honey sweetness and of course bubblegum, some white grape. This is a beer that definitely improves as it warms. The mouthfeel is light bodied and drinkable, slightly bitter with a honey sweetness. This beer was a bit of a disappointment and drinks like a strangely flavored lager.

Serving type: on-tap

02-21-2013 02:18:29 | More by ThePorterSorter

CloudStrife

New York

4.03/5  rDev +2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

12oz bottle poured into a tulip.

A: Pours a clear light golden yellow with a 1 finger white head. Lots of visible carbonation in the body. No real lacing.

S: First thing that I notice is a banana like yeast characteristic. Has a farmhouse or saison sort of a pale malting to it. Certainly has a belgian twist to it.

T: Light banana and a nice belgian yeastiness. One of the better American attempts at a Belgian style. Focuses on the yeast and it comes through. Well balanced, moderate hopping with a sweet malt finish.

M: Fairly light on the tongue but still creamy in mouthfeel. Bit of a booze bite but not much. Easy drinking, good finish certainly has some authenticity.

Overall another tasty Captain Lawrence, been impressed with everything from them so far. Recommended to any belgian fans.

Serving type: bottle

01-29-2013 01:54:38 | More by CloudStrife

TangTKE402

New York

3.71/5  rDev -5.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75

A: Poured from a 12oz. bottle into a standard-issue pint glass. A pale-white, 1-finger head emerged, then dissipated to a thin wispy ring. Minimal lacing, and a slightly hazy, extremely pale yellow body remained. Almost the color of bad water...

S: Spicy and light, with banana bread notes, cloves, coriander, nutmeg, pepper and bready yeast. A tad watery on the nose, otherwise great.

T: Spicy, buttery, peppery. A mild blend of crystal malts and some American hops makes this a bit different than your typical Belgian Ale, flavor-wise. It has a mild citrus/spice up-front with an orange/anise middle and a slightly hoppy finish. Overall the flavor is a touch watered-down, which gives it a session feel, but also robs flavor. Notes of citrus (lemon and orange,) spice (nutmeg and cloves,) vanilla, all with a touch of pine hops and notes of butter.

M: Can something be chewy and watery? I suppose the answer is yes. The feel is standard-issue unfiltered Belgian, but there is a watered-down spine that robs it of true character. It doesn't stick with you long after swallowed, but it's nice enough while it's there.

O: A pleasant and crisp beer for those looking for a lighter version of your favorite Belgian Ale. Not risking much, but hitting the mark where it tries, I'd say give it a whirl and don't expect the world.

Serving type: bottle

01-27-2013 22:42:50 | More by TangTKE402

SaisonRichBiere

Michigan

3.34/5  rDev -14.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5

Thanks to ThePorterSorter for sharing this.

Poured from a bottle into a 12oz. mug.

Appearance- Haystack gold with a bubbly, fizzy head that quickly fades into a frothy quarter-inch residual head. Not much to speak of. Bubbles bursting from underneath, all over the glass gives this a fun champagne-like vibe. The name does it justice. Looks like gold.

Smell- Spice, strong Belgian yeastiness, dry barnyard air. Finishes with sweet, bready malts. Smells like a Belgian style.

Taste- Sweet alfalfa, straw, a blend of spices- coriander, nutmeg, allspice. Finishes with hints of corn and rice malts. Only a hint of bitterness. Not much hop character to speak of. Perhaps drowned out by the spiciness. Surprisingly sweet for a Belgian style.

Mouthfeel- Crisp, light and fizzy. Just like it looks. Very champagne-like texture.

Overall- Truth be told, I am not big on "golden" ales. I usually find them lacking in substance, and not much more complex than full flavor macro brews. This one however, was a bit more palatable. Easy drinking and smooth, without overpowering flavors akin to some Belgian styles. When I think Belgian, the term "bold" usually comes to mind. Strong sipping beer rather than beer that can be consumed quickly. Though this one is a bit bland, I still find it refreshing and sessionable. At 6% ABV, it doesn't even seem that strong. This one might be a great Belgian for Summertime.

Cheers.

Serving type: bottle

01-26-2013 02:24:36 | More by SaisonRichBiere

GotWad629

Massachusetts

3.59/5  rDev -8.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75

A - Pours yellow gold with a small head that quickly dissipates

S - Fruity and spicy esters, with hints of apples and some bubblegum. It does smell a bit musty and stale.

T- Similar to the smell. Dry and spicy with hints of banana, bubblegum, and apple. I'm still getting that musty stale flavor as well which is disappointing.

M - A thin slightly watery body with sharp prickly carbonation

Overall a pretty good example of a BPA. Crisp and refreshing but the mustiness is throwing me off.

Serving type: bottle

01-23-2013 04:46:40 | More by GotWad629

chugalug06

Colorado

3.53/5  rDev -9.9%
look: 2.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5

Looks very unrefined. Foggy yellow with thin white soapy head; no lacing.

Banana, very Belgian, bready, clovey.

Watery, thin, strong bitterness, cloves, banana, pepper, dry, sweet from Belgian yeast, bready, overly carbonated. Slightly past due.

This brew is out of balance and could use refining. Recommended, but not over the top. Glad I tired it, but I believe CL would do better on their next brew..

Serving type: bottle

01-13-2013 20:28:44 | More by chugalug06

thecheapies

Pennsylvania

4.08/5  rDev +4.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

No freshness date on the bottle, but picked this one up in the early fall. Using a goblet glass for the pour.

Sure enough, the beer is a wonderfully clear yellow-gold color with a sudsy, almost cider-y like, carbonation that has too many big bubbles popping away to hold firm.

Wafts of peppercorn and mild funk meshes with a dry hard cider aroma focused on pear and dried apricot. Whole lotta yeasty tang going on, which usually turns me off, but it's unlike your typical Belgian Golden Ale or Belgian Pale.

Peppery note with a chalky chew to it takes center stage. Peeled layers reveal apple and white grape juice along with some floral hop elements that are unique for this style of ale. Seemingly obvious and fitting addition of coriander keeps it bristling with spices; the American hops keeping it bitter and complex. Straw and fruit skin/must all provide dryness. There's an almost Brett-y funk undercurrent that impresses me. All around stellar, yet delicate, flavor.

Drinks softly with a medium body and tightly-wound carbonation. Concealed alcohol reveals itself now and again as it warms, but promises easy drinkability.

A most impressive American-made Belgian Pale Ale that soars above many others in its complexity and subtleties. I so badly wish I had at least one more of these to enjoy when this one's finally kicked the bucket.

Serving type: bottle

11-30-2012 04:07:54 | More by thecheapies

metter98

New York

3.93/5  rDev +0.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

A: The beer is slightly hazy golden yellow in color and has lots of fine particles visible floating in suspension and a moderate amount of carbonation. It poured with a two finger high dense white head that has excellent retention properties, consistently leaving a quarter finger high head covering the surface and a very thick coating down the sides of the glass.
S: There are moderate aromas of Belgian yeast in the nose.
T: The taste is similar to the smell and also has notes of apples and hints of cloves and other spices towards the finish.
M: It feels medium-bodied, slightly smooth and a little dry on the palate with a moderate amount of carbonation.
O: This beer isn't that difficult to drink and has a nice mixture of Belgian yeast and fruit flavors.

Serving type: bottle

11-11-2012 23:06:05 | More by metter98

Bubba83

California

4.08/5  rDev +4.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Bottle sent to me by an internet video game pal that I recently found out is as crazy about beer as I am. Thanks afksports. Poured at 45 degrees into a New Belgium Globe.

It's a nice light orange, yellow color with lots of tiny bubbles rising to support a creamy white head. Retention is quite good for the style and lacing is fantastic. A pleasure to look at.

Smells like an amalgamation of styles, sort of a cross between a witbier, a saison, and a belgian pale. I get coriander, pepper, horsey funk, clove, slight banana yeastyness and hay. Reminds me a lot of how North Coast Pranqster smells, but this seems to be a little more complex.

Tastes a lot like what I'm getting in the aroma, a big hit of coriander and clove, a decent bit of banana and slight apricot followed by some peppery funkyness. Hay, grass, and some floral hop character hit at the end.

Quite smooth in the mouth for the style, not over carbonated like some. Feels medium light in body and goes down pretty easy.

Overall this is a very nice beer, blending the better bits of witbier, saison, and belgian pale. Glad I got a chance to try this one.

Serving type: bottle

09-29-2012 05:04:12 | More by Bubba83

Rifugium

Pennsylvania

4.1/5  rDev +4.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

First had: on tap at Captain Lawrence, Elmsford, NY

Actually quite an excellent crack at a Belgian-style ale. Poured a clearish golden-yellow color with a small wispy white head that receded to a ringlet, leaving a few wayward streaks of lacing on the glass. Smell was loaded with Belgian goodness, yeasty, spicy, floral. Taste is simliar, bready, yeasty, notes of banana and stone fruit, peppery spice, floral hops, sweet honeyish malts...lots of flavor here. About medium in body, smooth, well-balanced, well-flavored, quite drinkable.

Serving type: on-tap

09-14-2012 23:22:05 | More by Rifugium

patriot76

New York

4.1/5  rDev +4.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A- Light, golden in color, partially cloudy with a decent head.

S- Smell of american hops, sublte citris fruit, some grapefruit with Belgian spices. Almost a pilsner smell at first with theBelgian spice notes.

T- I can honestly say that this tastes like a cross between a pilsner and a Belgian ale...best of both worlds as far as I'm concerned. Wonderfully balanced with a flavor that covers the entire palate, smoothly. Not overdone at all.

M- Very subtle on the palate for a beer with so much flavor. The flavor however does not linger long, it rather recedes pleasantly and makes you want another sip.

O- Very pleasureable ale and very drinkable. I look forward to my next one. The most pleasantly drinkable Belgian ale I've had.

Serving type: bottle

09-07-2012 02:38:21 | More by patriot76

angrybabboon

Rhode Island

4.1/5  rDev +4.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Cheers to Goblinmunkey7 for giving me a bottle of this

Appearance: Appropriately named with a clear, golden body - nicely sized, fluffy white head - leaves a nice cap, leaves streaks and spots of lacing at the start

Smell: Belgian yeast notes and some pale malts - pleasant yeasty aroma, with some spiciness, clove, pepper, and banana candy - some sweetness, some layers of pale malts - some citrus in here as well, particularly oranges

Taste: Unexpectedly interesting, with a lot going on - citrus is more prominent than in the nose, with lemon, grapefruit, and orange - spicy Belgian yeast, with clove, pepper, bananas, and some other esters reminiscent of light fruits - lightly bitter - pale malts hold everything together, lightly sweet and maybe a little toasted - some candy sweetness as well

Mouthfeel: Medium body, very smooth, nicely carbonated

Overall: Great stuff

This is certainly not a "typical" Belgian Pale, but the style is certainly very variable... This is a nice combination of Belgian yeast and what tastes like American hops. Nothing dominates, as this is nicely balanced, and it's very drinkable. Greater than the sum of its parts, and I'm glad I had a chance to try this.

Serving type: bottle

08-15-2012 05:40:57 | More by angrybabboon

LWallace

5/5  rDev +27.6%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Bottle beer recently introduced, much better than many highly ranked competitors. Beer has excellent aroma, clarity, and overall taste performance. New bottle design and sale of beer in grocery stores is a huge plus since had to go to brewery in the past to get this beer.

Serving type: bottle

08-07-2012 23:25:09 | More by LWallace

VelvetExtract

Massachusetts

3.63/5  rDev -7.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

A-Pours bright straw yellow. Only a hint of haze. Head is big, bubbly and bleach white. Head isn't the super-expandable Belgian type, but it does grow. It also recedes. It leaves popped bubble lacing remnants.

S-Yeasty. Apple juice, cloves and honey. Sugar and honey. Light grassiness derived from the hops. Belgian inspired and Belgian imitated. Smells good though.

T-Grassy hoppiness is a bit stronger here, which I enjoy. Hops are almost medicinal. Very spicy and moderately yeasty. Bubblegum and clove. Pale flesh fruits akin to apple and pear. Crackers and basil on the end.

M-Medium body. Assertive with the carbonation and the overall feel. Finishes surprisingly quite bitter. Booze shows up a bit.

O/D-All of Captain Lawrence's six-pack line are exceptionally well crafted but they do not crack the 'Awesome!' stratosphere. This actually is my least favorite of the group. Its a nice little Belgian-inspired brew. Its the epitome of 'good but not great'.

Serving type: bottle

08-04-2012 22:24:42 | More by VelvetExtract

flagmantho

Washington

4/5  rDev +2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had this on-tap in a pint glass at Bridge View Tavern in Sleepy Hollow.

Appearance: light golden hue with a strong effervescence and a light haze. Head is a thin layer of white foam.

Smell: nice funky, lightly spicy aroma with a distinct saison quality. Smooth, clean and enticing.

Taste: sweet malt with a light saison-style funk. There's a floral quality here and a light chalkiness. I like it.

Mouthfeel: medium-light body with a good carbonation and creaminess. I like it.

Overall: an interesting Belgian style ale. I find it is more like a French saison, so ... perhaps it's a Franco-Belgian ale? In any case it is quite good.

Serving type: on-tap

08-03-2012 16:44:55 | More by flagmantho

facundoCNB

New Jersey

3.58/5  rDev -8.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

a very clear straw yellow pour with constant bubbles form carbonation, half inch of head. smells very bready with orange peel and citrusy in general. tastes very fruity up front. cherry with a zest of orange, coriander, pepper and bready yeast.
very refreshing light body with a slight creamy feel on the lips. nice carbonation with a dry finish.

for a blonde ale this is pretty fantastic! feels a bit heavier than most but goes down so easy it's like drinking... wait for it.. LIQUID GOLD!

Serving type: bottle

07-31-2012 02:51:09 | More by facundoCNB

FosterJM

California

4/5  rDev +2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

1402nd Review on BA
Bottle to Small Tulip
12oz

No bottle date

Thanks to Tony32408 for this extra

App- Looks more like a wild ale to me, bright, golden and clear. Has a nice 1-1/2 finger head that was very puffy. Only a couple dots of cling even with a heavy swirl.

Smell- There is many things going on in this glass. You get saison notes of wheat and dampness, you get the ale notes and the spices are very forward. A slight funk as well.

Taste- Nice beer. Good controlled chaos from a lot in the glass. The spices adds a nice flavor profile and the base beer is a bit crisp and clean.

Mouth- A nice medium body with a good crisp medium carbonation and residual hoppy/spice.

Drink- It was a nice little beer. The ABV sat about right but was more prevalant when the beer warmed.

Serving type: bottle

07-19-2012 15:43:47 | More by FosterJM

sinstaineddemon

Connecticut

3.73/5  rDev -4.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A - light golden champagne color, a gentle pour wells up two fingers of rocky, frothy white head fed by plenty of carbonation

S - yeasty and spicy, notes of clove and cardamom, with some light mild fruits, maybe bananas

T - the spice takes a back seat to the yeast, but they dont back down. the light banana type flavor persists but is less discernible, a distinct hop note at the very end of the sip

M&D - lively, effervescent on the tongue, the yeasty/spicy-ness will offer a lot of flavor to those who enjoy craft beer but are turned off by big hoppy bitterness

Serving type: bottle

07-12-2012 18:50:53 | More by sinstaineddemon

davey101

Connecticut

3.75/5  rDev -4.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

12 oz bottle into a tulip glass. No bottle on date but it has the newer style logo cap.

A - Crystal clear light amber body. Lots of rising carbonation. A nice head forms and settles down to a frothy and messy one finger high off white head. Excellent lacing and retention.

S - Lots of coriander, banana and biscuity malts. Very witbier like minus the yeast characteristic. Some fruity hops, mostly in the form of citrus and light pine.

T - Much sweeter than the nose led me to believe. Coriander spice, bananas, liquid bubble gum, and english style biscuity malts with a lightly bitter and fruity hop finish. Mouth feel is medium bodied and coats the mouth. Carbonation is high.

O - Not very impressive. Seems kind of like a mess as its overtly sweet. It just leaves a really long and lasting syrupy sweetness that gets nauseating really quickly.

Serving type: bottle

06-26-2012 04:09:21 | More by davey101