Spring Fever Belgian Style Grand Cru Ale - Snoqualmie Falls Brewing Company & Taproom

ChugMan

Washington

3.69/5  rDev -4.2%
look: 5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A - Brown /orange bubbly body, very attractive fluffy head which slowly settled. Powerful lacing throughout. By the end, my glass looked like a stripmine.
S - Quite aromatic: spicy incense, strawberry gummis, pineapple, banana, cream. A bit of harsh rasp in there too, suggesting wheat, though I know there isn't any. Something like varnish, sort of a one-off sweetness.
T - Not overly complex but flavors are certainly pronounced. Canned fruit medley, star anise, marjoram, misc. spice, A bit of cloying green flavor at the end of the nose which might come from the coriander, which again suggests a wheat presence, but again my senses are fooled. Light copper, enough to keep it interesting. Again, pretty strong, palates beware!
M - Fizzy on the tongue. Bitterness is subdued at first but makes itself known after a bit, biting at the back of the tongue and mouth. Mostly refreshing but also full-feeling.
O - Might be best consumed in Springtime, as its name suggests. Warm days with cool breeze carrying the smell of flowers. Unfortunately, I can't get too excited about this one: the Belgian style isn't quite up my alley. Regardless, this is a solid beer that anyone should be happy to try.

Serving type: bottle

04-03-2013 23:20:19 | More by ChugMan

jellikit

Washington

3.83/5  rDev -0.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Appearance: dark rust. Deep orange. Thin, creamy head. Strong lacing. Slightly hazy.

Smell: coriander and citrus.

Taste: spice from Belgian yeast. Alcohol. Slightly bitter aftertaste. Coriander. Big malt character.

Mouthfeel: medium carbonation. Slightly thick with a pleasant body. Think J-Lo.

Overall: good heavy Belgian. Darkish, malty, big body.

Serving type: bottle

09-09-2012 02:50:44 | More by jellikit

LiquidAmber

Washington

3.73/5  rDev -3.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Review from 3/2010 notes. Poured into a Gulden Draak tulip. Pours a hazy copper amber, one finger off-white head and lacing. Aroma of sweet malt, light fruit, coriander. In the flavor, coriander is up front and assertive. Medium body. Belgian fruits and light malt, coriander at first and middle. Medium fruit and malt finish with some astringency. A nice american made Belgian that could use some more balance.

Serving type: bottle

08-06-2012 20:05:40 | More by LiquidAmber

HuskyinPDX

Washington

3.5/5  rDev -9.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

22oz bottle poured into a Pint glass.

A - Pours a clear, medium oragne with a yellow-tan one finger head. Good retention and some lacing.

S - Belgian yeast and carmel malt dominate, with some old oranges in the mix.

T - Belgian, so black pepper and lemons.

D - Great carbonation and an average body for the style.

O - Belgian style for sure. Light for the season with a Belgian influence.

Serving type: bottle

04-10-2012 05:22:29 | More by HuskyinPDX

jdense

Oregon

3.68/5  rDev -4.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

22 oz. bottle from West Richland Beer and Wine, shared with beer compadre 7.19.11, poured into wine tumblers.

One finger broken, uneven white head, fairly quick dissipation, minimal lacing over golden amber clear body small streams of rising carbonation. De Coriander Bomb, huge peppery esters, very little orange peel, etc for balance, some caramel and pilsener malts add a bit of complexity. Taste is even more coriander-centric than the nose, a bit of sweetish malt but not the most balanced example of the style and I had a hard time perceiving any hops, perhaps a bit of floral notes, due to overwhelming coriander character. Mouthfeel is a bit on the light side of medium, very dry finish. An interesting and fairly unique take on the style.

Serving type: bottle

07-20-2011 23:34:45 | More by jdense

lifeboyq

Washington

3.7/5  rDev -3.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

This is a coriander bomb, plain and simple. It's slightly over hopped like most american's poor interpretations of a belgian. i dont mind this beer and at the price point of under 4 bucks for 22 oz, its somewhat solid. i'd describe the malt profile if i could taste it but the coriander and slight over hops get in the way of any nuances you'd hope to get from the grain bill. there are no off putting phenols or esters, but i guess at 7% that should be expected. if you care about price and want a weekday relaxer, its worth having. If you want a world class offering, you might want to wash ur dog with this.

Serving type: bottle

03-27-2011 07:06:17 | More by lifeboyq

Bookseeb

Washington

3.43/5  rDev -10.9%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Appearance is a darkened amber with fair head and scattered lace. Smell of light spice and coriander with the malt. Taste has the same spice and coriander with citrus and a good malt backbone balanced nicely with the hops and alchohol being present in the back. Mouthfeel is medium with good carbonation. Nothing complex, but a very good ale nonetheless

Serving type: bottle

03-22-2011 01:57:03 | More by Bookseeb

philbertk

Washington

4/5  rDev +3.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Snoqualmie Falls Brewing Company--Spring Fever Belgian Style Grand Cru 2001 22 oz. Bottle Release. 7.00% ABV. (4.25 / 5.0) Grand Cru--Slightly hazy bright thin copper red color. Sediment darkens color. Mild fruit Belgian hop front. Sweet malty body with spicy cinnamon coriander notes. Caramel malt balances Belgian sweet spiciness. Hot. Sampled 7/21/2001.

2002 22 oz. Bottle Release. 7.00% ABV. (4.25 / 5.0) Grand Cru--Clear rich dark amber color. Belgian ester malt floral front. Sweet hard candy rich caramel body. Spicy ester notes in rich citrus hop end. Malty smooth balance of Belgian, malt, and hop notes. Sampled 9/7/2002.

Snoqualmie Falls Brewing Company--SPRING FEVER Grand Cru--Brewery Name Around Block Logo--2004--22 oz. Bottle Release. 7.00% ABV--32 IBU's. (4.0 / 5.0) Belgian Ale--Grand Cru--Creamy white head. Clear bright thin amber color hazes with Bottle Conditioned sediment. Floral hoppy Belgian yeast spice front. Sweet hot rich caramel banana citrus malty body. Sweet hot spicy malty hop end. Sampled 4/17/2004.

Snoqualmie Falls Brewing Company--SNOQUALMIE Spring Fever Belgian Style Grand Cru Ale--2005 22 oz Bottle Release. 7.00% ABV--32 IBU's. (4.5 / 5.0) Belgian Ale--Grand Cru--Mild lacy head. Clear rich amber color. Mild malty Belgian coriander spice floral hop front. Thick sweet rich smooth malty Belgian Bottled Conditioned mellow NW ester body. Banana spice mild citrus hot hop end. Creamy & rich. Sampled 4/8/2005.

Snoqualmie Falls Brewing Company--SNOQUALMIE Spring Fever Belgian Style Grand Cru Ale--2006 22 oz Bottle Release. 7.00% ABV--32 IBU's. (4.25 / 5.0) Belgian Ale--Grand Cru--Rich creamy lacy head. Cloudy bright gold red color. Rich coriander hop spice front. Hot rich caramel ester mild fruit sweet malty Belgian body. Tangy spicy hot mild EtOH Belgian spice end. NW hoppiness. Sampled 2/25/2006.

Snoqualmie Falls Brewing Company--Spring Fever Belgian Style Grand Cru Ale--2007 22 0z. Bottle Release. 7.00% ABV--32 IBU's. (4.0 / 5.0) Belgian Ale--Grand Cru--Mild lace head. Sediment hint. Clear thin bright light amber color. Mild Belgian spice front. Smooth rich Belgian malty NW mild fruit ester malty mild sweet spicy body. Mild hot coriander pepper hop end. Sampled 3/30/2007.

Snoqualmie Falls Brewing Company--SNOQUALMIE Spring Fever Belgian Stlyle Grand Cru Ale--2008 22 oz. Bottle Release. 7.00% ABV--32 IBU's. (4.0 / 5.0) Belgian Ale--No sediment. Mild head. Clear dark amber red color. Mild Belgian candy ester NW hop front. Mild sweet malty rich thick mild toasted caramel wheat Belgian candy hint mild fruit body. Smooth lingering malty mild coriander hop spice clean end. NW Hoppy Belgian. Sampled 2/16/2008. 2 @ $3.99 Each.

Snoqualmie Falls Brewing Company--SNOQUALMIE Spring Fever Belgian Style Grand Cru Ale--A Belgian Style Ale brewed with coriander. 2009 22 oz. Bottle Release. 7.00% ABV--32 IBU's. (4.0 / 5.0) Grand Cru--No sediment. Mild lace thin off white head. Clear rich bright amber color. Mellow coriander hop malt Belgian yeast ester front. Malty mild creamy sweet cloying caramel banana coriander hint body. Pineapple? Belgian coriander hop spice end. Malty NW Grand Cru. Sampled 2/7/2009. 2 @ $3.99 Each.

Snoqualmie Falls Brewing Company--SNOQUALMIE Spring Fever Belgian Style Grand Cru Ale--A Belgian Style Ale brewed with coriander. 2010 22 oz. Bottle Release. 7.00% ABV--32 IBU's. (3.75 / 5.0) Belgian Golden Grand Cru--Rich rocky lacy off white head. Clear thin bright rich amber color. Sediment hint. Mild hop rich Belgian coriander fruit ester front. Spicy sweet dry malty Belgian caramel rich banana coriander body. Tangy clean dry Belgian spice mild hop end. Sharp not smooth. Sampled 2/20/2010. 2 @ $3.49 Each.

Snoqualmie Falls Brewing Company--SNOQUALMIE Spring Fever Belgian Style Grand Cru Ale--A Belgian Style Ale brewed with coriander.--2011 22 oz. Bottle. 7.00% ABV. 32 IBU's. (4.0 / 5.0) Big dense rocky thick lacy lasting orange white head. Clear fizzy bright rich dark amber red color. Mild coriander delicate floral hop Belgian banana fruit ester front. Creamy thick cloying sweet rich subtle Belgian candy caramel fruit tasty malty body. Smoothsomewhat sweet minimal bitter zesty mild malty Belgian spice end. Tasty malty NW Grand Cru. Sampled 2/18/2011. Purchased for $3.99 at Fred Meyer--Ballard, Seattle on 2/18/2011.

Serving type: bottle

02-26-2011 03:05:56 | More by philbertk

jdklks

Nevada

3.53/5  rDev -8.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Pours a nice golden amber body with an off white head. The nose is mostly belgian yeast with some spices and citrus fruits thrown in. Pretty good.

The flavor isn't bad at all. Very spicy in the finish and aftertaste which gives off a somewhat unpleasant bitterness, though it dissolves into a sweet candy-like flavor. Up front and through the middle is all belgian yeastiness and a hint of fruit (some orange, raspberry, etc.). A decent beer.

The mouthfeel is decently think, but its undercarbonated, and the drinkability is limited to "I definitely only want this one bottle."

Serving type: bottle

05-05-2010 05:16:41 | More by jdklks

johnmichaelsen

Oregon

3.88/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Many thanks to Terry (beertunes) for the opportunity to try this interesting beer.

The beer pours a golden amber color with exceptional, pillowy head retention and good lacing. Have to say right off that this is a very active looking beer. The nose imparts considerable candied malt, but with underlying spice and hoppy bitterness as well. Flavors replicate the nose pretty closely, though I was a bit surprised by how sweet this beer is. There is some serious hoppy bitterness in the finish, but not really enough to counter the significant sweetness in this beer. It still tastes pretty good, but I wouldn't have minded if they dialed down the sweetness a bit (perhaps a bit of short term cellaring would calm this beer down a bit). Mouthfeel is medium bodied, but is just a bit thin on the finish. Drinkability isn't bad - the alcohol is well integrated in this beer - but the sweetness detracts just a bit from this beer's drinkability.

An interesting beer, reminding me of a somewhat sweeter version of some Belgian IPA's I've had. Thanks Terry!

Serving type: bottle

04-24-2010 21:09:05 | More by johnmichaelsen

barleywinefiend

Washington

3.4/5  rDev -11.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2.75 | overall: 3.25

A: Poured an off orange color with a small white head head and good carbonatioon.

S: Nose is Belgian yeast, spice, coriander.

T: Taste is belgian yeast, citrus, coriander, spice.

M: Medium bodied, to effervescent

D: Drinkability was ok, there was a bit much NO2 leaving me gassy and with lots of bubbles and off mouthfeel. Good to drink but not of the best of the Snoqualimie offerings.

Serving type: on-tap

03-22-2010 00:19:11 | More by barleywinefiend

beertunes

Washington

3.55/5  rDev -7.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured into tulip. Poured more orange than pale, the beer was still a pleasing color. It had a thick, rocky off-white head that had great retention and lacing.

The aroma was very subdued, fruit and yeast, with a bit of spice at the back. The flavors followed just more present and focused. The full, creamy body was very pleasant across the tongue. Drinkability was very good, a full 22 slid down easily. This beer is one we look forward to every year, another seasonal visitor we look forward to every year.

Serving type: bottle

03-19-2010 05:51:04 | More by beertunes

flagmantho

Washington

3.85/5  rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured from 22oz bomber into a tulip.

Appearance: rich amber hue; rather dark for a "pale" ale, but still nice. It's also rather hazy with a fair amount of apparent effervescence and two fingers of compact ivory foam. It looks like it could be appetizing.

Smell: nice malt aroma with notes of toasted/biscuity malt. Hints of something akin to blackberry, but none of the tree-fruit aromas I usually expect here. Not bad, but in my mind could be better.

Taste: similar rich malt flavor but more of the blackberry stands out. There are rich floral flavors here which are due either to the yeast or the hops; I can't really tell. Toastiness is toned down in comparison to the aroma. It's pretty good but not a flavor profile I'd typically associate with a Belgian style brew.

Mouthfeel: medium body with plenty of carbonation which gives a nice creamy mouthfeel. Actually very nice indeed.

Drinkability: while I like the flavor a bit, and I love the mouthfeel, I don't think I'd typically want to drink a whole lot of this. I'll finish my bomber and then probably skip it the next time I see it at the store.

Serving type: bottle

03-19-2010 00:47:12 | More by flagmantho

Bfarr

Washington

3.58/5  rDev -7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

My thoughts on this are slightly skewed because this beer tasted almost exactly like another belgian I've had before (I can't remember the name) though the Snoqualmie is not as well balanced. Good for the value but an almost salty finish became more pronounced as I finished it. A fine bouquet and light enough that even my wife liked it! The coriander definitely gives this a nice herbal taste.

Serving type: bottle

02-23-2010 23:53:45 | More by Bfarr

blackc5

Washington

4.35/5  rDev +13%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a 22oz bomber into a tulip at 50F.

A - Pours a reddish, yet medium amber. 2+ finger head and wonderful retention. Lots and lots of lacing here as well.

S - A fair amount of floral hops, some spice, and a bit of sweet malt. Definitely some fruitiness as well.

T - Spicy coriander and sweetly fruity, yeasty, and with a nice balanced of earthy hops. Was very pleasantly surprised on this, as it holds up quite well to many of the bigger names in this category. For the price-point ($4) it is exceptional, and probably the best beer Snoqualmie is making right now.

M - Creamy smooth yet high on carbonation. Medium bodied.

D - Exceptional. A great overall beer and I am blown away for the price. Will be picking up as many of these as I can find while they are in season.

Serving type: bottle

02-22-2010 06:49:14 | More by blackc5

NorCalYeti

California

4.08/5  rDev +6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

taste- malty sweetness, lightly fizzy, tangy, caramel, perfumy aspect develops with temperature

color- amber

clarity- clear

smell- strong pungent floral aroma

body- nectar-like

overall impression- very good grand cru

notes- lightly spicy aftertaste, coriander and orange is used

Serving type: bottle

10-12-2009 04:17:28 | More by NorCalYeti

koopa

New Jersey

4/5  rDev +3.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

REVIEW #200 WOOHOO!

Bottle purchased from liquidsolutions

Appearance: Red to dirty copper body with a nice 2 finger slightly off white crown. A fair amount of retention and nice lacing.

Smell: Not very pungent, but a nice blend of floral hops, citrus hops, slightly sweet malt, some fruit like pineapple and nectarines. In all fairness I've had this bottle sitting around for 6+ months so that might have detracted from the nose.

Taste: Nice belgian style yeast meets American style hops. Taste profile resembles nose. I like the slightly bitter but slightly sweet finish.

Mouthfeel: Medium to med-lite bodied with ample carbonation.

Drinkability: Quaffable.

I'm a huge fan of this brewery's Wild Cat IPA and am fairly satisfied with this offering. Got their Steam Train Porter coming up next.

Serving type: bottle

07-23-2009 22:49:54 | More by koopa

ccrida

Oregon

3.05/5  rDev -20.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

Served in a shaker pint at the Dog & Pony, Spring fever grand cru is a hazy pale orange with a thin off-white head that leaves light, scattered lace.

Smell is sugary malt and lemony coriander, a light sourness, perhaps wheat.

Taste is super spicy, whoa. Not a fan of such overtly spicy beers, this one has huge coriander, there's some apricot notes as well that remind me a bit of English ale yeast actually. It's sweet for sure, some honey notes, and while I got used to the spice, I never loved it.

Mouthfeel is has a very creamy carbonation, but with a sharp edge from spices, accentuated by dryness of the alcohol. Medium heavy body, not as fully attenuated as the style often is.

Drinkability is avg...well, probably less so for me, man was it spicy. But there were some enjoyable moments, and at least the ABV was in check. More carbonation might have helped with the under-attenuation...

Serving type: on-tap

05-06-2009 23:41:22 | More by ccrida

RedDiamond

Oregon

3.65/5  rDev -5.2%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Grand Crus can often be challenging to appreciate, especially since the style is so open to interpretation. Snoqualmie faces this challenge with a spring seasonal whose bright array of Belgian spice flavor is enhanced by coriander. The beer is orange-amber with diminished carbonation and no lace. The aroma is timid but amiable in the tradition of Belgian exotica.

Spring Fever makes ample use of Czech Saaz for spice. But its lack of peppery bite equates with an ease of appreciation.

Serving type: on-tap

04-27-2009 03:07:23 | More by RedDiamond

BuckeyeNation

Iowa

4.33/5  rDev +12.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Glowing bonfire orange with a light sprinkling of fine yeast. Despite less than abundant visible carbonation, the pale tangerine colored crown is at least three fingers after the pour. It isn't Belgianesque, but it looks pretty good... and isn't shy about leaving lace.

The nose is bursting with tropical fruit such as juicy pineapple, orange and mango. Simcoe and Amarillo hops seem like obvious guesses. However, Columbus and Saaz are the only hops in use. Hmmm, must be a rogue strain of Belgian yeast. Although the beer doesn't smell especially BSPA-like, it does smell wonderful.

It tastes wonderful too. It looks like Snoqualmie Falls has managed to succeed where quite a few American brewers have failed. That is, in brewing a big Belgian ale that can at least stand in the same room with that country's best without having to hang its head. Never mind their origins, the tropical flavors are reminiscent of American hops. In addition, the total amount of hoppiness is more than BSPAs usually deliver. Both are welcome.

The malt is mostly pale with a negligible amount of Munich toasted breadiness. Top notes of hops, coriander and yeast reign supreme. This is not a beer that makes me say 'wow' each time the glass is upended, but I am nodding my noggin in appreciation with every supremely satisfying sip. This is an American-brewed, Belgian-style ale done right.

Warming brings out even more orange, apricot and grapefruit zestiness. Coriander was an outstanding choice, as was whatever Belgian yeast strain was used. My buds are forcing me to increase the flavor score... and it didn't take much arm twisting. The bottom line is that interesting, delicious and drinkable is always a killer combination.

The mouthfeel is more American than Belgian, but that isn't necessarily a negative. It's medium-full for the ABV and is crushed velvet smooth. In fact, the next highest score is *almost* within reach.

Even though Wildcat IPA still has the top spot, Spring Fever Belgian Style Grand Cru Ale edges out PGA (Perfectly Great Amber) as Snoqualmie's second best beer. It may not be perfect, but it definitely qualifies as great. This is a repeat purchase for sure.

Serving type: bottle

04-13-2009 21:22:47 | More by BuckeyeNation

NoLiberty

Pennsylvania

4.1/5  rDev +6.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Lugged this buddy back from a recent trip to Seattle. Thanks to the guys at Bottleworks for some good advice and great beers!

Pours from its 22 oz bottle into my Urthel tasting glass. Obvious from the pour that this is a nice, full warming and fresh brew. Strong rich orange color that glows in front of the light. A truly frothy head springs up like on a bucket of soapy water. A solid white cap sits on top of the beer the entire way through the drink leaving spiderweb-like streaks of sticky lace down the edges of the glass.

The aroma is dominated by a sweet, yeasty spice with a rich backbone of alcohol and followed through by a wave of coriander. I'm usually someone who avoids added spices like the plague, but with a Belgian-inspired, double-hoppy American pale ale it somehow works wonderfully...if that's what you're expecting. Hard to say this style has a lot of tradition to compare it too, but I like what I'm trying.

I recommend waiting for this beer to warm up some as the potentially competing flavors mellow and blend with time. A very recognizable Belgian-American sweetness up front, like that from a Tripel yeast - spicy, bready, fresh. Beer moves over the mouth extremely smooth and rich leaving a lingering trail of sweet malt and alcohol, herbaceous coriander and finishing out with a slightly astringent pine hoppiness. Warm and lip smacking toward the very end. A bit aggressive at the finish but nothing too serious to make it hard to drink.

Overall this beer has an excellent aroma, really inviting and refreshing flavor and a uniquely smooth Belgian quality. But no doubt that this is an American interpretation so with that in mind I'm completely satisfied with how it's presented. Now, back to Washington.

Serving type: bottle

03-19-2009 03:14:21 | More by NoLiberty

northyorksammy

Ontario (Canada)

3.7/5  rDev -3.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Hit the spot Grand Cru although one-dimensional corriander, it is drinkable sweet-spicey, with above average carbonation albeit from the Saaz hops. Still very drinkable supporting yeast,decent looks and yeasty smell. It works.
Thanks SuzyGreenberg (Ed Bottomley).

Serving type: bottle

10-02-2008 01:20:38 | More by northyorksammy

Wasatch

Utah

4.38/5  rDev +13.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured into my St. Bernardus Watou glass, a very nice clean/clear golden amber color, nice carbonation, nice one finger off-white head, which leaves some nice sticky lacing behind. The nose is malty, yeasty, fruity, with some very slight spice. The taste is very nice, malty, yeasty, nice touch of fruit, with low spiceness. Medium body. Very drinkable, this is an awsome brew, very tasty, highly recommended. This is my second brew from this brewery and it is the best so far.

Serving type: bottle

09-14-2008 19:17:48 | More by Wasatch

morebeergood

Massachusetts

3.85/5  rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Picked up a bomber about 6 months ago in Seattle, and it's been sitting in my beer cellar for a while. Recently saw the note on the side of the bottle that said "keep refrigerated", so I figured I should drink it this weekend. Six months in the cellar, and no issues. Nice.
Poured into tulip glasses. Hazy orange color. Nice head that lasted a while and lots of lacing. Loved the taste of this beer. Has that classic Belgian sugary sweetness that plays well with the added spice notes. At 7%, this is one beer that I know that I could enjoy more than one. One of the better offerings from Snoqualmie.

Serving type: bottle

08-25-2008 14:34:40 | More by morebeergood

SaucyA

Michigan

3.63/5  rDev -5.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

A - Into an Urthel glass, pours a slightly dark orange with a 1 finger off white head. Carbonation looks quite abundant. Lacing present.

S - Smell is of oranges and orange peel mostly. Luckily, I really like oranges. Reminds me a bit of Oberon, frankly. Coriander is abundant... and if I take a GIANT breath, I can find a yeasty undertone that's also quite fruity.

T - Super sweet with a nice, trying-so-hard-to-be tart finish. Lots of orange and blood orange. Borderline cloying, but manageable. Slight heat in the tummy but alcohol not noted otherwise. Could use a slight tweaking, but not bad.

M - Great, creamy mouthfeel, with reasonably sparkly carbonation.

D - Sweetness really blows an otherwise great beer. I'll enjoy both of my bombers of this, but in my opinion, Spring Fever could use a little work.

Notes: I'd like to taste this with spontaneously fermenting yeast, less sweetness, and/or with a more interesting hop profile. The malting could really use some work, just by making it play more of a part in the taste.

I actually enjoyed this brew, but there is some real potential with this that the brewery isn't taking advantage of.

Serving type: bottle

06-06-2008 19:14:37 | More by SaucyA