Hello again guys.  Are you ready for another craft beer review?  I hope so because today I’m going to be trying the Belgica Belgian Style India Pale Ale produced by the Great Divide Brewing Company situated in Denver, Colorado.

I’ve only had a few Great Divide brews over the years and I have never had this one, so I’m eager to get it in a glass and see how it is.

First, let’s go to the website, greatdivide.com, and see if we can find a commercial description of the Belgica IPA. 

The Roman name for the Low Counties – is a marriage of the best in American and Belgian brewing traditions. Belgian pilsner malt, a generous amount of American and European hops and a unique Belgian yeast strain combine to give Belgica big notes of citrus and spice, creating a lively concoction perfect for spring in the Rockies – or the Ardennes. 

Let’s pour.

This brew came in a 12 oz. bottle and it had an ABV of 7.2%.

It poured a hazy, yellow to gold color with some slight orange tints and brighter yellow highlights around the edges and bottom of the glass.  The head was bright white in color.  It was sized ok and the retention time was average.  The lacing looked alright as it left some patchy “cobwebs” behind after each sip.

The first thing I noticed about the aroma on the Belgica was how spicy it was.  Hints of pepper and coriander along with wafts of yeast and breadiness.  It smelled a lot like what one might find in a “Hefe” or “Wit” beer.  I did begin to pick up on some hoppiness by way of a light, fruity orange and lemon citrus.  This bouquet seemed decently well balanced and sufficient.

The taste showed more of the peppery spice with some earthy, bready savors.  Pertinent flavors of that recognizable Belgian yeast started to pull through as the brew warmed up a bit.  Orange citrus followed, which gave the flavor just a touch of bitterness.  Hmm.  I thought more might be accounted for considering it’s an IPA.  Oh well.  Also, I didn’t really find any discernible characteristics of alcohol, which surprised me a little considering the 7.2% ABV.

The mouthfeel was medium, crisp, smooth, refreshing and thirst quenching.  The finish wasn’t extremely dry and the palate was left with not a lot of flavor behind after the sip.

Well.  This brew was decent.  It would be great for the warmer Spring and Summer months that’s for sure.  While acknowledging that the brew was labeled an IPA I thought it was a little too forward in the spice category for that distinction.  Like I mentioned earlier, this brew definitely reminds me more of a “Hefe” or a “Wit” than an IPA.  With that being said, I wouldn’t have a problem drinking this beer if someone offered it to me.  The 7.2% ABV might sneak up on me though.  It was quite deceiving.  So, if you see the Belgica Belgian Style India Pale Ale at your local bottle shop, give it a try and let me know what you thought of it.

Thanks for reading and commenting everyone.  Until next time.

Cheers.

Score:  3.55 out of 5
Grade:  B