My Sweet Lucifer
Rarely do I drink beer. However, once in a while, malted brew catches my eye. Such was the case with Lucifer, a Belgian golden ale brewed by Liefmans Brewery. Naturally I got a kick out of the label's Satanic playfulness. Yet, what sold me was the flotsam of expired yeast carcasses awash in the bottle. Upon further inspection I discovered that Lucifer undergoes secondary fermentation sur lie in the bottle. I wondered if this ale would possess some of that yeasty-tang that I often find & love in sur lie Muscadets.
Lucifer did not disappoint. This brew is fiery (8.5% abv) and full of bitter flavors. Yet it also showed a soft side with blood orange flavors and a hint of vanilla yogurt - courtesy the dearly departed yeasties. Throw your wine palate a curveball; sip a little Lucifer ($3-4, 33cl bottle; $8-9, 750ml bottle).
I applaud your trying and writing about beer. Do note, however, that many many beers are bottle conditioned (secondary fermentation in the bottle) in beer parlance. I hope you find and try more as many a beer will challenge the palate far more than many wines.
Posted by: TryBeer! | 20 November 2006 at 08:04 PM