Every week, we take a look at a craft beer brewed in Florida. Follow #FloridaBeerFriday for more reviews of Sunshine State brews. Get out there and #DrinkLocal.
This week, I'm heading out to Bangin' Banjo Brewing Co. in Pompano Beach to check out its Saint Something Belgian IPA.
As a style, the Belgian IPA is relatively new, having sprung up out of the homebrewing scene of the mid-'00s. According to the Beer Judge Certification Program:
"Homebrewers and microbreweries simply substituted Belgian yeast in their American IPA recipes. Belgian breweries added more hops to their tripel and pale ale recipes."Just like American IPAs, the style is a bit wide in its scope; what ends up being typical are beers that are spicier, stronger, drier, and more fruity than their "regular" IPA brethren.
But how is this one brewed and presented?
This 8.3 percent ABV beer pours a hazy burnt-orange color. Aromas are varied; the beer shares some bubblegum and a mild "yeasty" character, while the hop presence can be described as subtle and herbal. Flavors are strong up front, with some bitterness, which leads into a clove-forward middle and finally into a lingering peppery
This beer is currently available only in the tasting room, either by the glass or in growlers at the brewery.
Bangin' Banjo Brewing is located at 3200 NW 23rd Ave., Suite 500, in Pompano Beach. Call 954-978-3113, or visit banginbanjobrewing.com.
Doug Fairall is a craft beer blogger who focuses on Florida beers. He is a Certified Beer Server and has been a homebrewer since 2010. For beer things in your Twitter feed, follow him @DougFairall and find the latest beer pics on Clean Plate's Instagram.
