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I just reviewed the previous beverage I had from Duval. Did I have more than one? I'm going to have to go back and check, as all of these small Belgian breweries with histories that go into the 1800s and bottles that look like they haven't changed shape in at least that long all tend to meld together. I don't really know what a strong blonde is. I have had strong ales, and some have been particularly fantastic. I have had Belgian ales, and some have garnered perfect ratings. This is definitely strong for a blonde, as it is 8.5% ABV, and I've never had a blonde that came anywhere close to that. This should be in interesting evening.
The very pale yellow beverage could, indeed, be called a blonde. The presentation (including the significant head and bottle) reminds me of the one and only sunshine beer that I've ever had. What is a sunshine beer? Still don't know, but it's good. The significant head with loads of staying power is constantly refreshed by points of nucleation that don't look like they will ever stop. The aroma isn't Belgian yeast, but it's kind of yeasty on top of the grains. I want.
First sip is simple; a puff of citrus, some flowers, and grains. The yeast gives it a bit of backbone, and the beer is quite light and possibly too drinkable. I'm not sure I want my 8.5% ABV beers to have this much approachability. This is the kind of beer that will sneak up on you in the night and tell you you've been drinking DIPAs when you try to stand up. Still, it tastes good. What else do you want in a beer?
Tip-in is flowers, an unexpected tartness of yeast, and thin grains. The middle comes in with an amazing drinkability that is really drawing me in hard. The finish shows some bitterness and what seems to be light spices before lemons kiss the tongue for the trail off.
Bottom Line: Solid and enjoyable.
4.25/5
