Ermal’s Belgian Style Cream Ale

Warped Wing Brewing’s Ermal’s Belgian-Style Cream Ale poured out medium gold and was lightly hazy with a fine, moderately sized white head that lasted a minute or two. The medium-low estery aroma was very inviting. I perceived a light note of sulfur and some light spicy tones that seemed like they could have been coriander-derived. All of this was intermingled with a medium-low bready malt character.

In the flavor, Ermal’s offered medium, bready/doughy malt with a light grainy quality at the finish. Bitterness clocked in at medium-low and there was a very low floral hop flavor as well. I also noted some low citrusy flavors that seemed to be spice-derived, and, again, it seemed like there might have been some coriander in the spice mix, but it was not heavy-handed. The beer had an earthy dustiness at the finish, medium body and carbonation and it finished with a slight hint of tartness that was refreshing. At the very back of the finish was a low, lingering astringency and very slightly warming alcohol notes.

This was a very pleasant, doughy beer with light spicing that came across as slightly citrusy. This would be an easy summertime drinker and great for the ballpark or the golf course.