Judge’s Review: 96 Rating – Kroon by Wallenpaupack Brewing Co.

Belgian Golden Strong Ale | Limited Release | USA

By Sal Mortillaro II

Judges Rating: 96
Aroma: 24
Appearance: 5
Flavor: 38
Mouthfeel: 10
Overall Impression: 19

Kroon by Wallenpaupack Brewing Co. is being judged as a Belgian Golden Strong Ale (Category 25C) per the 2021 BJCP style guidelines. 
This beer pours a golden color with a slight chill haze. On the pour, it produces a bone white head of small bubbles that doesn’t last as long as expected from the style. 
The aroma consists of a medium-intensity pear at the forefront with a low white pepper spice. As the beer warms, a touch of a bubblegum character comes through along with a low grainy malt and a low floral hop note that intertwine perfectly. The aroma is absolutely beautiful and reminiscent of the best classic examples of the style.
On the sip, a low sweetness is quickly detected but quickly dries out, leaving a medium pear-like ester lingering well into the finish. A low bubblegum flavor manifests quickly after the sip but is quickly overtaken by the hop character of low hop bitterness with a low floral hop flavor. The white pepper phenolics are not present in the initial sip, but instead manifest in the finish. There is a low, well-tempered ethyl alcohol flavor that presents itself in the finish as well, which helps accentuate the dryness and leaves a flavor reminiscent of a fresh, crisp pear. 
This is a medium-to-light-bodied beer with high, effervescent carbonation. There is a low and pleasant alcohol warmth that is not hot or fusel.
Overall, this is a World Class beer that hits all the major hallmarks of the style. The flavors and aromas are both easily identifiable individually, yet well integrated and weaved together. I would have loved to have seen a better head retention and a touch more clarity on this beer, but this is minor to the incredible aromas, flavors and well-integrated, sneaky alcohol.