So, the beer. Caged and corked 750 ml bottle. Grain bill is 30% spelt. The cork had a rather cryptic “2.005″ on it, which I assume to be the year of production. Alcohol is listed at 6%, and it cost $8.50.

Poured a slightly hazy light gold with an outrageous bright white sticky head that threatened to overflow my glass with each pour. On the nose, it was wonderfully funky, with a ton of yeast character and some delicate, well-integrated spice notes (from the yeast and grain, not actual spices – I believe). Gorgeously harmonious in the mouth, with a firm spine of acidity supporting lovely dry crackery flavors. Really long and an excellent companion to the food. This would go with a wide range of dishes – one of those magic beers that complements rather than dominates.

The brewery itself is an interesting endeavor. A small family affair, with the sons taking over now for the mother and father. Read all about it here: Blaugies Website
Imported by the Shelton Brothers (link in the list to the right).

The first thought, naturally, is what will I be having for dinner, and what would complement that. Then I think of the weather to see if that provides any inspiration, but that really seems to rule things out more than raise contenders. Occasionally, I’ll have something new or exciting waiting, and that trumps the other options.

Today, all of the above fall into place, and lead me to a pretty clear decision: dinner = falafel and a nice salad; weather = somewhat Springlike + I’m walking the 2.6 miles home. And, I just happen to have a recent purchase that will meet these needs quite nicely, thank you very much. It’s the Saison De l’Epeautre from Brasserie de Blaugies, a fine Belgian brewery. I’ve not had this beer before but it’s funkiness and moderate alcohol (6%ish) should make it a fine refresher and falafel companion.