In honor of International Beer Day, here’s a collaboration between a pair of brewing icons: Sierra Nevada Brewing Co. and Duvel Moortgat. Together they brewed the Hoppy Belgian-style Golden Ale. For the purposes of this craft beer review, this Belgian-style Strong Pale Ale was served in a tulip glass from a bottle.

Appearance

The beer pours a clear gold with a finger-thick cap of white froth that offers modest retention. Droplets of lace and a ring of residue remain as the head recedes. Effervescence is apparent as a steady stream of bubbles continues to rise in the glass.

Aroma

Pleasant aroma is predominantly yeasty, backed by hops and spice.

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Flavor

Hop-forward palate presents a citrusy bite of hops, and transitions to Duvel’s trademark yeast, spiced with clove and pepper. Finishes dryly with a zing of lemon zest. An underlying base of cracker malt ties the flavors together. Relatively high ABV of 8% is masked well.

Mouthfeel

Crisp mouthfeel has a medium-light body with abundant carbonation.

Overall

The appearance of the Hoppy Belgian-style Golden Ale might be somewhat lacking but that’s just nitpicking. Its aroma, taste, and feel are superb and appropriate for the style. Part of the Sierra Nevada Beer Camp Across the World, this brew might not be as unique as some of their styles, but it’s damn good.