This French beer claims to be a Golden Ale, but it has Barley-wine strength.  Beelzebuth, which means “Lord of the Flies,” a reference to Satan, comes in at a whopping 13% ABV.  I remember first trying this beer about 6 years ago, and it really started to open my beer world, so I revisit this beer once in a while.  This time we happen to have a website.

The Pour:  Beelzebuth had a very clean, golden body, which bubbled lazily to the to top of the glass.  There wasn’t a ton of head retention, but what was there stuck around.

The Nose:  I personally think that Beelzebuth shares a lot of qualities that Reislings and Astis have–the apple-like qualities, cider-type touches, and fresh feeling on the nose.  With beers that aren’t dark yet are this high in alcohol, one can often detect some very vinous (wine-like) aromas.  This is no exception.

The Taste:  Beelzebuth drank much lighter than one might expect.  It didn’t seem heavy in body or in alcohol.  The Reisling/Asti apple flavors came through in a big way.  The beer also shared the sweetness of an Asti.  Of course, it departed from these flavors when some very nice grain smokiness came through. Beelzebuth was also somewhat dry and slightly metallic in some of its tones.  But it definitely did not drink like a 13% ABV beer.  Here is a warning to the wise: this beer did not warm up well, so I suggest starting the drinking at 50/45 degrees.

Overall, the beer is terrific if you have it cold.  Don’t go into this expecting a typical beer.  As I’ve stated above, it is certainly somewhat wine-like in its approach and taste.  Imagine that: French beer being like wine.  Still, I would recommend picking this up.  It would be a nice dessert beer or an aperitif (appetite starter).  Very nice.

Mike’s Rating:

Overall Satisfaction:  

Among other Golden Ales: