Beer Review: Bedlam

Reviewing the Bedlam from Ale Asylum out of Madison, Wisconsin.
Score: 91

Spring 2012 release with the code “2043 73w1745” stamped on the bottle. Served in a Surly Darkness snifter and enjoyed on 04/12/12.

Appearance: Pours a transparentish sunset orange color. When held up to light, the beer fades from a dull golden color in the upper third of the glass to a light reddish orange color. A thin layer of off-white creamy head at pour quickly settles to a pencil thin ring around the glass. Awesome lacing, above average retention. 4/5

Smell: Grapefruit citrus, fruity/floral hops and “phenolic yeast.” Smells a lot like a trappist quad with an IPA twist. A little lemon and pulpy orange juice. A touch of residual spices. This is my first Belgian IPA, and it is unlike any other IPA I have ever smelled. 4/5

Taste: Tastes more like a Belgian with an IPA twist than an IPA with a Belgian twist. Orange flavored hops, grapefruit and floral spice with a fruity banana/Belgian yeast backbone. Lots of the banana/Belgian yeast flavor on the midpalate. Has a growing bitter hop bite in the finish as it layers. Muted fruit in the back half with clove. Lingering orange juice malt flavor. 4.25/5

Mouthfeel: Medium bodied, with lively carbonation on the tongue. Oily mouthfeel. Has a dry finish that is mildly fruity/malty. 4/5

Overall: Unique to say the least. This is my first Belgian IPA, and I enjoyed it thoroughly. This is probably Ale Asylum’s best beer. It is not great by any means, but it is something refreshingly different from your traditional oniony IPA or earthy IPA or juicy IPA. Give it a whirl while it is in season.

Recommendation: If you like Belgian beers and IPAs, hunt this one down.

Pairings: Greek salad or banana break.

Cost: $10.99 for a six pack.