thirdly

On the first day of Beermas I went and bought for me
A bird dropping beads on the street
Two turtledoves
Three Belgian roosters

Yes, not French and not hens, but something along those lines.  Next door, as it were.  There might be only one bird on the branch, but at 8% we might imagine the other two on the ground.  This is Arabier, a Belgian Strong Pale Ale, elsewhere called a Golden Ale.  And, not just a Belgian style, but a genuine product of Belgium, De Dolle Brouwers to be precise.

It's a very unassuming beer, with no oddness or eye catching anything about the color or aroma.  It's a little bit sour, as one might expect from Belgian beers.  I let the head go down a bit, since it's like whipped cream on there, and I take a first sip.  WOW.  It's a sour beer.  It's not abrasive, though, which is something some NEIPAs have had trouble with.  It's also not clingy or covered in graininess, which I have experienced with other sour beers.  Although not my favorite style, it's a sharp, clean flavor and something that would really pick you up on a summer evening.  Even in the winter, some overheated pubs might serve a good number of Arabiers, especially if they rely on saltier snacks.  It has the kind of flavor that would cut right through anything else, and with that tiny hint of sweetness be a welcome interruption.  Although, it does develop a bitter side the more it rests, so if that's more your preference you can probably just let it sit for a couple of minutes.

Supplier: Be Hoppy
Price: €3.50