Great Divide - Belgica Belgian IPA

Tonight I'll be giving this Belgium IPA a run.  After recently having a growler of freshly brewed Harriet Brewing Belgian IPA that was absolutely amazing, the bar for this style is set extremely high.

The label design is simple and includes a pair of gargoyle-style lion creatures, along with the words "Singular" and "Ebulliant" (zestfully enthusiastic).  It also includes a stamp that states "Great minds think alike."

This beer pours a straw-golden color with a small amount of head that doesn't stick to the glass much.  The aroma instantly hits the belgian yeast notes, with some bitters and fresh pears.  There's also a hint of pilsen malts that come through.  The first drink....there is certainly a lot happening here.  The first thing I notice is the sweet n' sour belgian yeast.  Then some light malts come through, carrying a lemon-pepper note on their shoulders.  That light lemony tart flavor lingers all the way until the finish, which has a cleansing quality to it.  The beer is pretty creamy and the carbonation brings just enough to give the beer a crisp finish. 

Overall Rating:  (4.3 out of 6.0)  This beer doesn't have the hop characteristics of an American IPA at all, it's really more of a belgian pilsener in my opinion.  That said, it was a tasty, refreshing, drinkable beer that I would recommend, especially for all you belgian brew fans out there. 

Tough to read - may require magnifying glass