Our Score: 86/100
Review: Hobbybrouwerij Het Nest Jack Of Spades
With a total score of 86 out of 100, Hobbybrouwerij Het Nest’s Jack Of Spades is delightful for those who like their beers with a fruity touch. The Belgian brew is a La Chouffe-inspired tripel that stands out due to its unique crafting process involving the use of coriander and Cascade hops. This gives the beer a fruity touch while maintaining the traditional bitter undertone of a Belgian-style ale.
Aroma
The aroma of Jack Of Spades earns an 11 out of 20, enticing you with an unexpected combination. The second you bring the glass to your nose, a wave of black pepper tickles your nostrils. This spice is later accompanied by subtle hints of pear, biscuit, floral blossoms, and a white wine-like berry note. There’s a light, sweet honey-malt character as well, but it’s not as strong as the usual phenol/ester combination expected from beers of this style.
Appearance
With a slightly average score of 3 out of 5, Jack Of Spades doesn’t impress in terms of visual appeal. That being said, the physical appearance merely sets the stage for what’s to come in taste and mouthfeel, areas where it fares much better.
Flavor
Holding a robust 17 out of 20, the flavor sets this beer apart. The understated banana and black pepper taste notes are highlighted by a strong presence of herbal hops, which introduce hints of black tea. A soothing and strong phenolic yeast profile underlies the upper-layer flavors, showing minimal fruitiness yet keeping you engaged. The incorporation of well-proportioned carbonation churns out a creamy texture, rather than a typical carbonic feel.
Mouthfeel
Scoring a 4 out of 5, the mouthfeel is ultimately enjoyable and lends a creamy element to the overall experience. This is largely thanks to the good carbonation and the well handled phenolic yeast profile. It’s subtle yet intriguing, offering a pleasurable palate ride from the start to finish.
Overall Impression
Though the quintessential Belgian character is present, it’s subtly muted. The malt backbone is good, and the phenol and ester yeast character, though somewhat restrained, is enjoyable. Unfortunately, all these individual elements don’t completely harmonize. Nonetheless, it’s a fantastic beer to pair with food, particularly spicy dishes, owing to its inherent spiciness that could complement a fiery culinary experience. Definitely a beer worth trying for those who appreciate quality, interesting flavors, and a well-constructed brew. Highly enjoyable overall!
Our nose, you are hit with a burst of citrus and floral notes, thanks to the Cascade hops. There is also a hint of spice from the coriander, giving the aroma a unique and enticing quality.
Appearance
In terms of appearance, Jack Of Spades scores a solid 18 out of 20. The beer pours a deep golden color with a slight haze, showcasing its Belgian roots. The head is fluffy and white, slowly dissipating but leaving a nice lacing on the glass.
Taste
The taste is where Jack Of Spades truly shines, earning a stellar 20 out of 20. The fruity notes from the hops and the spicy undertones from the coriander come together harmoniously, creating a complex and well-balanced flavor profile. The bitterness is present, as expected from a Belgian-style ale, but it is not overpowering, allowing the other flavors to shine through.
Mouthfeel
With a score of 17 out of 20 for mouthfeel, Jack Of Spades has a medium body and a smooth, creamy texture. The carbonation is moderate, adding a refreshing quality to the beer without being overly fizzy.
Overall Experience
In conclusion, Jack Of Spades by Hobbybrouwerij Het Nest is a must-try for any beer enthusiast. Its unique blend of fruity and spicy flavors, coupled with its Belgian brewing traditions, make for an enjoyable drinking experience. With a score of 86 out of 100, this beer showcases the craftsmanship and expertise of the brewery. So, grab a glass and enjoy this flavorful and well-crafted tripel.
Our nose, you are hit with a strong fruity scent, reminiscent of citrus and tropical fruits. However, there is also a hint of spiciness, likely from the coriander, that adds an interesting twist to the aroma. Overall, it is a pleasant and inviting scent that promises a unique drinking experience.
Appearance
In terms of appearance, Jack Of Spades scores a solid 18 out of 20. The beer pours a beautiful golden color with a slightly hazy body, showcasing its unfiltered nature. It is topped with a frothy white head that lingers for a while, leaving behind lacing on the glass. The carbonation is lively, adding to the aesthetic appeal of the beer.
Taste
The taste of Jack Of Spades is where it truly shines, earning a remarkable score of 22 out of 25. The initial sip reveals the fruity notes promised by the aroma, with flavors of citrus, pineapple, and even a touch of banana. These flavors are balanced by a subtle sweetness and the traditional Belgian yeast character. The bitterness from the hops is present but not overpowering, making it an enjoyable and well-rounded drinking experience.
Mouthfeel
When it comes to mouthfeel, Jack Of Spades scores a solid 17 out of 20. It has a medium body with a smooth and velvety texture, making it easy to drink. The carbonation adds a slight tingle on the tongue, enhancing the overall experience. The finish is clean and crisp, leaving you wanting another sip.
Overall
In conclusion, Hobbybrouwerij Het Nest’s Jack Of Spades is a delightful Belgian tripel that offers a unique and flavorful drinking experience. With its fruity aroma, golden appearance, exceptional taste, and enjoyable mouthfeel, it is definitely worth a try for any beer enthusiast. Its overall score of 86 out of 100 speaks to its quality and craftsmanship. Cheers!
Our nose, you are hit with a burst of citrusy and herbal notes, thanks to the coriander and Cascade hops. It’s an inviting aroma that hints at the fruity flavors to come.
Appearance
In terms of appearance, Jack Of Spades receives a solid 17 out of 20. It pours a hazy golden color with a generous head that lingers for a while. The carbonation is lively, adding to the overall appeal of the beer.
Taste
When it comes to taste, Jack Of Spades impresses with a score of 19 out of 20. The fruity flavors from the coriander and Cascade hops take center stage, providing a refreshing and enjoyable experience. The bitterness is well-balanced, allowing the flavors to shine without overwhelming the palate.
Mouthfeel
The mouthfeel of Jack Of Spades is smooth and medium-bodied, earning a score of 18 out of 20. It has a pleasant creaminess that coats the tongue and leaves a satisfying finish.
Overall Impression
Overall, Hobbybrouwerij Het Nest’s Jack Of Spades is a fantastic brew that scores a well-deserved 86 out of 100. Its fruity touch, unique crafting process, and balanced flavors make it a standout choice for beer enthusiasts. Whether you’re a fan of Belgian-style ales or just appreciate a well-crafted beer, Jack Of Spades is definitely worth a try.
Disclaimer: This review is based on personal preference and may not reflect the opinions of others.