Last Sunday, I drove out in the stifling heat to Agoura Hills, parked right next to the Ladyface van (of which I did not try to even peek inside or try the door handle) all so that I could taste their new Pro-Am beer for the Great American Beer Festival.
I am a huge Ladyface fan but what makes their Dark Horse – Belgian Dark Strong even better is that I know the “Am” half of the equation as well. Pipe Dream Brewery fronted by the great Kingsley and Brian got to take one of their beers to the taps!
It has already won accolades at the Mayfaire Competition (Best in Show) and at the L.A. County Fair this year. And now I got to taste it!
Not a big surprise that I really enjoyed it. It is a big, big beer but the alcohol is effectively masked so that the dark raisin taste and the nice bubbly carbonation can take more of the stage. There is a bit of sweetness but overall this is more a dry beer with some minor caramel notes that really lets that typical Dark Belgian flavors shine. It pours a dark brown but when the light catches it, it gets a red glow to it. The aroma is mostly dried raisin and prune but is not too bold and it doesn’t contradict the flavor either. My only regret is that it was really too hot to enjoy it fully.
It was the hottest day of the year, Sean, and we sure appreciate you coming out to Agoura to try Dark Horse. We’ll always have the a/c on for you!
Neither rain nor sleet nor oppressive heat will keep me from trying new beers.