Review: Nelson Sauvin Hop Trials – Aledvent Calendbeer 10
Beer: Nelson Sauvin Hop Trials
Brewery: Tryst
Type: Blonde ale
Served: Bottled
Alc: 5% Vol
Aledvent Calendbeer Number: 10
The festive season is considered a time to get reacquainted with old friends and family and often return to your parents’ home to celebrate. But its also a time for trying something new as well; perhaps you’re giving someone an untested but we respected single malt, or trying a new recipe for this years trimmings. And while its not particularly for Christmas, Tryst is having a go at something new with its hop trials of Nelson Sauvin.
Its certainly an interesting experiment and isn’t like most beers you’ll have tasted. Ale to the King has never actually drunk an ale that so acutely resembles a single thing in taste. An early indicator of what’s in store is the nose. Here we have wonderfully pungent citrus notes, particularly of dried apricot and clementines.
On the pour the colour is also very fruity and looks like cider. Not your transparent, ultra-fizzy mass-produced stuff like Strongbow or Magners, but proper, real, cloudy cider. Anyone would be forgiven for thinking you’re sipping apple juice. Its a murky blonde with a very bright white head, a lovely contrast.
Its only on the taste you’re hit by its one defining flavour however.
Hop Trials Nelson Sauvin tastes exactly like grapefruit juice. Not a bit. Not a lot. Exactly (well, almost exactly I’ll admit). Its a truly fascinating experience and a great one to remind you of the brilliant diversity of properly crafted beer. This also has some very slight hints of kiwi fruit and elderberry but its very strongly dominated by the grapefruit. There’s a nice dry after-taste that develops as it lingers into a sweetness before disappearing; it certainly sticks around but doesn’t outstay its welcome.
This is a fantastic little concoction, and even if you couldn’t take the taste bottle after bottle (this reviewer certainly could ) its worth it just for the great experience of reminding yourself just how unique and different one beer can be from another. Highly recommended. Go and try out this star now.
Ale to the King. 