Rosée D’hibiscus
I mentioned last week, in my review of Brasserie Dieu du Ciel’s Corne Du Diable that I had also purchased this bottle-conditioned Wit that’s been brewed with hibiscus flowers. While Corne was a more traditionally styled brew, Rosée D’hibiscus is a good deal more unique in it’s style and character.
I’ve enjoyed a variety of herb/spiced beer over the past couple of years (Buckbean Original Orange Blossom Ale or Fraoch Heather Ale), and all have been surprisingly tasty. This latest flower-based beer is built off of a wheat ale base — a style I’m not particularly enamored with — and turns out to be a light, refreshing beverage that would have been more appropriate for a sunny afternoon than the cold, rainy day on which I enjoyed the beer.
Appearance
This brew pours a hazy, pinkish amber in color with a light pink head that faintly resembles the head of Troegs’ Made Elf or Dogfish Head’s Fort.
Aroma
It’s got a light, delicate nose with hints of wheat, grass, flowers and spices.
Taste
First off, the crisp mouthfeel combined the light body and flavors of this beer make for a very refreshing drink of beer. The flowery presence is certainly there, but it’s not in an overly perfume-like fashion. The hibiscus mingles nicely with the wheat component and ends with a finish that is short lived, yet clean on the palate. At 5% ABV, this beer goes down smooth and is quite drinkable.
Overall
Like I said in the intro, I don’t believe the weather was set the right mood for this beer. It needs to be enjoyed on an outdoor patio or deck on a warm, sunny afternoon. It’s light, crisp and refreshing — the right mix of elements for relaxing in the hammock.
Rating: 3.5/5