Zotten

Hey, we're no fools!

By JASON + TODD ALSTRÖM

del.ico.us | digg it! | reddit!

print | email | 4 Comments

This week, we're pouring some Zotten (rhymes with "verboten"), which means "fools" in Flemish and joins the Weyerbacher Brewing Co.'s lineup of seasonal brews as their take at a Belgian-style Pale Ale.

Belgian Pale Ales are all over the place these days, but some sources state that the style was originally brewed around WWII to compete with the popular Pilsner. Traditional Belgian Pale Ale examples typically boast sweetish toasty malts, delicate hops; they're sometimes spicy, with a crisp finish.

Weyerbacher's take is also true to style in that it's bottle conditioned, meaning there's active yeast in the bottle and subsequent sediment that adds complex nuances to the beer and a very distinct, natural carbonation feel. For Zotten, they used their house Abbey yeast strain that's also used for their Merry Monks' Ale—a Belgian Tripel.

Intriguing, but it's all about ...

The Taste

Bottle conditioned, so we decanted carefully to leave the dregs in the bottle—always do this unless you're pouring a Belgian Wit, German Hefeweizen or the like. Pours a rich and bright amber-colored beer with a creamy, eggshell-colored lacing. Aroma is bready with some apple, pear, herbal, floral, light powdery spice and phenol notes. Very effervescent and creamy on the palate. Toasty malts, metallic edge and crackery finish. Hint of medicinal phenols, too. Touch of caramel sweetness. Stone fruits and Red Delicious apples. Hops are mild, but present, with a leafy, dry, subdued bitterness. Finish is a bit tannic, spicy, dry and coarse, with a sweet linger of lavender.

Final Thoughts

Zotten smacks of a Belgian Pale Ale, just slightly more hoppy and phenolic. Some beer geeks are suggesting that the beer might be too young—too hoppy or spicy. We'd suggest that it's merely a different take on the style. It's also extremely complex, tasty as hell and immensely drinkable as a result. In our opinion, its hands-down one of the best beers from Weyerbacher. On BeerAdvocate, it currently sits at a B+ with 29 reviews.

Weighing in at 6-percent alcohol by volume, Zotten is available in four-packs and at limited draft accounts. Do yourself a favor and try it today, and then let us know what you thought by dropping us an email at mail@beeradvocate.com

FOR MORE INFO: WEYERBACHER.COM

RESPECT BEER. BEERADVOCATE.COM

Beer Events

BEER SCHOOL

June 6

Learn about brewing, styles, terms, flavors and serving with Rob Tod (Allagash Brewing Co.), Randy Hudson (Cisco Brewers) and Dann Paquette (Pretty Things Beer & Ale Project). Price of admission includes tastings, light appetizers and textbook. Limited tickets are available at Publick House Provisions.

[The Monk's Cell, 1648 Beacon St., Brookline. 617.487.4322. 6pm-10pm/$40. eatgoodfooddrinkbetterbeer.com]

BEERADVOCATE GATHERING AT THE TAP

June 11

Save the date and join BA at The Tap brewpub for a tour by head brewer Jon Curtis and some social gathering with pints of fresh local ale. Some special brews promise to be tapped, too. No cover. Bring your friends. Bring your wallet.

[The Tap, 100 Washington St., Haverhill. 978.374.1117. 2pm-7pm/free. beeradvocate.com/events, tapbrewpub.com]