New Belgium Giddy Up Ale (7/10)

Continuing from yesterday’s review of New Belgium Abbey Grand Cru ale, tonight we look at New Belgium’s Giddy Up Ale.  This beer was introduced in 2008.  It’s an espresso-infused ale with lemon peel.

Giddy Up is brewed with Pale, C-80, and Black malts along with Target hops. 

The aroma is that of coffee with a hint of citrus.
The color is a clear, dark mahogany with some copper to it.  The head is off-white and dissipates within a minute or so, leaving behind very lace-like lacing in the glass that tends to dissipate over time.

The flavor starts with a moderate coffee note.  The mouth feel has some creaminess to it, but not a lot.  Lemon makes an appearance but definitely takes a back seat (maybe even the trunk) to the coffee flavor, which dominates.  Aftertaste is bitter, like a cup of coffee that might have gotten slightly stale or been brewed a bit too strong.  It’s not unpleasant, but not what I want my beer to taste like.

Beer Advocate gives it an 81 or “good” rating.  Rate Beer gives it an 85 overall.  I’m giving it a 7/10 overall.

Since this review is being written before the arrival of New Belgium beer in Ohio, I don’t know where you can find this beer in Ohio, if at all.  This review is based on a taste test from Indiana, where New Belgium products have been available for much longer.

Flavor Profile:

Sweet, Malty, Dry, or Bitter:  Malty
Hops Level: Low
Dominant Flavors:  Coffee, Malt
ABV: 6%
IBU:  15
My Rating: 7/10