Yeesh…talk about an overpoweringly citrus beer. It tasted like somebody squeezed several blood oranges into my glass, added an extremely high alcohol content, and said, “here, try this!”
Needless to say, I’m not much of a fan of this beer. This Belgian-style golden ale is named after a Belgian fable about Roman soldier Silvius Brabo cutting off the hand of the giant Antigoon, who guarded the bridge in Antwerp. Antigoon now seeks revenge.
When I poured it and began to drink, it left an unbelievably sticky residue at the top of the glass, again reminding me of the orange taste I was getting after each sip. Many people I’ve talked to have mentioned the smokiness they have tasted from the malt. My bottle did not have this characteristic and all I kept tasting was the sweetness of the orange flavor.
Amber in color and unique in flavor, this beer certainly is unlike anything I’ve ever tasted. Mine left several thick laces on the glass which is usually a promising sign, but I could not get over the stickiness that seemed to grow with each passing sip.
I hope this isn’t indicative of Lakewood’s offerings and I’m sure that when I try other beers in their lineup, I will find a gem. Unfortunately, this single brew in their Legendary Series fell flat with me.
ABV: 12.4%
IBU: 51
Style: Belgian-style Golden Ale