Tonight is night number two of home alone for me so instead of just coming home after work I decided to help my dad with his first major project post retirement...Redoing the deck at mom and dads house! So obviously I needed a beer when I got home. By the way congrats dad!
I had a big decision tonight well I mean not really THAT big but big enough; do I go with one of my go to beers or do I try something I've never had before. In true craft beer enthusiast style I went with something I have only ever read about. I decided on a brewery by the name of Devils Backbone Brewing Company more specifically I chose their brew Belgian Congo Pale Ale (Devils Backbone Brewing Beers). I actually just read about this company today in an article about the Virginia Brewers Guild and the Brew Ridge Trail (Read the article here).
Not knowing much or anything really about this Pale Ale I decided to do some research first. Devils Backbone was founded in 2008 in the heart of Virginia; Lexington Virginia to be exact. For a "newer" brewery they have certainly made quite the impression, by winning a few awards at the GABF (if you consider a lot a few!). Steven, the founder is actually from Virginia as well and even from the same area as I am which makes me like this brewery even more.
My first impression of Congo was typical IPA with a piney, floral smell right out of the bottle, I was curious about the Belgian aspect of this brew, but after pouring into the everyday pint glass this must be the clearest Pale Ale I have ever seen, you can read the writing on the bottle through the glass! I take my first sniff and realize my initial thought is wrong...dead wrong! Yes you get that pine/hoppy smell, but take a deeper breath and there is lemon and orange in there! This is the first place I sense the Belgian twist. Of note upon pour is a beautifully white head that develops and lingers around for a bit.
This is not a "big" beer, yes it does have 50 IBU's which is a lot by every day standards, however among IPA's these days this is typical and not over powering at all. The beer has a great feel on the tongue, big sips are easy to take and can multiple very easily! While sitting on your tongue you can really taste the Belgian style of this Pale Ale, just like a true Belgian it finishes with a hint of citrus and fruit. What I really love about this beer is that there is absolutely no bite at the end. Most IPA will pucker your mouth and you really have to be a true craft beer person to want more, but not this awesome beer from the great state of Virginia! This beer may have just become my favorite beer and that is saying something when I rarely get the same beer twice!
I will definitely pick up another 6 pack next time I throw some steaks on the grill and I suggest you do the same!
Happy reading and Cheers!
(spread the word!)
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