# 74: JACOBSEN SAAZ BLONDE
Husbryggeriet Jacobsen - Denmark (Est.2005 )
First Brewed - 2005
7.1% ABV - Belgian Style Blonde Ale
IBU's - 17-25
IBU's - 17-25
Ingredients:
E: Vibrant golden amber colour with a frothy white head, lovely lacing.
Malts: Pilsner Malt, Caramel Malt
Hops: Saaz
Other: Angelica Extract
Tasting Notes:
Hops: Saaz
Other: Angelica Extract
Tasting Notes:
E: Vibrant golden amber colour with a frothy white head, lovely lacing.
N: Lots of tropical fruits and a piney hint with herbal notes.
P: Spicy on the palate with hints of herbs backed by a robust alcohol sweetness.
M: Quite dry on the mouth, with a full well balanced flavour that lingers.
Other comments:
Believe it or not Jacobsen is owned by Carlsberg. It is the experiment of the Carlsberg brewery as they endeavour to capitalise on the increasing popularity in speciality beers. The fact that the fourth largest brewery group in the world dedicates time, effort and money into the experimentation of beer is somewhat refreshing and restores a little faith back in the so called "big four", but only a little. The beer was first brewed by Morten Ibsen in 2005 the year the brewery started. It is a Belgian-style blond ale that takes its name from the famous Saaz hop of the Czech Republic. For those who know the hop then you will be familiar with its pine and herbal characteristic. What Morten does in Saaz blond is increase those herbal notes by adding Angelica extract, known as the "Nordic Ginseng" which intensifies the herbal bitterness. The use of Belgian yeast gives the beer its fruitiness, whilst the pilsner and caramel malts introduce sweetness that is enhanced by the beers 7.1% abv. The result is a suprisingly delicious beer that offers the palate a heady mix of pine, herbs, sweet fruitness and warming alcohol which is very moreish. The shape of the bottle comes from the old Carlsberg lighthouse next to the brewery entrance which was built in 1883.
Believe it or not Jacobsen is owned by Carlsberg. It is the experiment of the Carlsberg brewery as they endeavour to capitalise on the increasing popularity in speciality beers. The fact that the fourth largest brewery group in the world dedicates time, effort and money into the experimentation of beer is somewhat refreshing and restores a little faith back in the so called "big four", but only a little. The beer was first brewed by Morten Ibsen in 2005 the year the brewery started. It is a Belgian-style blond ale that takes its name from the famous Saaz hop of the Czech Republic. For those who know the hop then you will be familiar with its pine and herbal characteristic. What Morten does in Saaz blond is increase those herbal notes by adding Angelica extract, known as the "Nordic Ginseng" which intensifies the herbal bitterness. The use of Belgian yeast gives the beer its fruitiness, whilst the pilsner and caramel malts introduce sweetness that is enhanced by the beers 7.1% abv. The result is a suprisingly delicious beer that offers the palate a heady mix of pine, herbs, sweet fruitness and warming alcohol which is very moreish. The shape of the bottle comes from the old Carlsberg lighthouse next to the brewery entrance which was built in 1883.
Food Pairings:
Jacobsen Saaz Blonde is a perfect beer to start your evening, some may argue that it's abv is strong to be an aperitif, but the beautiful balance and combination of flavours make it a perfect alternative to wine. If not as an aperitif then this beer screams out fish, and why not when the Danes practically live off this readily available food source.
The sweetness in the beer is a perfect companion to scallops where fruity sweetness enhances the delicate sweetness in the scallop, allowing the herbs and fruit flavours to develop. Meaty fish such as monkfish would be a great choice as the strength of the beer can stand up to the salt and meaty nature, allowing the sweetness to contrast against the salt. If there is citrus involved in the dish then it needs to be gentle and not too acidic, the herbal bitterness can cut through it allowing the tropical fruit aromas to grab hold of the citrus flavours in the dish and prevail.
My food pairing is
Grilled Swordfish with Pineapple and Chilli Salsa
http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/2517/griddled-swordfish-with-pineapple-and-chilli-salsa
Jacobsen Saaz Blonde is a perfect beer to start your evening, some may argue that it's abv is strong to be an aperitif, but the beautiful balance and combination of flavours make it a perfect alternative to wine. If not as an aperitif then this beer screams out fish, and why not when the Danes practically live off this readily available food source.
The sweetness in the beer is a perfect companion to scallops where fruity sweetness enhances the delicate sweetness in the scallop, allowing the herbs and fruit flavours to develop. Meaty fish such as monkfish would be a great choice as the strength of the beer can stand up to the salt and meaty nature, allowing the sweetness to contrast against the salt. If there is citrus involved in the dish then it needs to be gentle and not too acidic, the herbal bitterness can cut through it allowing the tropical fruit aromas to grab hold of the citrus flavours in the dish and prevail.
My food pairing is
Grilled Swordfish with Pineapple and Chilli Salsa
http://www.bbcgoodfood.com/recipes/2517/griddled-swordfish-with-pineapple-and-chilli-salsa
SCORE: 3.75/5
Page: 395
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