Score: 65/100 – Not Recommended
Appearance 5/6
The beer pours a clear deep amber with low, somewhat thin, tan head. Fair foam retention. Nice colour and clarity.
Aroma 14/24
Medium intensity with decent balance. The aroma has signs of fermentation issues while leaning towards hops.
There’s a staleness in the aroma that seems to be a mix of oxidation and old hops. Some fresh yeast, a tiny bit of sulphur, and a tea-like quality. Mild alcohol and low malt. Underwhelming.
Flavour 28/40
Medium-strong intensity with bitter balance and assertive perceived bitterness.
Quite a bit of American hop character comes through and is supported by a mix of pale and specialty malts. Mild staleness (oxidation) and very little alcohol character. No specific ester notes come to mind. Good flavour but there’s little to get excited about.
Mouthfeel 9/10
Medium-full body with low carbonation. The mouthfeel has a bit of slickness and some fizz along with a mouth-coating quality. The alcohol warming is restrained and the beer finishes medium-sweet. No astringency or harshness on the palate.
Overall 9/20
This Vin d’Orge is below average. It tastes a lot like an oxidized DIPA and the can is not even two months old. Le Castor has really dropped off from where they were a few years ago.
Turning back time, I’ve enjoyed some outstanding beers from the brewery. Currently, I’m mostly disappointed with their product. Whether something happened with quality or that my opinion merely changed is unknown. In any case, I can’t recommend this brew.
Beerfection | Craft Beer Reviews | Montreal, Canada 