Zeliv Gottschalk

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 7 | Mouthfeel: 6 | Flavor: 7 | Overall: 7

Bottled. Amber colour, small beige head. Aroma is plum, raisins, some herbs as well as mild fruityness. Flavour is malts, hops, some caramel, mild hops, quite much plum and raisins. Long raisin aftertaste. Nice one.

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 9 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 7

Yeah, I know what you're thinking: "A 'Belgian Pale Ale' from the Czech Repulblic -- WTF?" Yep -- my thoughts too, when this first crossed my path (brought back to me by a buddy of mine from his latest European vacation).

Some background on the brewery, quoted from their website: "Since the Premonstratensians of Želiv take part in the production of beer in the Abbey Brewery Želiv, our brewery is the only place in Central and Eastern Europe, where Abbey beer is brewed." So, since this isn't big enough to be what I call would a Dubbel or Tripel, Belgian Pale Ale it is.

Anyway, weird background and such aside, what is this Czech Ale like? Immediately reminded me of a darker (redder), thicker, "breadier" De Koninck. I thought it was kinda interesting that this didn't have any weird funky aspects (that I enjoy in Belgian Abbey ales), but still had some interesting things going on (especially in the mouthfeel and backend). Fresh-baked raisin-and-bran muffins, anyone?

Rather filling for a beer of this ilk -- really can't say that I would want to drink this all night long, to be honest. But for an odd-ball Czech Ale, this wasn't bad at all, IMHO....

Music: Transmetal's "Las Alas Del Emperador".
//TB