Unibroue - Éphémère Pomme (Apple)

Tammy and I were out and about on the drive, and our first plan was to head into St. Augustine's, but we didn't get a chance...seeing as it was a Saturday (hipster overload!). But, being the awesome guy I am, I had a plan B, C, and D for the night (there's always a place to get a good brew on the drive!).

After seeing Storm Crow was packed as well, and so was The Charlatan, we walked into Biercraft. Initially, the girl at the front said she'd call our name when she had space, so we stood just outside the door (as to not crowd the entrance). She skipped our name and said we weren't present. Not too impressed...she didn't seem very bright or attentive. After that, we weren't expecting much better.

However, we had the pleasure of being seated in an area where Paul, one of the most knowledgeable and kind staff members ever, served us. We had a few tasters, and then we got to the good stuff. While Tammy was on a smoke break, I got us a surprise bottle of the Unibroue Éphémère Pomme (ABV 5.5%).

Unibroue Éphémère Pomme @ Biercraft
Vancouver, BC
Photo: Brewji

As you can see, it pours a beautiful golden hazy yellow, with a slight smidgen of head that didn't lace away too quickly. What made the pour even better? Paul knew exactly what glassware to use, and it had the brewery logo stamped on the front.

On first sniff, we got hints of apple and Belgian yeast. That's pretty much it; it smelled delicious. If you're a fan of apple-flavoured things, this beer is for you. It's not overwhelmingly sweet, like a green apple drink, but it's also not too strong on the yeast. It's very drinkable.

On first sip, you get a mildly carbonated apple undertone in a bread-y brew. It really sets itself apart from other brews infused with fruits. It's nowhere near most fruit-infused brews; if you're thinking of something like a Fruli, this has more taste, more body, and is like a step up from a Fruli or Liefmans Fruitesse.

Tammy noted that this is similar to what a "proper" cider is supposed to taste like. I've never been a fan of ciders, and I think that's mainly because North American ciders taste like expired Grower's coolers (or nasty fruit punch).

That all being said, this should definitely be on your "I'd tap that" beer list.

I give the Unibroue Éphémère Pomme a new-use-for-apples 8.5 / 10
Tammy gives the Unibroue Éphémère Pomme a 7.5 / 10