Corsendonk Abbey Pale Ale
Corsendonk Pale Ale
Abbey Pale Ale ABV 7.5%
Corsendonk is an Abbey-style ale from Belgium. To be a true Trappist ale, the beer must be brewed by monks. This beer is not in fact brewed by monks, but it is brewed in the old priory. The Priory of Corsendonk was closed by Emperor Joseph II, and then plundered during the French Revolution. The great Trappist beers come from this event, because the Belgian monks needed a way to make money to repair the damage.
So this is brewed in the Abbey-style, and it is a fine example of that. This is the Agnus Trippel, a blonde, top-fermented, bottle-conditioned beer. It has a light, fluffy head, and is best served in a tulip glass. Not as yeasty as some Belgians, there is still a hint of sourness from the yeast. The smell is sweet and strong, matching the ever so slightly syrupy mouth feel. Not the kind of beer that is simply downed in large quantities, its very nature militates against that.
Rating
The Agnus is a little easier to drink than the more full-bodied Pater Dubbel. Corsendonk is the first Belgian ale I ever had, and I am glad I had the opportunity to experience it. The Belgian style is pretty high on my list, and this is my favorite of the Belgians. Those who fear yeasty, full-bodied taste had better stay away.