Moinette Blonde Belgian Ale

I happened to have come across this beer after standing in front of the extensive beer selection at the local supermarket. I didn't have anything specific in mine, just browsing, scanning the display and wondering why beer seems so expensive these days.

Soon my eyes locked on to a new one for me, Moinette Blonde in an 11oz. bottle. To be honest, I probably would have passes on buying this beer simply because the cost was something like $3.99 a bottle. Too rich for my blood even if it was a new find and on it's own merit as a Belgian, deserved some consideration. But, it was a 'close out' item and was relatively cheap(?) at $1.99 so I bought the last two.

This beer is brewed by Brasserie Dupont which also brews one of my favorite saisons and so I had high expectations. I wasn't dissapointed. The aroma is an immediate fruit basket and at the first sip my palet was awash in assertive fruit flavors, mostly pears and apple along with a spicyness that reminded me of home baked apple pie. Some bread and yeast character and mild vanilla with just a hint of the 8.5% alcohol carried through in the finish which lingered nicely. This beer is dry with a full mouthfeel and serious carbonation although the white head is a shallow beret on top of the light gold colored beer.

I would highly recommend this beer as a refreshing break on a hot summer day. Crisp, flavorful and quenching that is easy to swallow except for the price.

How much are you paying for this beer in your area? Should I shop elsewhere?