A Fruity Spin on a Strong Belgian: Scaldis Peche Mel

Thanks to Eric's Ale from New Belgium, I expected Scaldis Peche Mel to deliver a bomb of tartness to ripple my tongue. then I noticed this was simply Belgian ale with peach juice, not sour Belgium ale or wild-fermenting lambic.

What Scaldis Peche Mel delivered couldn't have tasted more different, and couldn't possibly serve as a better poster-child for ales infused with fruit. This one had me at the nose. A fist of flavors across the peach spectrum thrusts upward, encompassing every food I've ever tasted with peaches - cobbler, ice cream, peach pancakes, and Georgia peaches in the produce aisle announcing summer's arrival. Its richness almost defies description.

Scaldis Peche Mel spreads the flavors out beyond its mix of strong Belgian and peach juice - flashes of cherry, cranberry, lemon and even some plum to add heft on the finish. As it warms the peach asserts more dominance but glimpses of the others still appear. A little lemon and pear brighten the finish.

I don't know if actual peaches would have drastically changed this beer (other than making it prohibitively expensive), but the juice works wonders.

Those who've steered clear of regular Scaldis (aka Bush in Belgium) because of its high alcohol content need not fear Peche Mel. At 8.5 percent ABV, it's highly drinkable and perfect for scorching August days. Moreover, it shows the original nation of brewing innovators hasn't conceded the mantle yet.