Atomium Brewing Co.
Belgium
Imported by: Morgan Imports
Chicago, IL
Available: IL, IN
Comment: A Belgian golden ale, Atomium’s Premier Grand Cru is created through a unique 6-grain production process that uses spelt, rye, malted barley, maize, wheat and buckwheat.
Alcohol (wt.): 6.37
Alcohol (vol.): 8
Color: Golden
Bitterness: n/a
Original Gravity: n/a
Final Gravity: n/a
Malts used: n/a
Hops used: n/a
The key to this strong, golden ale is that it is brewed from six grains, which should, in theory, give it a malty complexity. And it does, to a point. Certainly there is interest in the perfumey, tangerine-accented aroma with its bright spiciness, and the start shows promise with more spicy notes and some hints of fruit and peel. But the body is where I want more from Atomium, like the characteristic peppery, caraway spice of rye (one of the grains used), or some of buckwheat’s natural earthiness (think kasha). In the end, I get a lot of floral sweetness and a cloying finish that hides well its strength, which is neither bad nor what it could potentially be.
A mild sense of spice, fruit, hops, and the signature of a Belgian ale yeast. Rich, dense head. Golden-colored yeast and chill-hazed beer. The color deceives; the flavor is massively malty. A suggestion of cellar aging mustiness adds personality and memorability. At 8% alcohol volume, it is quite deceiving. Delicious and heady...clean aftertaste. It suggests the need for food and friends. A complex ale that interests. I also liked the label, which seems retro-Belgium.
The packaging, in the stubby bottle familiar to Duvel aficionados, gives away the beer’s target audience. The beer is deep gold with a fluffy white head, and the aroma is pleasantly fruity with oranges on top and hints of passion fruit underneath. It seems almost sweet for a moment, but then dries out against moderate bitterness. The finish is clean and dry. It’s broadly in the tripel style and nicely brewed, but lacks complexity. It will be a crowd-pleaser, especially with Thai spring rolls.
Author of five books on beer and a leader in educating bar and restaurant staff on beer, Stephen Beaumont is also the co-owner of downtown Toronto's beer cuisine restaurant and bar, beer bistro.
Author of the New Complete Joy of Homebrewing and president of the Brewers Association, Papazian is the leading voice in beer making.
Internationally recognized brewer and expert on traditional beer, Garrett Oliver is the Brewmaster of the Brookly Brewery and the author of The Brewmaster Tale.
