Beer of the Week

Brewfist, Italy Heimdall 7.6%, £3.15 per bottle

BREWFIST are one of an increasing number of contemporary ale producers that are making their way on to our shelves (and glasses, of course) from Italy.

As well as producing some fine pale ales, porters, and India pale ales, this producer from Codogno recently sent over some Heimdall: a weirdly Norse-themed beer brewed in the style of a Belgian saison. Not only that, for aroma, it is hopped liberally with Australian galaxy hops while maintaining a very modest bitterness.

The name and Viking on the label aside, it’s all very promising stuff.

It pours a bright straw colour with golden highlights and a very fluffy head; the aroma is of clementines and peaches and some characteristic saison spice: a promising start. Sweet for a saison, though not excessively so, peach is the leading flavour: soft and fruity, with a touch of apricot and almonds leading towards a dry, lightly bitter finish.

Overall, the body is moderate to light, with a lively carbonation that perfectly offsets the initial sweetness and drives the aroma home.

Definitely best served chilled and drunk fresh; I’d suggest getting your hands on this one sooner rather than later.

What exactly this beer has to do with Scandinavians, however, remains a mystery.

As recommended by Michael Bates of Trembling Madness, Stonegate, York

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