Southern Bel' Belgian Pale Ale

Review Date 9/8/2018 By John Staradumsky

  Style: Belgian Pale Ale   Brewery: Arches   Country: USA   State: Georgia   $ Per OZ: $.13 (B)   ABV: 6.8%

There’s just nothing like a Southern Belle. I should know. I married one. That said, there’s nothing like a Southern Bel’ (from Arches Brewing Company). I should know. I just drank one. Southern Bel’ is, of course, a play on Southern Belle. It’s a little more complicated, though, than just a moniker, because Southern Bel’ is a a southern version of Belgian Pale Ale.

I had recently had a less than positive experience with Arches Queen’s Weisse-until the brewery turned it into a fantastic experience. If you haven’t read about it, I encourage you to do so. Just follow the link. We’ll wait.

Welcome back! So, now you know about my experience with Arches. Mistakes happen; making them right is rare indeed these days. After being wowed in such a fashion, I decided to go buy more Arches beer, and picked up a 6-pack of Southern Bel’ as a result.

Arches says on their website:

This deep Belgian pale with a traditional pilsner malt character and slight toasted biscuit notes. Dark fruity Belgian esters are complemented by exotic coconut, clove and vanilla captured from the introduction of exotic Peruvian wood. A subtle yet complex beer for the discerning palate.

Arches Southern Bel’ has an alcohol content of 6.8% by volume. I paid $9.49 for a six-pack, and my cans are stamped as canned on 06/01/18.

Arches Southern Bel pours to a murky amber color with a medium head of creamy foam and a caramel malt and sour stone fruit nose. Taking a sip, the beer is smooth malty with chewy caramel, a distinct underlying woody note, hints of coconut and tart plums and balanced, gently herbal grassy bitter finish.

Easy to drink but full of flavor, the wood adds a special dimension to this delicious Belgian Pale Ale.

Glad I tried it?  T