Holy Mackerel! How long did I leave my bottle of Holy Mackerel Panic Attack in the beer fridge? Almost 4 years it looks like. I was digging through DBR 2 (Dedicated Beer Refrigerator) when I found a bottle of this Belgian-style beer in one of the middle rows. The bottle has a date of 2014 on the label, and here it is end of April 2018 when I’m finally popping it.
How will it have survived? Did I run it? Holy Mackerel is based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, but they didn’t bottle this beer. The label says Brewed for and under the supervision of Holy Mackerel Brewing, LLC…At Thomas Creek Brewery LLC, Greenville, SC. It also styles this as A Trippel And Saison Fusion, whatever that means. Tripels are strong (often spiced) Belgian ales, while saisons are generally lower strength (sometimes spiced) Belgian ales.
Off to the company website, and good news!
Unfiltered, unpasteurized and with just a hint of spice this beer is meant to be savored slowly so as to enjoy the aroma as well as the taste. Vintage dated, excellent now but even finer as it ages 2-3 years.
They suggest aging it, and I one-upped ‘em by a year. See? I meant to do that. I think.
More from the label:
Canadian malted barley, Goldings hops, a flavorful Belgian yeast creating a potpourri of flavor. A fine sipping beer meant for special occasions…like Sundown!
Holy Mackerel Panic Attack has an alcohol content of 10% by volume and runs $9.99 a 4-pack at Total Wine.
Holy Mackerel Panic Attack pours to a brilliant amber color with a medium foamy head and a spicy, fruity nose. Taking a sip, the beer offers a full maltiness in the palate with hints of caramel, pineapple and yeasty white pepper and spice. Finishes spicy dry and warm with alcohol.
Wonderful! I’m very impressed with this one with a bit of age (OK quite a bit), and now I want to try it young. I’ll be back when I find a bottle that way. Is it a tripel or is it saison? There’s more of tripel about it to me, and at this strength, closer to that style in fortitude as well.
And remember, try a new beer today, and drink outside the box.
*Pricing data accurate at time of review or latest update. For reference only, based on actual price paid by reviewer.
(B)=Bottled
(D)=Draft