Supremo EXL Belicoso and St. Bernardus Extra 4 Pairing

The Ale

St. Bernardus Extra 4

Brouwerij St. Bernard

Watou, Belgium

Specialtybeer.com

4.8% abv

11.2 oz bottle

$18.99 a four pack

Seasonal: Spring

I have not seen this one before and I found out why?  The brewery has not produced this ale since the 1970’s. 

Appearance: glowing golden wheat field body with a one finger white head on an easy pour; not much on the lacing

Aroma: delicate; hint of fresh lemon meat and yeast

Flavors: light lemon zest; acidic; yeast; wheat; grassy on the back and finish as the ale warms up

Mouthfeel: zippy citrus; moderate-low super fine carbonation; medium-light body – the acidic citrus zip elevates this body feel to me; grassy/grainy aftertaste with a light moderate citrus

To the Point: a pleasing summer beverage; pair it with white fish, shellfish, or veal chops; this ale has a nice wit style to me; the ale does not thrill me overall; I’ll give it a B-

The Cigar

Supremo EXL Belicoso

I received this cigar from my friend Monte

Smelling this stick before lighting it; it has a wonderful barnyard aroma.  I have never had this cigar before but, I am going to expect a bit of a taste collision with this cigar and this ale.  I think this cigar may be a tad bold for the ale and overwhelm the flavors. 

Profile: this beef size stick displays some heavy earth; it’s like you can taste the soil the tobacco was grown

Church Bells that I have in my Cigar Lounge
I ring them when the Detroit Lions win a game.
Hardly ever used.

in; rich black soil from the farmland mixed with mineral soil by the river bank; nice black coffee taste; medium-full body – I’ll give it a 6.5 on my strength scale; the heavy smoke coats the palate with each puff; easy to smoke; little burning issue; fairly simple in the taste profile

Pairing

This is a nice pairing; not great; just nice; but, on the hot humid day it is just right; I don’t know if they used 

wheat in this beer but, with this cigar it sure seems like it.  This cigar seems to highlight the yeast, grains and the ‘wheat’ like flavors.  The light lemon zest of the ale seems to play nicely with the earthy style of the cigar.  The cigar seems to manage the acidic note of the ale.  I have to say this has been a pleasing pairing.  I’ll have to buy this cigar and pair it with a nice Porter or Stout.