Brugge Brasserie's Lupulin L'Amore

Beer: Brugge Brasserie's Lupulin L'Amore
Brewery Location: Indianapolis, IN
Beer Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale/Blonde Ale
Serving Style: On Tap
ABV: 8.5%


The Brugge had five beers on tap when I was there and I have never heard of Lupulin L'Amore before. I asked the server about it and he said it was a blonde ale that was hopped like and IPA, so I said that was the beer for me.

It was presented in a Chalice with a solid sheet of white head and a floral bouquet that I picked up on when the beer passed by my nose as the waiter set it down. It pours a beautiful hazy-golden straw color that looks very inviting and ready to drink. The floral bouquet is a real winner on this beer. Scents of citrus and pine with bready malt overtones and a deep aroma of cloves and a touch of banana. The taste on this matches the scent perfectly. Wonderful hoppy bite on the front of the palate with hints of apple and fruity esters make their appearance as well. Medium carbination on this beer, but it still paired very well with my red meat dish I had for lunch. It is very satisfying on the palate. Mouthfeel is excellent and coats the tongue well and the alcohol is very well hidden.

I am not sure what style of beer this is though. The waiter called it a Blonde ale/Strong ale, but I really think it tastes and has the characteristics of a Belgian IPA. Clearly you can taste some strong amarillo hops in this beer, and it really reminded me of La Chouffe's Houblon IPA. I guess it still is a blonde though that is hopped like an IPA. If you anyone else knows different please let me know.

I really enjoyed this beer, and I hope they keep producing this beer, and maybe even eventually start selling the beer.

4.25 out of 5.
Cheers!
Matt

Update: Jim Matt the creator of this beer has been kind enough to give me a nice update on where this beer began and what style it actually is. He says the beer is actually a "hoppy triple." I can see that now that it's been pointed out to me. The Brugge made this beer from Jim's home brewing recipe and entered it into the Pro-AM at the Great American Beer Fest. Thanks for the info Jim.

Brugge Brasserie

Location: Brugge Brasserie
Broad Ripple Village


I have been wanting the Brugge for a while now, but just haven't made it out, and we didn't have much going on today, and so the wife I am took off for Broad Ripple. This place is a real gem for the city, and it's great for foodies and beer geeks alike. The Brugge is set back off of Westfield Blvd. If you were not looking for it you may not even know it is there. There is an internet cafe on top of it that really seems out of place.

It's got a nice "artsy" feel inside the pub that is cozy and well maintained. The tables all have holes in them for your frites, and you should have the frites (with the curry gravy is my favorite). The menu is all Belgian as you would expect. Mussels, crepes, stews, salads...etc. They don't have many beers on tap, but that should be no deterrent. I actually respect a place for producing a smaller line of beer that they knock out of the park instead of 12 average beers.

Our waiter was very attentive and answered my beer questions with great confidence and really showed a nice knowledge of their beers.

Our food was excellent and the beer I will be reviewing was also a great compliment to the meal. Everything is paired nicely, and you can tell much thought went into the menu for this pub. The pub seems to me to have been designed with the owner in mind. I mean that it seems like there isn't variation in the Belgian theme, and I really like that. The owner made this place for himself, and if you don't like it, well then the 10 people behind you waiting for a table will enjoy it. I will be back as often as possible.

Other great news about the Brugge is that they will selling five of their offerings very soon in the Indianapolis and surrounding area. They bought the Terre Haute Brew works and are busy getting things ready to bottle for both commercial sales in bars and restaurants as well as in liquor stores.

4.3 out of 5.
Cheers!
Matt