12 West Brewing's Mesa Noble Bread Loaf: A Deep Dive into the Beer
12 West Brewing Company, a respected Arizona craft brewery, has garnered significant attention for its unique and flavorful beers. Among its most celebrated offerings is the Mesa Noble Bread Loaf, a beer that transcends the typical expectations of its style. This article will explore the Mesa Noble Bread Loaf in detail, delving into its characteristics, brewing process (to the extent publicly available information allows), and the overall experience it offers beer enthusiasts.
What is the Mesa Noble Bread Loaf Beer Style?
The Mesa Noble Bread Loaf is classified as a Belgian-style Tripel. This style is characterized by its high carbonation, moderate bitterness, and fruity esters produced during fermentation, often resulting in notes of pear, apple, or spice. The "Bread Loaf" aspect of the name likely refers to the perceived malt profile—rich, substantial, and reminiscent of freshly baked bread. The use of noble hops, known for their subtle and elegant bitterness rather than aggressive flavor, further contributes to the beer's refined character.
What are the ingredients in the Mesa Noble Bread Loaf?
While 12 West Brewing doesn't publicly list every ingredient in detail for their recipes (a common practice for proprietary reasons), we can infer certain components based on the style and tasting notes. Belgian-style Tripels typically include:
- Pale malts: These provide the base malt character, contributing to the bread-like qualities and body of the beer.
- Wheat malt (possibly): Some brewers add wheat malt to Belgian Tripels for enhanced mouthfeel and subtle spice notes.
- Candi sugar (likely): This type of sugar adds a unique sweetness and complexity to the beer.
- Noble hops: These hops, like Saaz or Hallertau Mittelfrüh, contribute subtle bitterness and aroma.
- Belgian yeast: This is the crucial ingredient. Specific strains of Belgian yeast are responsible for the signature fruity esters and phenols, giving the beer its distinctive flavor profile.
What does the Mesa Noble Bread Loaf taste like?
Descriptions vary depending on the batch and individual palates, but common tasting notes for the Mesa Noble Bread Loaf include:
- Aromas: Fruity esters (pear, apple, and possibly some spice notes like clove or banana) are typically prominent. A subtle bread-like malt aroma is also expected.
- Flavor: The malt profile is rich and substantial, delivering a sweetness balanced by a moderate bitterness from the noble hops. The fruity esters present in the aroma translate into the flavor profile as well. There is usually a noticeable carbonation that adds to the refreshing character.
- Mouthfeel: The beer is typically medium-bodied with a creamy texture due to the malt character and carbonation.
Is the Mesa Noble Bread Loaf a strong beer?
Belgian Tripels are generally medium to high in alcohol content. The exact ABV (alcohol by volume) of the Mesa Noble Bread Loaf may vary slightly from batch to batch but will usually fall within the typical range for this style (7-9%).
Where can I find the Mesa Noble Bread Loaf?
Availability varies depending on location and distribution agreements. The best way to find this beer is to check the 12 West Brewing Company website for their beer locator or contact local beer retailers in your area. Their taproom is also a great place to sample it fresh.
What are some food pairings for the Mesa Noble Bread Loaf?
Given its fruity esters and substantial malt profile, the Mesa Noble Bread Loaf pairs well with a variety of foods. Consider:
- Cheese: Aged Gouda or other firm cheeses complement the beer’s complexity.
- Seafood: The subtle bitterness balances the richness of certain seafood dishes.
- Poultry: Roasted chicken or turkey pairs well with the beer's fruity notes.
- Rich desserts: The sweetness of the beer makes it suitable for pairing with desserts, particularly those with fruit or spices.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of 12 West Brewing's Mesa Noble Bread Loaf. While specific brewing details remain proprietary information, understanding the beer's style and typical characteristics provides a complete picture of this noteworthy craft beer. Remember to always drink responsibly.
