Brooklyn Main Engine Start

By Julia Burke, Beer Editor

Brooklyn Main Engine Start is the first beer out of the gate of Brooklyn's spanking new brewhouse, and it's a cool lesser-known Belgian style: the Abbey "singel," which is the lightest of the Trappist styles. Traditionally drunk at lunchtime (but then, so am I), singels are a simpler, lower-alcohol alternative to the better-known and more wallop-packing dubbels and tripels.

This particular one is only 6% ABV, which is apple juice for most of today's DIPA and quad lovers.

Main Engine Start pours a surprisingly clear (according to the brewery it's unfiltered) toasted straw gold color with an unassuming one-finger head but solid lacing.

The nose is an appropriate and textbook mix of Belgian yeast esters, spice and florals, with banana and coriander dominating and a biscuity undertone (my favorite local bistro occasionally offers a dessert with a coriander biscuit--I thought of it immediately).

Nothing earth-shattering, nothing out of place, and the lack of booze with such unmistakeable Belgian character is surprising at first.

Initial sips seem almost too delicate on the mid-palate for the light-as-a-feather, bone-dry hop finish, but that's the style. Soon I found myself loving the crisp leanness of the beer, especially with my breakfast of smoked salmon on crackers with cream cheese and fresh dill.

The finish is as dry as a Brit's sense of humor and really enjoyable thanks to Slovenian Aurora hops; it's got just enough attitude to remind you once again that this is a Belgian, not a German. This brew is quite quaffable on its own but really comes to life with food; with a cheese platter, goat cheese salad or other picnic-y fare, it's the perfect solution to a desire for vibrant flavor without high strength. A good chance to try this relatively rare style.

Producer: Brooklyn Brewery
ABV: 6.2%
Style: Abbey singel
Sample Size: 10 oz.
Stemware: 10 oz. flute
Price: $11 growler
Score: B

Comments

[Dan]

I had this one recently as well in growler. It was nice to see an American craft beer that was targeting....balance! And refinement, and restraint, originality, etc. And it is a rare style to find in the US. I dont think I ever had Aurora hops. Plus your right, it was super food/cheese friendly. BTW, smoked salmon, cream cheese, dill on a cracker sounds perfect for this:)

[Julia Burke]

It's been available at several beer retailers in my area; not knowing where you're located, I'd say call the brewery at (718) 486-7422 for details on where to get it.