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Mischief

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Mischief is a hoppy Belgian-style golden ale and one of the long-standing beers in The Bruery's range. The fruity, dry character of the Belgian yeast is layered with American hops added in a dry-hopping step. Golden and lively in the glass, it shows floral hops over citrus and a peppery, fruity yeast spice. The body stays lean and the finish crisp and dry, which keeps the strength well hidden. The brewery brings it back each year as a seasonal release.

ABV
8.5%
Bitterness
Lightly bitter
Citrus hop bitterness
SRM
amber10
PaceSipper

AWARDS

Gold · 2016
Great American Beer Festival
Gold · 2014
Los Angeles International Beer Competition
American-Belgo Style Ale
Gold · 2015
San Diego International Beer Festival
Hybrid Belgian-Style Ale
★Gold — Great American Beer Festival
★Gold — Los Angeles International Beer Competition (American-Belgo Style Ale)
★Gold — San Diego International Beer Festival (Hybrid Belgian-Style Ale)
Where this beer sits
Body
lightfull-bodied
Sweetness
drysweet
Bitterness
mildbitter
Texture
crispcreamy
What makes this beer itself
MaltHop
hoppyfruityfloral
hoppy
fruity
floral
spicy
citrusy
yeasty
Aroma
The nose leads with herbal and floral hop characteristics typical of American varieties, layered over bright citrus notes.
not found:juicy,caramel,clean,smoky

Tasting Notes

AI-generated sensory profile for Mischief

◎ Appearance

Mischief presents a bright golden hue with excellent clarity and a lively, effervescent character in the glass. The head is modest but persistent, with fine carbonation driven by the beer's 8.5% ABV yet remaining delicate and refined. Lacing adheres cleanly to the glass as the beer is consumed.

bright goldencrisp carbonationclean lacing

◌ Aroma

The nose leads with herbal and floral hop characteristics typical of American varieties, layered over bright citrus notes. Belgian yeast contributes a peppery spice and subtle fruity esters that add complexity without obscuring the hop-forward profile. The overall aromatic impression is dry and brisk, with no cloying sweetness.

floral hopscitruspeppery spicedry

◐ Taste

The palate is lean and well-balanced, with American hops delivering a restrained bitterness (25 IBU) that integrates smoothly rather than dominates. Belgian yeast character persists through the mid-palate as a peppery, slightly fruity warmth that complements the hop bitterness. The 8.5% alcohol sits comfortably beneath the surface, never obvious or hot, allowing the interplay of hops and yeast to remain the focus.

balanced bitternessyeast spicelean body

◑ Finish

The finish is crisp and dry, with a clean departure that lingers only briefly. A subtle citrus and herbal echo persists in the aftertaste, reinforcing the hop-driven character without extending into harshness.

crisp, dryshort to medium length
82
hopIQ score
Aroma
84
Taste
83
Appearance
80
Finish
78
Serve at 9–12°C

Warmer than most — 12–14°C. The fruity esters, spice and warming alcohol need room to breathe.

Goblet

The wide mouth and heavy base promote head formation and channel rich aromatics toward the nose. Traditional for Belgian strong ales.

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Food Pairing

What to eat with Mischief

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About Belgian Strong Golden Ale

Style guide · what to expect · how to find alternatives

What is a Belgian Strong Golden Ale?

Belgian Strong Golden Ale is a distinctive beer style with its own characteristic flavour, aroma and colour. Discover what makes it unique and find similar beers on hopIQ.

Finding a similar Belgian Strong Golden Ale

hopIQ matches by flavor profile — not just style label. A beer with the same hoppy, dry, fruity character as Mischief will score highly even if brewed in a different country or under a different sub-style name.

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