Craft brewers have been dealing with the business changes caused by COVID in all sorts of creative ways, from new beers and artwork to an increased and improved social media and marketing presence to different ways of getting their creations into the hands of their customers. Aeronaut Brewing in Somerville has started posting a whole variety of interesting articles on their long-dormant blog. These posts include the history of IPA, New England style IPA and lager beer styles in addition to profiles of some of their beer releases. I’ve really enjoyed the articles, they’ve been thought-provoking and informative, and I’ve tried to link many of them in my monthly links/thoughts articles. One of Aeronaut’s recent beer profiles covers their new Belgian Pale Ale Sister Alva, which was born out of some quick thinking and creative use of the ingredients they had on hand when a collaboration brew day had to be postponed. Aeronaut Sister Alva uses a traditional Belgian grain bill, a yeast strain that is purportedly used to make Belgian stalwart Orval, and a mixture of US and European hops. It is available on a rotating basis on draft and in 16 oz cans.
Aeronaut Sister Alva pours clear light orange with a massive off-white head. The aroma features some fruity and spicy yeast along with a bit of floral hops. The expressive Belgian-style yeast leads the flavor, notes of bubblegum, apricot and peppercorn. The hops add hints of white grape, herbs and cut grass. The malt backbone rounds out the flavor with touches of bread dough and rock candy. Sister Alva is medium bodied and very smooth, moderately boozy at 6.0% ABV. The finish is crisp and dry with some lingering flavors from the yeast. This is another excellent release from Aeronaut, well balanced and flavorful. Hoppy Boston score: 4.5/5.
Previous Aeronaut Reviews:
Aeronaut Double Hop Hop, Aeronaut Robot Crush, Aeronaut A Year With Dr. Nandu, Aeronaut A Session With Dr. Nandu, Aeronaut The Eye of Sauvin
Hoppy Boston 
