"Some orangey sweetness bursts out through the center and then the beer dries into a long winy finish. It's fascinating and elegant, and would make a fine match for duck a' l' orange or pork served with fruit sauce. Nora has the classic strength of a saison at 6.8 percent."
Garrett Oliver, The Brewmaster's Table, p. 198
Teo's ex-wife, Nora, is the inspiration for this beer. Although she hails from the town of Lille, France, she also has Algerian heritage in her blood. So, this special brew has been concocted from an ancient Egyptian recipe. Unmalted kamut which was used in ancient Egyptian beers is used. Hops, which would not have been used in Egypt, are employed in a tiny quantity, solely for their preservative power. Rather, ginger, myrrh, and orange peel are used to represent the balancing spices of ancient times. The myrrh provides the bittering that allows Teo to mostly forgo the use of hops.
The aroma has notes of violets, roses, cyclamen and citrus fruits. The flavor is full bodied with an intense taste in which citrus aroma contrasts pleasantly with malt overtone. The finish has a nice sweetness.
"The nose is very complex with a warm lovely bouquet of rose and violet. Fruity aromas of bitter orange, mango, and lychees marry beautifully with the floral aromas. The beer is well balanced in the mouth with an interesting sensual spiced aftertaste and unexpected balsamic notes. Nora requires concentration in order for one to appreciate all of the flavours. However, it would also be perfect in a high-rate dinner with exotic and oriental food. This beer is like its brewer: eccentric and creative."
Comments from Lorenzo Dabove, Italy's very own beer expert. He is the director of Unionbirrai in Italy, a teacher of the Slow Food organization's Master of Food course, and has been featured in All About Beer with Charlie Papazian.
Baladin Nora
Alc./Vol.: 6.8
Orginal Gravity: 1066
Final Gravity: 1019
EBC: 25
Baladin Nora Sour Edition
Alc./Vol.: 6.8
Orginal Gravity: 1066
