Well, in honor of baseball season, and since I've been away, I figured I'd roar back with three reviews at once. 3 strikes if you will. These are slightly interesting for me, as I tasted these with my dad, and got his opinions as well. At nearly 60, I'm working him into this craft beer thing and trying to tease out of him what exactly he likes, but more importantly, WHY. He kept saying, "I don't know", "I don't know." By the third one, you could tell, he was feeling slightly more comfortable with his analysis. It was fun. One more father-son thing to enjoy.
Review #16
Schlafly Reserve Imperial Stout 2008 ABV 10.5%
Saint Louis/Schlafly Brewery 750 ml brown bottle split into two brandy glasses
A - This poured a deep, rich brown-black with mahogany edges when held to the light. Small, latte colored head only made a brief appearance, leaving no laing behind to remind us of its existence at all. Good thing I wrote it down first. Pop said: Walnut black, no light. I liked his walnut black description. Nice
S - Immediately with these big, bold stouts, you're hit with the standard coffee and chocolate, they are easy to pick out, and they are certainly present here as well. With a deeper whiff though, I was struck by wet leather, toffee, & caramel. I can smell the bourbon barrel aging, but it isn't dominant, leaves a pleasant burn down the back of the throat. An almost decadent roasted richness, which you expect, but goes even further. Pop said: I smell Snickers. Huh. I like that too. He's kicking my butt with descriptions, I'm just being wordier. Step it up Chris.
T - Brilliantly smooth. Like melted chocolate velvet. I know that isn't a real thing, but you just got that image didn't you? I win. Vanilla and chocolate notes playing well together with neither being too pushy or assertive. The bourbon heat on the finish is much stronger than the nose would've indicated, but it isn't unpleasant, and brings the warmth and hair prickles to the back of the neck. Pop said: Tastes like Snickers...without the nuts. And what you just said. YES! I won that round Ol' Man!
M - Very creamy and soft, texture is amazing. None of the harshness you get from a bad/mediocre stout. Pop said it was great. Can't argue one bit.
O - This was outstanding. Its simply a great beer. My major problem is that is was entirely too smooth, too drinkable, too DANG good for 10.5% ABV. Wonderful depth of character, layers, upon layers of flavor. A remarkable beer that I am glad I split; both for the ABV reasons (duh) and because it was a memory beer. We'll definitely have future conversations and comparisons to this one.
Review #17
Adoration Special Winter Ale ABV: 10%
Ommegang Brewery, Cooperstown, NY 750 ml bottle split into two red wine glasses
A - This variation on a winter warmer poured a chestnut brown with sparkling ruby slipper, er, edges. The off-white head disappeared quickly, leaving the glass full of tiny, rapidly rising bubbles, and floating sediment. A Belgian styled Winter? Would expect nothing less from Ommegang. Pop said: Red Oak or leather colored, spiraling bubbles. His bubbles must've been on the scenic route to the top.
S - Sweet alcohol heat, with spicy cinnamon and slightly burnt brown sugar. Some brandied cherries, with citrus. Very little, if any, hope presence here. A peppery cling to the back end. Pop said: Fruitcake & tobacco. Between fruitcake and Snickers, I think Pop mighta been hungry.
T - Dark fruits hit me immediately; currants, figs, cherries. The malt comes in with some caramel, toffee sweetness. Then the spices hit. Lots, but they are needed after two layers of sweet. Pepper, coriander, cinnamon. Its a lingering ale with a hot finish, that is a bit on the unpleasant side, if I am honest. (like to think I am) The aftertaste is confusing with that Belgian "farmhouse funk" mixed with sticky sweet lips. Hmm. Pop said: Candied fruits, with a tart finish.
M - Bubbly and very tingly on the tongue, almost, but not quite enough carbonation to cut the sweetness. Pop agreed
O - An interesting warmer. Certainly made with Ommegang's natural Belgian lean. It got better and mellowed out as it warmed. Would be better enjoyed during a colder winter, next to a fireplace. Just too many layers of sweet for me to really work. Wasn't terrible at all, but not sure I'd seek it out either. Pop thought it would be good with a cigar. That might help cut it, maybe we'll try again after all.
Review #18
Freetail Velocihopter ABV: 6.5%
Freetail Brewing Company, San Antonio, TX 750 ml bottle split into pint glasses
A - A coppery fire colored pour that leaves a generous milky colored head with strong lacing character. Pop said: mm-hmm. I'll take that as an agree.
S - Floral and grasssy nose, but very malty for an IPA. Definite more malt than hop, though the hops are discernible. The mix brings an earthy flavor to mind. Pop said: Smells like a freshly mowed yard. I get that.
T - Banana bread strikes me first. I don't like banana bread. Then hops, then yeast. In that order. Then more banana bread. Definitely a malt-forward IPA. Pop said he got unripe bananas. So, we were close.
M - A very carbonated, chewy IPA. Malt strikes again. Pop: its heavy feeling.
O - Though I do not like banana bread, and this is not what I was expecting opening an IPA, I like it. I don't love it, but since I go to Freetail whenever I am in San Antonio, if they have this, I'd order it again. Its more akin to a English/Euro style IPA, and that is fine obviously. Just a case of my expectations and my taste buds clashing at first. Maybe next bottle run adding 'English' before the IPA would help. Pop went to bed. Love you man, sleep well.
Cheers,
Chris
Friday, April 6, 2012
Friday, March 9, 2012
A Russian Beast
Review #15
Old Rasputin XIV Barrel Aged Russian Imperial Stout ABV: 11.5%
North Coast Brewing Co. Ft. Bragg, CA 500ml brown bomber poured into Imperial pint glass
**First note: Although this looks and feels like a 750 ml, it is only 500 ml. I felt slightly ripped off.**
A - An amazing deep brown-black with little to no light transmission. Not any carbonation to speak of, and a creamed coffee, small head. Some moderate lacing, about what you'd expect really.
S - First whiff gives off aged oak and cocoa nibs. There is an underlying sweet vanilla, with a bourbon backbone. The bourbon is not overwhelming, but it is in the air. Wet bark and campfires came to mind; a fall campground perhaps. A rich sweetness sticks with you after the initial sniff.
T - Strong, with a dry finish. Definite alcohol warmth here. Every aroma comes through on flavor with the bourbon being a touch stronger on the palate. Toffee and roasted malts, with a distinct char feeling. Very well balanced, the sweetness plays well off of the dry, bitter chocolate and alcohol burn.
M - A bit thin for this style if I'm being fair. Not really enough flavor lingers after the swallow. My least favorite part. It does have a small amount of chewiness up front, it just fades far too quickly
O - This is borderline outstanding. A wonderful added depth to an already tremendous beer. Not flawless, but very good. A real treat on a cool evening to give you some inner warmth and fond memories of campfires and s'mores.
Cheers,
Chris
Old Rasputin XIV Barrel Aged Russian Imperial Stout ABV: 11.5%
North Coast Brewing Co. Ft. Bragg, CA 500ml brown bomber poured into Imperial pint glass
**First note: Although this looks and feels like a 750 ml, it is only 500 ml. I felt slightly ripped off.**
A - An amazing deep brown-black with little to no light transmission. Not any carbonation to speak of, and a creamed coffee, small head. Some moderate lacing, about what you'd expect really.
S - First whiff gives off aged oak and cocoa nibs. There is an underlying sweet vanilla, with a bourbon backbone. The bourbon is not overwhelming, but it is in the air. Wet bark and campfires came to mind; a fall campground perhaps. A rich sweetness sticks with you after the initial sniff.
T - Strong, with a dry finish. Definite alcohol warmth here. Every aroma comes through on flavor with the bourbon being a touch stronger on the palate. Toffee and roasted malts, with a distinct char feeling. Very well balanced, the sweetness plays well off of the dry, bitter chocolate and alcohol burn.
M - A bit thin for this style if I'm being fair. Not really enough flavor lingers after the swallow. My least favorite part. It does have a small amount of chewiness up front, it just fades far too quickly
O - This is borderline outstanding. A wonderful added depth to an already tremendous beer. Not flawless, but very good. A real treat on a cool evening to give you some inner warmth and fond memories of campfires and s'mores.
Cheers,
Chris
Thursday, March 8, 2012
Its My Party & I'll Rye if I Want To
I am lazy. I am sorry. Meant to write this weekend, but between a dead hamster, a new cat, Leasea mandolin-ing her thumb, and a Kels ER visit, I sorta ran outta time. My bad. Forgive me?
So, a quick preface, I have not been a big fan of this style of beer before, so I went in a bit wary. I love this brewery and had heard nothing but great things though, so I gave her a run. Boy was I glad I did. Dangit, I just gave away the ending!
Review #14
Sierra Nevada Ruthless Rye IPA ABV: 6.6%
Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, Chico, CA 12 oz. brown bottle poured into Sam Adams 'Perfect Pint'
A - This poured a deep, rich amber color with some amazing clarity. The head is a good 2 inches that retains well throughout. The lacing is quality, pure and simple. It looked like a 'measuring' wall behind a door in an old house, marking each sip for posterity
S - The pepper and grapefruit flavors smack you in the face with a strong yeast aroma fast on its heels. You can almost taste the rye bread in this, I wanted a Reuben instantly; I settled for drinking some Thousand Island. No, I actually didn't.
T - There is a powerful bitterness at play here which I could see putting some off, but its right up my alley. The slightly roasted malts and the caramel add plenty of balance for me. The rye really stands tall, and now I'm dang near kicking myself for bad planning and having no sandwich pairing. Plenty of citrus at work as well, adding that much more depth to the overall character. The alcohol doesn't come into play while chilled, but pushes to the forefront as it nears room temp.
M - Lively carbonation, keeps this feeling fresh throughout and the sugary residue clings to the lips and tongue, retaining the bitterness
O - Well, I gave it away up top, huh? I really like this. To be more clear though, IPAs are my favorite style hands down, I've just not truly appreciated a rye beer this much in the past. Well done, SN for making a lovely, balanced beer that changed my attitude. That said, if I could find bad note...I want more than 12 oz. Sorry, just can't do it. This was a cracker!
Cheers,
Chris
So, a quick preface, I have not been a big fan of this style of beer before, so I went in a bit wary. I love this brewery and had heard nothing but great things though, so I gave her a run. Boy was I glad I did. Dangit, I just gave away the ending!
Review #14
Sierra Nevada Ruthless Rye IPA ABV: 6.6%
Sierra Nevada Brewing Company, Chico, CA 12 oz. brown bottle poured into Sam Adams 'Perfect Pint'
A - This poured a deep, rich amber color with some amazing clarity. The head is a good 2 inches that retains well throughout. The lacing is quality, pure and simple. It looked like a 'measuring' wall behind a door in an old house, marking each sip for posterity
S - The pepper and grapefruit flavors smack you in the face with a strong yeast aroma fast on its heels. You can almost taste the rye bread in this, I wanted a Reuben instantly; I settled for drinking some Thousand Island. No, I actually didn't.
T - There is a powerful bitterness at play here which I could see putting some off, but its right up my alley. The slightly roasted malts and the caramel add plenty of balance for me. The rye really stands tall, and now I'm dang near kicking myself for bad planning and having no sandwich pairing. Plenty of citrus at work as well, adding that much more depth to the overall character. The alcohol doesn't come into play while chilled, but pushes to the forefront as it nears room temp.
M - Lively carbonation, keeps this feeling fresh throughout and the sugary residue clings to the lips and tongue, retaining the bitterness
O - Well, I gave it away up top, huh? I really like this. To be more clear though, IPAs are my favorite style hands down, I've just not truly appreciated a rye beer this much in the past. Well done, SN for making a lovely, balanced beer that changed my attitude. That said, if I could find bad note...I want more than 12 oz. Sorry, just can't do it. This was a cracker!
Cheers,
Chris
Tuesday, February 28, 2012
And in this Corner...
Tonight I thought I would try something different, and drink a beer. No wait, that wasn't it. Shoot, where was I going with this? Oh! I remember, I have two full pints in front of me for a reason. I am going to do a side-by-side review of two similar styled beers, AND Imma do it live! No re-thinking, just first thoughts, on the fly, on the paper...er, screen.
Reviews # 12 & #13
Lagunitas Bavarian Styled Doppel-Weizen ABV 9% vs. Left Hand Brewing TNT ABV 7.9%
Both poured into Chappel Beer Festival imperial pint glasses
A - Right away, there is a big difference here. The TNT is dark brown, bubbly with amber hued edges. Little to no head, what is there is gone in seconds. The Lagunitas has a golden luminescence to it, with a foamy white head that has a decent retention. Interesting start fellas... Oh, you wanted proof Amy Smith?
S - If they weren't divergent before, they certainly are now. The Lagunitas has a light yeast, malt smell with underlying tones of banana, grass, and clove. Faint hops and you know the sweetness is coming. TNT goes WAY in the opposite direction. Granted, it does say that it is brewed with a smoky Souchong tea, but the smoke still catches you. A leathery, roasted aroma with whiff of bacon (just the smoke and my hopes perhaps) wood and a whisper of sweetness that lends itself to molasses.
T - Bananas! No, I don't have shellacked white hair, backwards glasses and a convertible Camaro (well, I do have backwards glasses at times, but its night) but this Lagunitas is uber-ripe bananas. Orange and hops, and perhaps just a bit on the sweet side, even though I was expecting it. The overall flavor is a bit thin, doesn't really coat the mouth and leave you with a wow factor. The TNT is all smoke. And I'm thinking a bit of mirrors, too. Beyond the smoke and roast, there isn't much depth. Slight peat-y Scotch flavors with a tiny sweet blip on the radar after the smoke dissipates; citrus and some caramel? This does coat the mouth and the lingering aftertaste is much better than the initial liquid smoke onslaught.
M - Light carbonation is overpowered by the sweetness of the Lagunitas. Somehow, it still feels thin, except where the sugar hangs on the lips. The TNT is a surprise actually, being lighter and more carbonated than the appearance and aromas would've indicated.
O - I like both of these. I think that they would be better suited in different areas of the drinking arena, but they have their places. The Lagunitas wins just slightly for me, with the sweet stickiness being slightly more tolerable through half the glass than the smoky barrage of the Left Hand. I have a feeling I am going to wake up feeling like I ate BBQ wood chips. They are both very drinkable though, and I would gladly accept one again...if someone else was buying. That said, give 'em a shot, both breweries are quality and it won't stop me from going back to their wells.
Cheers,
Chris
Reviews # 12 & #13
Lagunitas Bavarian Styled Doppel-Weizen ABV 9% vs. Left Hand Brewing TNT ABV 7.9%
Both poured into Chappel Beer Festival imperial pint glasses
A - Right away, there is a big difference here. The TNT is dark brown, bubbly with amber hued edges. Little to no head, what is there is gone in seconds. The Lagunitas has a golden luminescence to it, with a foamy white head that has a decent retention. Interesting start fellas... Oh, you wanted proof Amy Smith?
T - Bananas! No, I don't have shellacked white hair, backwards glasses and a convertible Camaro (well, I do have backwards glasses at times, but its night) but this Lagunitas is uber-ripe bananas. Orange and hops, and perhaps just a bit on the sweet side, even though I was expecting it. The overall flavor is a bit thin, doesn't really coat the mouth and leave you with a wow factor. The TNT is all smoke. And I'm thinking a bit of mirrors, too. Beyond the smoke and roast, there isn't much depth. Slight peat-y Scotch flavors with a tiny sweet blip on the radar after the smoke dissipates; citrus and some caramel? This does coat the mouth and the lingering aftertaste is much better than the initial liquid smoke onslaught.
M - Light carbonation is overpowered by the sweetness of the Lagunitas. Somehow, it still feels thin, except where the sugar hangs on the lips. The TNT is a surprise actually, being lighter and more carbonated than the appearance and aromas would've indicated.
O - I like both of these. I think that they would be better suited in different areas of the drinking arena, but they have their places. The Lagunitas wins just slightly for me, with the sweet stickiness being slightly more tolerable through half the glass than the smoky barrage of the Left Hand. I have a feeling I am going to wake up feeling like I ate BBQ wood chips. They are both very drinkable though, and I would gladly accept one again...if someone else was buying. That said, give 'em a shot, both breweries are quality and it won't stop me from going back to their wells.
Cheers,
Chris
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
Just a Demo
Pitchers and catcher reported this week. Spring training starts soon, and the regular season soon after. To me, that means one thing: Cubs baseball. Now I realize there isn't a great deal of high hopes for this season, but that is fine. The future is bright with these off-season moves and the acquisition of young talent. Anyhow, to celebrate, I decided to have a Chicago brew. I visit the brew pub right in front of Wrigley every year I go.
So 'Cheers!' Cubs fans, this one is for you
Review #11
Goose Island Demolition ABV 7.2%
Goose Island Brewery Brown bomber poured into a Chimay glass
A - A pale yellow-orange, with a thin, but very bright white head. There is some visible yeast sediment at the bottom, and decent carbonation bounce from pour off the bottom
S - Lots of spice notes. Coriander, clove, pepper easily recognizable. A little yeast-y and earthy; definitely smells like a 'Belgian.' (Beer, not the person) No real flavors jumping out, just hints of lemon, pear, and sugar with some flowery whiffs as well. My least favorite part of this beverage.
T - This hits quickly with a hop burst, that dissipates rather quickly. Extremely floral tasting, and now comes the orange peel and pear flavors. Some caramel maltiness, and the clove and raw sugar are stronger now. A faint hit of the alcohol at the very end, and definitely improving as it gets closer to room temperature.
M - Buttery and smooth with a decent bit of carbonation providing a refreshing tingle. A sweet finish that lingers just long enough to enjoy and not annoy.
O - This is very good. The carbonation does keep it feeling lighter and more refreshing than the ABV would indicate however, so it could get dangerous. I think this would be good on a summer's day in the sun served as cold as when I first opened it, or on a chilly day at room temperature as it was when I finished it. very versatile. Good job Goose!
Cheers,
Chris
So 'Cheers!' Cubs fans, this one is for you
Review #11
Goose Island Demolition ABV 7.2%
Goose Island Brewery Brown bomber poured into a Chimay glass
A - A pale yellow-orange, with a thin, but very bright white head. There is some visible yeast sediment at the bottom, and decent carbonation bounce from pour off the bottom
S - Lots of spice notes. Coriander, clove, pepper easily recognizable. A little yeast-y and earthy; definitely smells like a 'Belgian.' (Beer, not the person) No real flavors jumping out, just hints of lemon, pear, and sugar with some flowery whiffs as well. My least favorite part of this beverage.
T - This hits quickly with a hop burst, that dissipates rather quickly. Extremely floral tasting, and now comes the orange peel and pear flavors. Some caramel maltiness, and the clove and raw sugar are stronger now. A faint hit of the alcohol at the very end, and definitely improving as it gets closer to room temperature.
M - Buttery and smooth with a decent bit of carbonation providing a refreshing tingle. A sweet finish that lingers just long enough to enjoy and not annoy.
O - This is very good. The carbonation does keep it feeling lighter and more refreshing than the ABV would indicate however, so it could get dangerous. I think this would be good on a summer's day in the sun served as cold as when I first opened it, or on a chilly day at room temperature as it was when I finished it. very versatile. Good job Goose!
Cheers,
Chris
A Collabo
I decided to break out one of my aged beers for this tasting, review #10. Its one that I enjoyed upon its release and shared with my father the Spring before moving to England. So here goes.
Review #10
Avery & Russian River Collaboration not Litigation Ale ABV 8.72%
Avery Brewing, Colorado & Russian River Brewing, California 750 ml brown bottle multiple pours into tulip
**Interesting note: Russian River was founded by the Korbel Champagne Co.**
**Interesting note #2: These two companies had brews by the same name, and instead of a lawsuit, they got together, got drunk & brainstormed. This is the second batch of the series, which is now on Batch #6**
A - A muddled, nutty brown with faint orange hues where the light plays at the edges. 1/2" sturdy head, leaving strong lacing.
S - I was all over the board with the nose on this. I pretty much smelled a grocery store of flavors, but not in a bad way, just seemed crazy to me that every whiff I took, I found different aromas. Apples, raisins, dark cherries were my fruit finds, with some light chocolate, caramel mixed in. Altogether, a very malt forward brew with some definite roasting, but not overdone.
T - Uh. Way sweeter tasting than it smelled. Ouch. Borderline too sweet. Maybe its me, since I prefer the bitterness of beers, and don't have much of a sweet-tooth, but this is like dessert.Still getting dark fruits, but now throw in some figs and plums. Some spice notes hit the back end as it warms up, but not enough to counter the sweetness. Lots of caramel, and definite alcohol heat. Drinking stronger than 8.72%
M - A bit flat, not enough carbonation to carry the sweetness. Lingering taste, but that is the best flavor. Very sugary on the lips
O - Between the sweet and the heat, not the easiest beer to drink, but not overly hard. It would be better enjoyed paired with some food to cut the sweetness. Something salty feels right. I'll pick up subsequent batches for sure. A good, not great beer, but with flavor profiles this strong, its hard to not want to go back for another try.
Cheers,
Chris
Review #10
Avery & Russian River Collaboration not Litigation Ale ABV 8.72%
Avery Brewing, Colorado & Russian River Brewing, California 750 ml brown bottle multiple pours into tulip
**Interesting note: Russian River was founded by the Korbel Champagne Co.**
**Interesting note #2: These two companies had brews by the same name, and instead of a lawsuit, they got together, got drunk & brainstormed. This is the second batch of the series, which is now on Batch #6**
A - A muddled, nutty brown with faint orange hues where the light plays at the edges. 1/2" sturdy head, leaving strong lacing.
S - I was all over the board with the nose on this. I pretty much smelled a grocery store of flavors, but not in a bad way, just seemed crazy to me that every whiff I took, I found different aromas. Apples, raisins, dark cherries were my fruit finds, with some light chocolate, caramel mixed in. Altogether, a very malt forward brew with some definite roasting, but not overdone.
T - Uh. Way sweeter tasting than it smelled. Ouch. Borderline too sweet. Maybe its me, since I prefer the bitterness of beers, and don't have much of a sweet-tooth, but this is like dessert.Still getting dark fruits, but now throw in some figs and plums. Some spice notes hit the back end as it warms up, but not enough to counter the sweetness. Lots of caramel, and definite alcohol heat. Drinking stronger than 8.72%
M - A bit flat, not enough carbonation to carry the sweetness. Lingering taste, but that is the best flavor. Very sugary on the lips
O - Between the sweet and the heat, not the easiest beer to drink, but not overly hard. It would be better enjoyed paired with some food to cut the sweetness. Something salty feels right. I'll pick up subsequent batches for sure. A good, not great beer, but with flavor profiles this strong, its hard to not want to go back for another try.
Cheers,
Chris
Friday, February 17, 2012
Import Time!
After my epic tasting the other night, (see previous blog and drool. May need to highlight to read, since apparently I wrote in invisible ink.) One of my new beer geek buddies left a beer he said I was welcome too. So I thought I should review it publicly, and give credit where credit is due. Thank you Alex.
Review #9
Chouffe Houblon Dobbelen IPA Trippel ABV 9%
Brasserie d'Achouffe Achouffe, Belgium Green bomber poured into Maredsous Tulip
A - First off, green bottle? Little strange, especially given how light in color this beer is & given the breweries reputation. Shame, shame. Okay, nitpicking aside, this beer pours a cloudy blond color with a 1" thick white head on top. Extremely thick lacing. The head never completely disappears, leaving a nice, foamy puddle in the center of your beer, and eventually at the bottom of your glass.
S - Light yeast and citrus are first notes I get, and although this bottle claims no Noble hops are used, it does have that distinct damp, wood smell. Nothing is too powerful, leaving the nose a bit disappointed at this point.
T - Zing! Its full of zest, with spicy finishing notes, fading to a pleasant bitterness. Banana is an odd taste here, but its my mouth, and that is what I am getting. Hoppy up front, followed by peppery clove notes are rinsed clean with a dry finish.
M - Decent body, tingly, but not over carbonated. Dry, flavor, dry. Carbonation tingle makes sure the bitter end doesn't linger.
O - This is pretty good for a style I don't typically enjoy very often anymore. Flavors certainly grew and developed as the beer warm and matured. Nice drinkability factor despite the ABV. All in all, its nice. After reading the Beer Advocate score of 94/98, I was a little let down. Didn't seem overly unique from the other Belgian ales in this vein. Of course that could be me also, not drinking this style very much too. Very glad to have had it, wouldn't seek it out, but would drink it again.
Cheers,
Chris
Review #9
Chouffe Houblon Dobbelen IPA Trippel ABV 9%
Brasserie d'Achouffe Achouffe, Belgium Green bomber poured into Maredsous Tulip
A - First off, green bottle? Little strange, especially given how light in color this beer is & given the breweries reputation. Shame, shame. Okay, nitpicking aside, this beer pours a cloudy blond color with a 1" thick white head on top. Extremely thick lacing. The head never completely disappears, leaving a nice, foamy puddle in the center of your beer, and eventually at the bottom of your glass.
S - Light yeast and citrus are first notes I get, and although this bottle claims no Noble hops are used, it does have that distinct damp, wood smell. Nothing is too powerful, leaving the nose a bit disappointed at this point.
T - Zing! Its full of zest, with spicy finishing notes, fading to a pleasant bitterness. Banana is an odd taste here, but its my mouth, and that is what I am getting. Hoppy up front, followed by peppery clove notes are rinsed clean with a dry finish.
M - Decent body, tingly, but not over carbonated. Dry, flavor, dry. Carbonation tingle makes sure the bitter end doesn't linger.
O - This is pretty good for a style I don't typically enjoy very often anymore. Flavors certainly grew and developed as the beer warm and matured. Nice drinkability factor despite the ABV. All in all, its nice. After reading the Beer Advocate score of 94/98, I was a little let down. Didn't seem overly unique from the other Belgian ales in this vein. Of course that could be me also, not drinking this style very much too. Very glad to have had it, wouldn't seek it out, but would drink it again.
Cheers,
Chris
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