 Brigadier (887), Chagrin Falls, Ohio, USA
Jun 25, 2006 Updated: Oct 4, 2006
Tosa Tasting - June 24, 2006
Thanks to hezron for bringing a 1 liter hand bottle to the tasting. It was the start of many good beers over the rest of the night. If I ever make it to 5 Seasons I hope they have this on tap.
Aroma / Appearance - Sweet chocolate, toffee and caramel dominated the nose. The body was a beautiful caramel brown with a tan one-fingered head and clear sticky lacing that dripped gracefully down the sides of the glass. This is one of the best looking doubles I have seen.
Flavor / Palate - The first thing that comes to mind after taking a sip is alcohol. It kicks you in the teeth before yielding to a roasted coffee flavor sitting on top of a dry malty layer. Caramel, toffee and a sweet yet undescribeable burnt consistancy come next. Finally towards the end I picked up on a candy sugar and honey combination. Solid and full bodied throughout the entire glass, this had an excellent presence. The alcoholic bite could have been a bit more balanced and subtle but otherwise it was thoroughly enjoyable. This is exhibited by the fact I was still enjoying traces of it five minutes after the last sip as it slowly faded into nothingness. Give it a try if you can track it down - it’s well worth the time.
Rastacouere (5270), Montréal, Quebec, Canada
Apr 14, 2008 Objectively speaking:
Straightforward dubbel which goes off track with its ridiculously overamped carbonation. Whirling the glass does not completly heal it. A bit disappointing as an introduction to 5 Seasons Brewing.
I like:
Interesting yeast strain matches Belgium’s for its peppery spiciness and fruity ester production. Vinous aroma with prune, caramel and chocolate notes.
I dislike:
You know it’s going to be overcarbonated from the very nose. Biting, murderous carbonation kills the flavour development. Nothing is left behind this storm. It even fails to produce a decent foam.
beerbuzzmontreal (2700), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Apr 9, 2008 Murky brown pour with a thin tan head. Interesting aroma of caramel, raisins and spices. The flavor isn’t bad, caramel, raisins and spices, but the enjoyment is affected by the boring mouthfeel and the over expressive carbonation.
Taktik_MTL (1920), Montréal-Nord, Quebec, Canada
Apr 9, 2008 Bouteille de 750 ml, avec bouchon de liège, partagée lors d’une dégustation Ratebeer Montréal chez Glouglouburp. Arôme: Odeur de fruit sucré avec une pointe d’alcool. Apparence: La couleur est ambrée voilée. Présence d’une fine dentelle sur le verre. Saveur: Goût de caramel fruité avce une pointe de figues. Durée moyenne de l’arrière goût. Palette: Le corps est moyen avec une texture minérale. Forte effervescence en bouche. (Rating #1599)
Glouglouburp (1941), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Apr 8, 2008 Updated: Apr 10, 2008In short: Standard Dubbel with standard nutty/caramel flavours. Unfortunately over-carbonated.
How: Bottle, 750ml, fresh. Back from Europe tasting session with Montreal crew
The look: Cloudy light-brown body with a small beige head
In long: Despite a general impression that the beer is a bit lacking in the malt department it still manages to provide pleasant nutty flavours and crunchy caramel. Only a light fruity presence (dark fruits). Finish is a bit peppery. Body is somewhat fluffy and the carbonation is WAY over-the-top. The carbonation really kills the lighter flavours and the beer probably feels less complex than it really is. I haven’t seen so many bubbles since that night in the Jacuzzi after a long day of drinking Lambics.
BlackDonald (1040), North Carolina, USA
Apr 6, 2008 This is absolutely one of the finest domestic dubbels I have ever tried. The spices are just right and balanced with the rest of the niceties this beers is offering. Delectable brown sugar and candi flavors, dark fruits and a finish reminiscent of bubblegum. A perfect winter warmer.
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