Allagash Interlude

Brewed by Allagash Brewing Company
Style: Belgian Strong Ale
Portland, Maine USA

Bottle @ Beer Chef Dinner in San Francisco (5-25-07). We enjoyed this one during the first course. A hazy amber orange color with an off-white head. A subtle balance with the wine barrels that adds a nice vinous tartness but not over done. Cider, pears, and pepper spices. Quite nice.

750ml. Bottle $13.99 Sam’s Downers Grove January 2007 Bottling Interlude poured a hazy copper that glowed orange when held to the light. A 1 finger white head formed on the pour that faded to a thin cap with chunky edges. Minimal slow rising carbonation bubbles. Leaves chunky drink lines after each sip. Scent begins with goldenrod and that barnyard funkiness. Mild tart cherries and a touch of lemony citrus. Maybe it’s my imagination but when I take deep whiffs I pick up mild oak. Very complex aromas that I’ve only scratched the surface on. The flavor is more complex than the aroma. Things begin with a slight lemon rind bitterness. Mid palate I get hit with a wave of that funkiness along with hay. Mild citric flavors come through toward the end finishing up with orange rind and a solid hop snap on the swallow. Again, I’ve only scratched the surface on the complexity of flavors. Lighter body with a slight stickinesson the tongue. Mild alcohol on the swallow as this beer warms. The flavor makes this an easy drinker but the complex flavors will wear out the tastebuds. A truly complex beer with a great idea behind it. I’m looking forward to trying Allagash’s other special releases. A really great concept behind this beer that I look forward to drinking again. 4/9/07

Orange gold, hazy, tan/white head, really good lacing. Aroma is citrus, sweet malty, little bit herbal weirdness, yeasty. Nicely carbonated and smooth. Sweet taste with sour edges and finish was very dry. Shared with the ATL crew in 4/06 - thanks!

Bottle at Kobenhavnske Oldage 2007. Pale amber colour. Very tart and acidic, almost in a Belgian Sour style. The wood comes through strongly as do the vinous notes. And, like Mes, I got some cider apple notes too. Also some spicy touches. Unusual but intriguing. But I like it. I think.

Bottle. Deep golden. Quite fruity and hoppy bit spiced aroma. Flavour is fruity and hoppy, alcoholic and yeasty. Bitter alco finish.

On draft at Max’s. Listed as a Flanders Red. SHould I have expected more color? Light yellow fevered pour. Sprightly fruit throughout. Alcohol well hidden. Pucker up for the pleasant sourness. Nice job and an interesting pedigree.

2007 bottle. Pours cloudy golden with a small white head. Aroma of light citrus, pepper and grassy dry hops. The next wave is a more mature vanilla, yeast, stonefruit, perhaps some cidery notes too, wickedly complex. Brilliant fluffy (yes I know its 9%) medium-bodied mouthful. Big jammy fruitiness in the flavour, not overwhelming, and well complemented by some bretty notes and a light-to-moderate tartness, a perfect balance of fresh herbal hops come though too. Finish is almost crisp, alcohol is not there at all. This blew me away, an outstanding beer.

Bottle. $20 for this one and it was good, but not worth the price. Light, crisp, and refereshing w/ just a touch of brett sourness. Red wine barrel aging slightly evident. Like a lighter version of DFH Red and White w/ mild brett sounress.