Allagash Musette

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

750 ml bottle shared with several Quebecois and one other drunk American at tiggmtl’s going away party in Montreal, from a New Belgium glass. Thick yeasty chestnut with a bit of lasting head, faint lacing....smoky, malty whisky-vanilla and caramel nose, touches of cherries and almonds, about what I would expect but quite pleasant regardless....body fairly light and fluffy for the style, but it works with the grapy, peaty-smoky character that emerges at the finish after the smooth creme brulee of the early part of the palate....certainly a Scotch Ale, but the Belgian yeast and faint tartness throughout imparts some nice original notes; very nice and I look forward to imbibing a whole one myself soon.

Pours bronze with a thick dense beige head that had nice retention. The aroma has lots of oak, tight caramel malt, light sweetness, dry vanilla, smooth spices and toasted / roasted aspects. Medium body with a smooth syrupy feel with a decent semi-sharp carbonation. The taste has a beautiful blend of scotch ale and oak that is very even. The oak dries out a lot of the cloying effect of many scotch ales while still displaying a strong malt presence. There is some light spiciness as well. The finish is rich, yet somewhat dry, with hefty toffee malt. This hides the 10% alcohol very well. As it warms the spices seem along the allspice / cinnamon line and the Belgium yeast starts coming out. A very good and complex brew.

Chestnut colored with a large head ending in very luscious lacing and froth. Aroma of straw, caramel, & banana. Yeasty flavors of banana and cream with a silky, creamy mouthfeel. End is long with continuous notes of cream.

Bottled. Amber coloured. Unclear. Dense light brown head. Fruits, vanilla, alcohol, sweetness and nuts in the aroma. Flavour as well is nutty and spicy. Has caramel and sweetnotes. Is medium bodied. Dry. Sweetish spiced end, with a warming mouthfeel. Thanks to jjpm74 for this.

Pour is darkish red with a big bubbled tan head...sweet malty aroma with some mild spices and alcohol...very thick mouthfeel...strange flavor...some strange woody dryness, with a strong fruity flavor...didn’t get a lot of bourbon out of it, nor alcohol...but it was very sweet...fruity with some grapes and apples...subtle smokey...I think...strange...but I like...

Pretty deep amber, decent head lasts well. Aroma of wood and fruit, reminiscent of unripened blackberries and cherries. Faint mustiness as well. Belgian yeast note. Flavor is a complex combination of oak, slightly sour cherry, and light caramel. The wood is present, but not as overpowering as it was in the Curieaux. Good aging potential.

Explodes out of bottle - pour slowly for a two-finger creamy head that fades slowly leaving a good lace. Cloudy amber color. Raisin/caramel nose. Strong carbonation and medium-heavy bodied. Flavor is raisiny with some caramel, finish is sour raisins. High ABV is hidden. Bottled Aug 2006. Pricey - $16.00 for a 750ml bottle from Tully’s Beer & Wine Wells, Me.

Pour is a murcky thick looking brown with a large white fluffy head. Aroma is strong malts with some banana and yeast. Flavor is candi sugar with honey and a big helping of Belgain yeast. Almost reminds me of a mead. I don’t know who brought this to the tasting i went to but big thanks for letting me sample this fine brew.