 Beerlando (1135), Orlando, Florida, USA
May 11, 2008
Pours a cloudy, golden-tangerine color. A small, foamy, off-white head leaves minimal spotty lacing behind. The nose is simultaneously sweet and spice. Notes of caramel and bready yeast are set off by candied orange peel, pears, grain of paradise, and a hint of coriander. New oak imparts its signature woody vanilla scent as well. Flavors follow suit, with a uniquely Belgian yeast note that is reminiscent of something Fantôme might brew. The grain of paradise is quite distinct, lendin its signature tropical fruitiness to the light caramel and vanilla notes. This is beautifully spiced, with each element working hand in hand. The candied orange peel just pops, and the coriander isn’t overbearing like it is far too often. Medium-plus bodied, finishing smooth and fruity, but slightly warm from the alcohol. Easy drinking, even on a 90 degree day. This is an excellent brew that has aged quite gracefully. Bravo to Allagash.
Old_Mr_Crow (976), Seattle, Washington, USA
Jul 10, 2008 Bottle.
The bottle opens with a mild puff, then bubbles over moments later. It pours a hazy gold with a lively white head, and offers a glorious fruit-and-spice aroma of apricots and orange muscat. Lots of coriander, candy sugar. Gentle wood notes, a drop of vanilla. Pretty notable alcohol in the midrange. Despite the sweet nose and early fruitiness, it’s fairly dry in the close with definite house-yeast character. (I’ve got to admit I don’t see that house character as a plus; I’m not a big Allagash fan.)
While it didn’t necessarily make me think of "a Shakespeare Play interpreted by hot naked chicks" (see Glouglouburp’s review), nonetheless it’s an impressive beer and while I find myself tiring of it somewhat through the first glass, it’s not too hard to muster a second wind and keep on enjoying.
BlackDonald (696), On a beer trip all over the USA, California, USA
Jun 24, 2008 Mmmm, delicious, Sweet candied fruit esthers in the nose, spicy coriander, and a bit of a vanilla barrel aged toastiness. Light on the palate, with some sweet bready maltiness, with hints of toffee and caramel. Finishes extremely dry, with a small hint of alcohol. Well done!
Taktik_MTL (1826), Montréal-Nord, Quebec, Canada
Apr 10, 2008 Bouteille de 750 ml, avec bouchon de liège, partagée lors d’une dégustation Ratebeer Montréal chez Glouglouburp. Arôme: Odeur d’agrumes et d’épices. Apparence: La couleur est blonde voilée. Présence d’une fine dentelle sur le verre. Saveur: Goût d’agrumes et de coriandre avec une pointe de poire. Durée moyenne de l’arrière goût. Palette: Le corps est moyen avec une texture légèrement minérale. Faible effervescence en bouche. Présence d’épices en arrière goût. (Rating #1601)
Glouglouburp (1872), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Apr 10, 2008 In short: A very good Belgian Ale foundation marred by an excessive amount of spices (mainly coriander)
How: Back from Europe tasting session with Montreal crew
The look: Partly cloudy yellow-golden body with a small white head
In long: Nose is candy/spicy. Taste is rather spicy with too much coriander for my liking. Some other spices too but coriander is the one really coming out. Covered by the spices are oily/buttery orange flavoured cookies. Warming alcohol finish in the back of the throat. The otherwise pleasant citrusy hops are unfortunately killed by the spiciness. I think there’s a very good beer in there but unfortunately with its omnipresent spiciness this was like a Shakespeare Play interpreted by hot naked chicks, I was hard to focuss on its worthy qualities.
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