De Dolle Oerbier Special Reserva

Brewed by De Dolle Brouwers
Style: Belgian Strong Ale
Diksmuide, Belgium

Serve in Trappist glass, Tulip, Tumbler

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UPDATED: FEB 10, 2009 2002 bottle 6-8 months after bottling
Wow, magnificent aroma of bordeaux wine, quite young smelling, with some definite oakiness. Also lurking in there is some alcohol, ripe berries, light citrus and plenty of yeast. Aroma is incredibly sniffable and full. Moderately hazy (bottle conditioned it says) with some light apricot oranges, some rose tinges and a lovely off-white head with some light reddish hues. Big vinous flavor immediately sets in, with tons of wood notes, a hint of cherry and then the beer comes on. Medium-full body, tremendously chewy yeast and ever so delicately lurking. The bordeaux certainly takes the show, but the beer adds a decidedly yeasty flavor, that works very well. Finish is chewy, some hints of caramel, with a hint of spice. A bit of orange fruit towards the end and some sweetness comes out. On the aftertaste is a lingering flavor of strawberries and grapes that is immensely pleasant. A beer that does so many things. I could easily sip this beer for hours on end. Deliciciously complex and brings the best of both worlds. Tons of leathery tannins, grape skin and on the finish a flavor that reminds me much of pomegranate. Exquisite with strong, ripe cheese. The only thing I wanted more of, was a bit more malt depth, to provide a more powerful beer flavor. But then, I think I need to appreciate the subtlety.

2005 bottle drunk on 9/30/07
Extremely enticing aroma is much more apple-like and tart than expected. Juicy and tart red/pink apples, with a touch of grape enliven this fully fruity aroma, as a well-attenuated maltiness of raisins, light caramel and honey brace it. Light phenols and very soft wood notes that help soften the alcohol (which is, then, very well-concealed). Very strong aroma, with no flaws.
Delicious Belgian Dark Strong ale shows so much more interesting yeast character than almost all in its class, which is why De Dolle is so well set apart from other bre

Poured from a 11.2 oz bottle into a tulip. This is an aggressively carbonated beer. A large, off-white sea foam froth forms over a caramel amber beer. The nose is tart, with nice cherry notes. There is some oak, vanilla, and vinegar in the back. The flavor mostly follows the nose. It is simple, but nice. Tart cherries, The mouthfeel is really fizzy and bubbly. Even without a full body, it held the 13% ABV really nicely. It was tart and slightly acetic, but not incredibly sour. This is a nice Flemish sour.

Birra miracolosa, vero e proprio elisir. Praticamente perfetta. 5 è anche poco.

Vintage 08. Brown with a tan head. Aroma is caramel, redwine, balsamic vinegar and dried red berries. Flavour is caramel, balsamic vinegar, alcohol and dried red berries.

Vintage ’08. Pours a clear and ruby beer with a weak offwhite head. The aroma is malt, sweetness, fruit, dried fruit, balsamic and alcohol. The flavor follows the nose. The palate is dry with sweetness and alcoholwarmth. Overall a really good beer.

Medium body and intense aroma. Intensely sour finish but not altogether unpleasant. Might taste a bit of sour cherries in this. I’m not typically a fan of sour beers, but this one is undeniably well done.

Bottle brought to Qbrick by KyotoLefty. Thanks! Very sharp sherry or port wine aromas with lots of dark fruit. Sourish flavors of overipe cherries, prunes, raisins. Good carbonation (for its age). Thin body. Long sour aftertaste, gentle and sustained. Just the tiniest touch of oxidation, which actually adds to the flavor experience. Exceptional stuff!

2005 bottle. Nose of big dried fruits, wine or port, a bit of soy sauce. Very fruity flavor, grapes and cherries, some nice sour tang but in control, oak. Very low oxidation and still well carbonated—in fact, in simply wonderful condition. Great body. A fabulous beer that lived up to high expectations.

2007 bottle. Pours tawny brown with a trace of off-white head which quickly dissipates. Aroma is caramel and cookie malt, sour fruit, grassy hops, and oak barrels. Flavor is balanced malt, hops, and sour fruit esters; dry finish. Medium body, carbonation, and warmth.

This is one of the best things I have ever put in my mouth. It’s been awhile but I had quite a few 2006 vintages. Around 13% alcohol and very hard to detect even the slightest warmth. Beautiful sour notes and complex flavors make this big beer hard to sip.

Bottle, 2005, 2008, 2009, 2010 vintages. Murky brown pour. Fruity, dark and dried (cherry, plum, raisin), vanilla, wood. Active body, sweet and sour.