De Dolle Oerbier Special Reserva

Bottle. 2006 Vintage. It pours a dark ruddy amber in color with a small lacey head. The aroma is tart, woddy, and bit citrusy. I am starting to expect more of a Flanders Ale than a Strong. The flavor almonst identically matches the aroma to a t. As this beer warms, the flavors mellow quite a bit and becomes much more welcoming on the palate. This is definitely a beer that grew on me.

Bottle needlessly hauled back from Stumbling Monk in Seattle (they were stocking it at Lucky Baldwin’s). This is an unusual brew. Vaguely reminiscent of a barrell-aged Vertical Epic 07. Opens oddly, tartly - unripe burnt citrus peel. The body somehow gets lighter - more like a thin trippel - but keeps its aged mellowness. Finish is very aromatic and almost instant. A beer that you have to have 3 times to love.

33cl bottle courtesy of Markwise. Pours a cloudy honey-caramel-yellow color with a thin tan head. Clearly visible particulates floating about. Aroma of ripe fruit, notes of merlot, oak, faint molasses. Taste is initially tart with hints of apple, pear, cheese (maybe smoked gouda?), and malty notes. Slightly bitter finish that is reminiscent of a sour flemmish ale. Very interesting and complex ale.

[Bottle] shared at the Heritage Inaugural Tasting. Poured a cloudy caramel color with a small head. Aroma is raisins, tart brett, and oak. Very sour, acetic vinegar flavor. Quite interesting. Alcohol is not terribly subtle, but doesn’t detract.

Bottle. Vintage 2005. Pours reddish brown with a dense off white head. Smells a little infected.. Aromas of vinegar, wood and berry fruit. Flavor is sour with notes of berries and vinegar tartness. I must admit that I’m a little disappointed with this one and I still think that it’s a little infected.