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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Plummy brown haze in color, more glowing towards the bottom than at the top, medium sized frothy whipped creamy dark beige head, settles slowly if at all to a creamy thick skim; lacing in the stringy thick variety. Aroma is soft of peppermint-like spicy alcoholic heat mixed with a strange, unidentifable dark citrus melange, graham cracker crust, and a bit of a merlot type of touch with dark red grapes and some ripe plum. Its a very soft nose, even the heat seems soft; nothing overly exciting or strong but it definately has a great subtlety and complexing waft about it. Taste is a whole nother conceivability in its character from what the aroma leads you to believe. But those little hints of wine-like character do surge forward now. Upon first touching the lips its a delightfully smooth ride, but thats literally swiped away quickly, so quickly in fact its hard to get an overall of what the bier is doing. Why, cuz it gets all crazy with a semi-tart and souring little wine-like character that completely takes over the character. Grapey and plummy with touched with citrus tang of oranges. This settled down in a hurry though as it warmed; and thank goodness for that, when first outta the fridge this was frightening with a souring, off flavor of red grapes and tart lemon/orange. But it resides in its strength as it warms and becomes much more drinkable and enjoyable with more plum aspects floating in and some very light drying off in the finish of vinous qualities mixed with a bit of spicy candied alcohol. Feel is spicy and boardering a sweet tartness thats bearable and vinous to the point of acceptance and tone for a bier of this nature, which may throw some folks for a loop when first taking a sip. The alcoholic heat and spice is quite warming late, way beyond having a any and all sips. Incredible in that respect. Has about a medium body and has a slight throaty burn that keeps popping through very, very late. Medicinal in a way but not overly so. Lots of yeasty alcoholic action in this stuff the whole trip through. The first sip was antagonizing, but the last was a wish for more. This reminded me more of some of the English style Old Ales that are tangy and souring sweet. This stuff is all about that, but with more control over the effects of the malt side then those with more of yeasty spiced alcohol and vinous softness around its character that was fun to behold and take in for a night ending sipper.

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.