Deschutes Jubelale

Brewed by Deschutes Brewery
Style: English Strong Ale
Bend, Oregon USA

VINTAGE 2008 Pours a dark, somewhat murky, brown with ruby tinting. One-finger head of light brown, loose foam. Dissipates to a thin covering on top of the liquid. Lacing is foamy and fairly sticky. A touch of caramel maltiness. Notes of dried, dark fruits. Raisins and figs, mostly. Not really getting alot from this one. You get a lite kiss of hops first. Followed by some hints of those dried, dark fruits. Then a roastiness comes in, fairly large. Some mild biscuitiness follows. Finishes with a slightly dry citrus taste. Okay, medium body. A little bit on the lighter side, than I’d hoped for. Overall, I expected more from this one. It’s drinkable, but there just isn’t a whole lot going on, here. Pretty mild, as far as winter warmers go.

Pours crimson with a thin but solid sheet of froth that has lacey tendencies. The nose is of musty cherry, vivid canteloupe, pineapple, and candle wax. Full body of melon-like flavors to the point even tasting the canteloupe seeds. Bitterness is strong, biting all over the mouth in the finish...mouthfeel is a bit chalky...the fruit cocktail flavors are nice, but I think the bitterness takes away from the fruitiness. I seemed to like this beer more a few hours ago when I drank a couple bottles sanz analysis...now with some thought, I find a bit of criticism, but too much...still a nicer 6er to have around during the holidays.

Bottle. I smelled plenty of floral, grass, and herb notes. This winter beer poured an amber brown color with a few unfiltered yeast and decent lacing and foam. I tasted obvious hops, so much so that I initially thought this was a pale ale or IPA. Smooth slick texture with a lively carbonation. Overall this is a surprising winter treat that I’m glad I scooped up at the local beer store. Cheers!

( 12oz 2009 bottle) pours garnet clear red with nice lasting creamy head and excellent lacing. Nose of pine and grapefruit hops, juicy oranges, and lightly burnt caramel. Taste is roasted malt, cocoa, light bitter hops, and some nice spices. Also a good deal of piney oils. Finishes nice and creamy with a good weight.

Six pack from the Whole Foods on Lamar. Dark red pour with a nice off white head. I smell a little alcohol? Didn’t expect that. Sour grapes, a little malt, brown sugar. Tastes like malts and stale fruit. Lingering hop aftertaste.

Bottle. Pours reddish amber with a large orange/tan head. Aroma is yeast, caramel malt, and holiday spices. Flavor is citrus hops, sweet-tart malt (spiced apple?), and wood. Pretty good.