Karl Strauss Reef Break Red

Brewed by Karl Strauss Brewing Company
Style: Belgian Strong Ale
San Diego, California USA

Serve in Trappist glass, Tulip, Tumbler

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A: The pour is a little on the light side for a BSDA as it leans more toward amber/copper in color. S: The nose has some decent fruit notes along with a definite spice/yeast ester character. I pick out some raisins and plums, in particular. T: The alcohol is present at first, but it does seem to fade away a bit. Pretty nice dark fruit flavors (again, mostly raisins and plums) with bread, caramel, and molasses providing the sweetness. M: The body is medium with a carbonation that seemed a bit lower than what I would prefer, but pretty average. D: Not a bad beer at all. Maybe a bit strong on the booze at first, but some good flavors all around.

On tap at SD Brewing Co. Solid bright copper with forever cream colored thick ring and lace. Nose is piny and creamy. Taste is huge creaminess to a tiny bit of sour tartness hiding way in the back. Ginger and yeast and middle fruitiness. Apricot? Licorice hiding in the leftovers. Impressive offering from Karl Strauss.

UPDATED: MAY 20, 2010 Growler from the Sorrento Valley location: Murky reddish brown color with a small, fading off-white head. Aroma is dark fruit. Flavor starts rich with dark fruit and a strong raisin presence followed by a light citrus bitterness and a lingering raisin-orange rind finish. Medium body is smooth with soft carbonation.

From the tap poured a brown color with a fair amount of head. Strong sweet malty flavor with a lasting finish.