 kepano (239), Meudon, France
Jul 24, 2007
Poured a clear gold, the fuzzy white head dissipates with unfortunate haste. Luckily, the aroma it reveals is absolutely enthralling by its complexity. Monstrous oak rages at first, unleashing a profusion of vanillin. Soon, an oddly nostalgic scent sets in – a combination of aromas that reminds very vividly of childhood carnivals. The ever-present pony stand is in full frame, and from it emanate funky aromas of straw and manure. Sweet smells of nearby vendors begin to pour in. I would have begun tugging at my mother’s dress and pointing at the caramelized apples and fluffy clouds of bright pink cotton candy, but this time I sunk my nose deeper in the glass. Rapidly, the fragrance transitions through a beautiful range of fragrances, starting sweet with brown sugar and raw cane sugar, following with allspice, apricot, peach, orange, blackcurrant and white raisins. My patience begins to dwindle and I take a swift gulp. An explosion of sweet fruit coats the palate, balanced by a springy sourness and a dollop of cream. Apricot and hints of Gruyère lend a funky fruit flavor, enthusiastically accompanied by tangy yogurt. The fruit is full of sunshine evoking, red apples, white grapes, peach, orange, raspberry and red <i>groseilles</i>. Vanilla ice cream acts as a rich and cool counterweight giving the finishing touch of banana its thickness. The sweet and sour combination is precisely tuned and a pulpy apple texture leaves the palate satisfied. The only complaint that to me resonates throughout Tomme Arthur’s oeuvre, and particularly this brew, is the decidedly over-oaked flavor which I am afraid is invading the American beer market as it already has the wine. The inception of an American Sour Ale, if I may call it so, is on the other hand very exciting, especially as it takes root in the tuns of brewers around the country. A pioneering success!
yespr (7817), Copenhagen O, Denmark
Oct 28, 2008 75 cL bottle, huge thanks to cquiroga for this! Pours hazy orange with a fully gone head. Aroma is tart is and citric. Dry and wooden, light acidic base flavour. Smooth and dry citric. Dry and wooden. Ends wooden dry. Fantastic!
Papsoe (11076), Frederiksberg, Denmark
Oct 25, 2008 (Bottle 75 cl) Courtesy of yespr. Pours a very hazy golden with a small, rough white head. Tart Brettish aroma. Medium body with sweetish fruit and acidic accents of horseblanket. Lightly tart finish. Perfectly balanced between sweetness and acidity. 201008
Grovlam (3325), Copenhagen, Denmark
Oct 20, 2008 Bottle. [Tasting @ Papsoe 20-10-2008] Small bubbly white head that mostly diminished. Spare display of lacework. Cloudy golden orange color. Aroma of leather, perfume, soap, barnyard, fruit, rubber, wheat. Heavy sour vinegar, citrus and fresh apple over the palate. Full bodied with a sparkling carbonation and dry texture. Heavy acidic flavor with good counter sweetness. Lingering sour rubber and leather finish.
AgentSteve (928), SF Bay Area, California, USA
Aug 5, 2008 Poured an opaque pale copper orange with frothy white head. The nose and flavor were awesome with cherry tartness, oak and funk. Excellent oak dry finish.
Ofortuna (318), Grafton, Wisconsin, USA
Jul 29, 2008 750ml bottle thanks to Kan. 2004 vintage. Pours a cloudy copper hue with little head. Funk, oxidation, medium tartness, subdued tannins. A little harsh around the edges wtih some vinegar notes. Soap character. Something went wrong with this bottle.
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