 kepano (239), Meudon, France
Jun 22, 2007
Another bottle that I must thank Chris (cquiroga) for. Blackberry-like in color, it reflects an almost purple hue. The tan cream above burbles like a swamp releasing aromatic pockets of vinous oak. A complex amalgam of scents follows quickly thereafter contributing dark aromas of brown sugar and molasses, blended with fig, cherry, plum, prune, cranberry and raisin. This obvious dried fruit component is deep and intricate, accentuated by notes of clove and an alcoholic bourbon tone, providing a very unique experience overall. The flavor begins with a spicy cocktail including coriander, cardamom and nutmeg, but rapidly transitions to a fruity phase reminiscent of red and black currant, blackberry, sour cherries and finishing with a burst of juicy dark grapes. The surprising coffee and chocolate aftertaste provides a welcome touch of bitterness and rounds the palate beautifully. The creamy mouthfeel allows flavors to evolve on the palate and in the glass. An excellent brew to be sure, but I found the interaction between the sweet, sour and bitter elements somewhat disjointed. A great introduction to the beer that followed, the famed Cuvée de Tomme.
padrefan98 (659), (San Diego) Santee, California, USA
Oct 31, 2008 Bottle shared by toncatcher by way of cquiroga. Thanks for sharing this retired gem. Sour funk aroma, flavors of cotton candy, vanilla, and some sour lemon peel. Very enjoyable.
ogglethorp (804), Ohio, USA
Sep 12, 2008 Bottle shared by miketd, Cleveland tasting. Pours a brown color with a sopay tan colored head. Aroma is raisins, caramel, prune, fig. Flavor is yeasty, whole lotta dark fruit going on, prune, fig, raisins, caramel notes, candi sugar. Palate is full bodied, medium carbonation, finished sweet. This was quite good, however fell just short of being great, perhaps the hype killed some of that for me.
arjoseph (558), Chicago, Illinois, USA
Aug 22, 2008 Sampled in our hotel room, GABF 2007. I think cquiroga brought the bottle; apologies if it was someone else (everyone just threw their bottles in our bathtub full of ice, so it got confusing). Smell belies the bourbon, with some candi sugar. Flavors remind me of Thomas Hardy’s in the golden raisin and malts. Very lively carbonation. Vinous. Bitterness in the finish is somewhat acrid. This was enjoyable, but I have to say I"m a bit disappointed.
illidurit (489), Santa Cruz, California, USA
Aug 8, 2008 Thanks to cquiroga for sharing this epic beer at the RBSG 08 Grand Tasting. Pours a dark brown color with a dense tan head that leaves thick lacing. Aromas of raisins, oxidized apples, caramel. Primarily dark fruit flavor with fig and raisin. Also some candi sugar, vanilla, and caramel which make this beer rather sweet. Spicy fruity alcohol in the finish. Full bodied and warming.
IrishBoy (2211), Bakersfield, California, USA
Aug 8, 2008 Sample from an 05 bottle at RBSG shared generously by cquiroga! Nose of Raisins, caramel, candisugar, and a vanilla note; cloudy dark brown with a small beige head; flavor of figs, raisins (very dark fruity), lightly yeasty and sweet! Glad I got to taste this as it is one of the mix between AS and Vinnie of RR Despirartion (a favorite)!
|
