Russian River Damnation

Brewed by Russian River Brewing
Style: Belgian Strong Ale
Santa Rosa, California USA

Serve in Trappist glass, Tulip, Tumbler

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American breweries make a lot of Belgian-style ales under the umbrella term of "Belgian Strong [pale or dark] Ale". Russian River is pretty famous for their line of Belgian style beers, so I went into "Damnation" thinking it was going to be another homerun from them, but it wasn’t. Not that it’s a complete strikeout, though, as it is a tasty, satisfying brew that’s not a challenge to drink.

I received a 375ml corked and caged bottle from a friend in California (thanks, Ryan!). I poured it into a tulip glass.

Appearance: Perfectly golden colored, almost completely clear but a little hazy with high carbonation visible. Forms a large, white, soapy head which mostly dissipates but does leave some nice lacing on the glass.

Smell: Surprisingly muted nose with light lemony notes and a hint of spice.

Taste: Russian River Damnation should be a big beer, but it’s not. The palate is remarkably light all around. Mild citrus and flower notes to begin, with more earthy, spicy notes on the second half. The finish imparts a touch of hop citrus flavor and accompanying bitterness, but the aftertaste is quite clean and refreshing. Interestingly enough, the palate doesn’t really open up or develop as the beer warms. It’s essentially the same few notes over and over. Not that anything here tastes bad, but I’m surprised by the lack of robustness and complexity. The citrusy flavors certainly are satisfying, but they seem so mild.

Drinkability: I was genuinely surprised by how light the body and mouthfeel was to this beer. Thin, crisp, clean with a noticeable, but tame, carbonation vibration. It goes down smooth for the most part, although some does get stuck in the throat. For 7.75% ABV, Russian River Damnation is quite refreshing and has zero alcohol presence. This would be a great beer to introduce someone to Belgian beers since it doesn’t overwhelm.

12.68 oz. corked n’ caged bottle- Pours hazy golden with a way too thin soapy white head that reduces immediately to a thin collar. The aroma is banana, peppery and yeasty. The taste is pretty straightforward Belgian Golden Ale, yeasty, moderate pepper spice and clove, banana, dry mouthfeel, delicious. The body is medium, carbonation is high. Overall I have had better, but there is no denying the quality and tastiness of this beer.

UPDATED: MAY 20, 2012 12.68 oz corked and caged bottle. Aroma consists of banana initially, but that quickly disappears, leaving an extremely earthy-smelling beer. I love that smell. Pours hazy golden with lots of sediment floating around, even though I poured slow and left a couple centimeters of liquid in the bottle; has a collapsing white head that falls into a blanket and leaves some spotty lace. Taste is lightly sweet, peppery and a bit meaty. Those earthy hops are really apparent here. I was expecting yet another Duvel clone, but this is a nice deviation. Clove comes out as it warms. Has a creamy mouthfeel but I wish the body was fuller. I said the same thing about the palate on the last RR beer, didn’t I? Good stuff here.

Bottled. A hazy orange beer with a good lacing white head; Aroma is sweet and yeast, caramel, Taste is sweet and fruity, citrus, Strong alcohol notes. Finishes dry and bitter

Pours a hazy golden color with a two finger head. Fresh aromas of bosc pears and green banana and a touch of citrus. The flavors are so defined its almost sublime... just as they describe on the bottle; Ripe fruit and sweet malts balanced by tight cedar, hints of citrus and a slew of earthy hop flavors. Crisp dry finish that lingers and begs you to take another sip.... Dangerous brew !

Pours a bright gold color with a think fluffy head that refuses to go away, great lacing throughout the drink. Aroma of sweet malts and bitter hops that are both present but working together. Taste follows the nose makes for a refreshing, easy drinking brew. Tastes a lot like redemption but more full bodied and complex.

Tap at Russian River. Clear yellow pour with a white head. Nose is banana and clove. Moderate palate. Taste is slightly sour, wheat, and bright fruit. Great brew.

Batch 075. Pours a cloudy pale yellow with aroma of yeast, citrus, and lemon. Flavors of lemon, earthyness, some bread, and a tad bitter. Finishes dry. I actually preferred the Redemption over this, but it’s not too bad.

Batch #74. Pours hazy golden color with big white head. Aromas of bananas and apples with some doughy yeast. Similar flavors. Moderately sweet. Medium body with lively carbonation.