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Russian River Damnation

Russian River Damnation - Belgian Strong Ale

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 Percentile 
96
overall
A Belgian Strong Ale brewed by
Russian River Brewing

Santa Rosa, California USA

bottled
common

on tap
common

Regional Distribution
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 Ratings  Average  Score  ABV  Style Pctl  Serve in  Advanced 
6813.75/5.03.74/5.07.75%89.4Trappist glass, Tulip, Tumbler P  Stats

Commercial Description:
In the great beer producing country of Belgium, some brewers have made it a tradition to give their beers an unusual name. Sometimes the name is curious, now and then it is diabolical and other times it is just plain silly. Damnation is our brewmaster’s interpretation of a Belgian style Strong Golden Ale. It has extraordinary aromas of banana and pear with mouth filling flavors of sweet malt and earthy hops. The lingering finish is dry and slightly bitter but very, very smooth.

Editor’s Note: this entry is for all batches EXCEPT batches 23 and 46 <a href=/beer/russian-river-damnation-batch-23-(oak-aged)/74510/>see separate entry.
 Most Recent Top Raters Highest Ratings Who's Rated This?  
 kepano (239), Meudon, France
3.7 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
8/104/56/104/515/20

Mar 12, 2008  
Somewhat shrouded, light and gold, Damnation is topped of a beautifully innocent puffy white head. Redolent esters are the emphasis of this nose, a springy mix of banana, bubble gum, pineapple and pear. That almost inimitable yeasty, buttery quality that defines true Belgians is present and auspicious. Coriander, orange peel, hints of honey and clove add just the perfect touch of spice. The flavor on the other had, is somewhat disappointing. Seemingly bland at first, the wateriness eventually finds its refreshing mineral quality. Chalky, almost dusty, the frothy texture matches the light flavor accented by hints of lime and pear. A slight sugary sweetness graces the tip of the tongue but disappears leaving a rather dry body. Black pepper and hops appear very subtly. Despite being so simple, the flavor is difficult to define, yet certainly fun to drink (an adjective I use sparingly). Overall, I believe my colleague Oakes put it perfectly, Russian River has crafted a precision brew. Damnation strikes a careful balance that can hardly be found outside of a few Belgian breweries. Kudos. (06/04/07)

leems (57), Portland, Oregon, USA
3.8 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
7/105/58/103/515/20
Jul 2, 2009  
On tap @ County Cork / Pale hazy gold, large foamy white head that left great lacing. Aroma is yeast, dried fruits (pear, banana). Flavor is intense yeast, bread, a little hops, and clove. The finish left my tongue tingly and slightly numb.


 punkrkr27 (494), Berkley, Michigan, USA
4.2 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
9/104/58/104/517/20
Jun 30, 2009  
Gold pour with a big, rocky, white head. Light fresh citrus notes balanced by honey, candi-sugar, banana, clove, and subtle oak with just a touch of sourness. Sticky medium body with lots of carbonation.


 troopie (723), USA
4.1 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
8/104/58/104/517/20
Jun 29, 2009  
Draught. Poured pale gold with lasting white head. Moderate lacing. Aroma of pear, banana and the Belgian yeastiness. Full earthy flavour, with smooth fruity notes. Lasting dry malt finish


AtlAggie (89), Atlanta, Georgia, USA
3.5 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
7/104/57/103/514/20
Jun 23, 2009  
On tap at Toronado (and RR a few days later). Clear, pale golden color, moderate carbonation. Aroma is sticky sweet fruit, lots of banana, light spices, sweet bread, very light hops. Flavor along the same lines--pulls off a nice balancing act of being sweet w/out being too sweet. Good for the style, but the wrong kind of sweetness to be a favorite of mine.


 dmschefke (236), Eastpointe, Michigan, USA
3.7 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
7/103/58/104/515/20
Jun 22, 2009  
Pours a straw yellow gold with medium white head. Aroma strong of wheat, banana, spices, and lemons. Flavor matched well with a bit of sweetness and yeast added. Quite nice and very drinkable.


McGrupp612 (19), hamburg, Pennsylvania, USA
3.9 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
8/104/57/104/516/20
Jun 21, 2009  
Bottle and draft at liberty street and union jacks. Clear gold pour with a fluffy white head. Aroma is of citrus (lemony), spice (clove, corriander and pepper) and sweet banana. Flavor is crisp with the lemon and spice leading the way, with sweet bread and banana taking the back seat. Very refreshing and tasty. This is an excellent interpretation on a classic beer style.


 msante79 (578), Orland Hills, Illinois, USA
3.7 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
7/103/58/104/515/20
Jun 18, 2009  
On tap at Falling Rock Tap House. Pours clear golden with white head. Aroma is banana, clove, citrus, spices and yeast. Flavor is citrus, clove, banana, light fruits, and yeast. Good mouthfeel and easy on palate. Pretty good belgain ale.


 harbuck76 (100), El Cajon, California, USA
3.5 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
6/103/57/103/516/20
Jun 15, 2009  
750 ml bottle batch 045. Pours a clear golden with medium white head. Aroma is yeast ,banana, spices . Taste is sweet malts. mild citrus hops.It has a bit of a sour kick.



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