 hiddenvariable (181), pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA
Mar 18, 2008
bottle. pours a quite clear reddish honey-amber with a thick cream head that fades faster than i expected for its size and density. little chunks of lacing are left on the glass as it dissipates to a bubbly film. on the first sniff, one gets notes of apple (not of the acetaldehyde variety) and pear, light caramel malts, and lots of spice. the scent is almost cologne-like, in the sense that it’s quite pleasant, but gets a bit chemical when taken in too large of doses. not only that, but it smells like cologne. there are also some notes of raisins, and a pinch of spicy hops. very light subtle taste, this time with white grape esters dominating the less-pronounced apple and pear notes, some spice, and again an ever-so-light caramel malt. and there it is again, that light chemical note. the alcohol is surprisingly noticeable for the 7.2% the label touts, but it doesn’t necessarily detract. very dry, very astringent finish, with a light sweetness and a tiny bit of tartness. very effervescent mouthfeel--there’s a ton of carbonation and it really adds to the dryness, but there’s still that sharp chemical pull that feels like bitterness, but on the front of my tongue. i think this beer would be pretty damned good if i could get around that strange chemical tongue-burn. as it is, that note was off-putting, but it certainly didn’t ruin the beer. decent stuff that could only improve by being more drinkable. maybe i’ll grab another bottle and cellar it for a year or two.
drfabulous (636), Columbia, Missouri, USA
Jul 4, 2008 Almost perfect. Bit of the funky Bit of the saison. Overall, went down very nicely at the end of the night. Excellent. I disagree strongly with the negative reviews here.
brewandbbq (201), Manchester, New Hampshire, USA
Jun 17, 2008 Pours murky dark copper with an orange hue. A massive four-inch head of beige foam receded slowly to a solid skim-coat. Plenty of smeary lacework.
Aromatics lead off with an unexpected amount of caramel malt. Hints of citrus spice and phenols follow through.
Medium bodied and a bit chewy, with plenty of effervescence. Slightly coarse and grainy.
Malt-forward on the pallet, with traces of coriander, bannana, nuts, and cocoa.
Bitterness and alcohol are in check, and drinkability is high.
Finishes with lingering caramel malt.
I was really underwhelmed with this one. Tasting alot like a Dubble, and the spicing is almost non-existant.
Lacking complexity and heavy on the malt.
sirpsycho (153), Murrysville, Pennsylvania, USA
Jun 15, 2008 Bottle, beige label. Pours a hazy amber\orange, off white head. Aroma is malty and fruit notes. Flavor is a nice combination of fruit, light caramel and malt. Semi-dry ans smooth, nice beer.
CharlesDarwin (1323), State College, Pennsylvania, USA
Jun 13, 2008 750mL French Country Christmas Ale (red label). Herbal grassy nose to a bit of minerally yeast cake, backed with elegant slightly salted fruits and candy. Not bad. Pours a nice amber-gold, lightly hazed with a rim of whitish. Flavor is a brightly peppered, slightly bitter and tangy malt. Alcohol comes on a little heavy and supports a surprising amount of bitterness. Kind of mediocre. Not really working with my palate. Explosive carbonation. This beer is rough.
Rciesla (712), Brick City, New Jersey, USA
Jun 10, 2008 Popped the cork at SHPH. Pours a dark amber 2 finger off white head. Sweet spicy and earthy aromas. Flavor is lots of earthy bitterness with some fruit. Comes off kind of musky. eh.
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