3.1 AROMA 6/10 APPEARANCE 3/5 TASTE 6/10 PALATE 2/5 OVERALL 14/20Bomber, fresh. The body is a very lightly hazy, moderate golden color. Fine bubbles stream towards the surface, supplying a short, wispy head that quickly fades. Minimal, scattered spotting marks the glass. The nose is based in pale, semi-dry, bready malt, showing abundantly fruity Belgian yeast and fresh, pithy, lemon-forward hops. Alcohol is a little strong – nay – a lot strong. Coriander and dry citrus rind provide ample, pungent spiciness. The flavor is similarly structured, showing pale pilsner malt and crisp rye, sweet and boozy overall. Biting lemon pith and sharp, bitter coriander cling to the tongue. Hops are again lemony. The palate is big and alcoholic, showing plenty of heat and a somewhat astringent finish. Meh...Terrapin is capable of much better.
3.6 AROMA 7/10 APPEARANCE 4/5 TASTE 7/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 14/20
Appearance:
Brilliant golden waves of grain under a soft white head that lingers soft and fluffy.
Nose:
Sweet, spicy, yeasty, and doughy. Cardamom and cumin. Mango, peach, pineapple, and apricots ooze juicy succulence. Dried apples.
Palate:
Big bold doughy, chewy, yeasty, and spicy just as the nose promised. Candied pineapple, apricot, and peaches in the back. Nice clean mouthfeel quickly brings me back for more. Sweet chewy spicy bready fruity goodness in the middle – a beer to really chew on. Cardamom and cumin in the back. Touch of citrus skin tickles after each swallow. A gentle warmth settles into my chest.
Final Thoughts:
A fine addition to the sometimes spotty Terrapin portfolio, this is one anniversary release I would love to see become part of their seasonal/yearly line of beers. Balance with bold flavors, it was a proper homage to Belgium and her strong ales.
(An original written work by Beer Ambassador, LLC. Plagiarism is not tolerated)
3.5 AROMA 7/10 APPEARANCE 3/5 TASTE 7/10 PALATE 3/5 OVERALL 15/20
Bottle at James’ place for a tasting. Pours a clear gold with a thin white head. Smells like cookies, brown sugar and a bit of malt. Medium bodied, spicy yeast with a bit of malt and sweet fruity esters. Finishes with a bit of bitterness. Tasty.
3.7 AROMA 8/10 APPEARANCE 2/5 TASTE 8/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 15/20
Tap at Max’s Taphouse. Pours clear gold with a small, frothy white head, short retention with spare lacing. Aroma is cookie and biscuit malt with honey notes, coriander and citrus notes with light spicy hops, and Belgian yeast aromatics. Flavor is fruity esters, coriander, citrus, spicy hops, candi sugar with a sweet malt background and a sweet finish. Full body and medium carbonation.
3.9 AROMA 7/10 APPEARANCE 3/5 TASTE 8/10 PALATE 3/5 OVERALL 18/20
UPDATED: MAY 6, 2013 2013.03.13 - Terrapin Special Anniversary Ale 2012 - 22oz bottle in goblet glass. 2012 Vintage.
Aroma: sweetness, some subdued fruity esters. Really nice aroma.
Appearance: Pours around 8-10 on SRM scale, a mostly clear light gold. Typical white head/carbonation goes away fast leaving some foamy edge ring, bubbles can be observed from bottom.
Taste: Some drinks are a bit of lemony citrus on the tongue, peppery tonic spice. Some are sweetness, berries, some honey. Interesting and complex taste. A very nice brew, repeat purchase worthy. Hat tip to Appalachian Vintner in Asheville for the recommendation; I stopped in on my way through the area.
Palate/Mouthfeel: mostly light, a bit creamy. Needs a bit more carbonation but is ok as is. For nearly 10% abv this is amazingly smooth and tasty.
Aroma 7/10, Appearance 3/5, Taste 8/10, Palate 3/5, Overall 18/20
Edit: text update, rating unchanged
3.7 AROMA 8/10 APPEARANCE 3/5 TASTE 7/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 15/20
Bottle at James’ place. Pours slightly hazed gold. Spicy yeast, light grainy notes, and some fruit sweetness. Light bitterness and hints of citrus. X=10.
3.3 AROMA 7/10 APPEARANCE 4/5 TASTE 7/10 PALATE 3/5 OVERALL 12/20
Bottle shared by Ramy at tasting at my house. Pours gold with white head. Nose and taste of caramel, toffee malt, orange peel, coriander, tea and sugar. Medium body.
3.7 AROMA 7/10 APPEARANCE 3/5 TASTE 7/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 16/20
DC tasting. Mildly hazy golden tan, no real head, some foam around the edges. Pretty mellow for the ABV. Golden Tripel kind of beer. Has a delicate tea/chamomile balance. Nice and unique.
2.6 AROMA 5/10 APPEARANCE 4/5 TASTE 5/10 PALATE 3/5 OVERALL 9/20
The aroma is sweet and honey like with spices and yeast. The appearance is golden with a thin head. The taste is like the aroma. The palate is smooth. Overall a disappointing special beer that seems so ordinary.
3 AROMA 6/10 APPEARANCE 3/5 TASTE 6/10 PALATE 3/5 OVERALL 12/20
A beer that has the strength and flavor to make this a unique beer. I am tastings many spices and probably some honey. It very tasty but it has some faults
---Rated via Beer Buddy for iPhone
4.2 AROMA 9/10 APPEARANCE 4/5 TASTE 8/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 17/20
Pours an orange amber color. Aroma is very zesty with a heavy Belgian yeast aroma. Very zesty taste with a complex blend of fruit flavors. A nice finish with taste of green apples. One of my favorites. Would definitely drink again.
---Rated via Beer Buddy for iPhone
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