 awaisanen (1155), Irvine, California, USA
Apr 22, 2008
From a 750mL Bottle. Courtesy of valpoaj. Pours a murky chestnut brown color with a thick head of ashy tan -
curious, but inviting. Lots of oak in the nose, bringing out woody characters that bring to mind stringy cedar
bark in addition to the oaky vanilla. Light chocolate, dry yeasty peppers, and fruity plum skins. Medium bodied,
heavily carbonated mouthfeel. Flavors of chocolate malt, fruity prunes, along with some dusty horseblanket brett
notes and saddle leather. Peppery phenols as well. Lots of brett, although it works well with the oak and
chocolaty malt flavors for the most part. Toward the finish, the brett becomes a bit too dominant, and the
interesting flavor complexities begin to fade. Intriguing beer overall, and a pleasure to try. Thanks, AJ!
hopdog (4645), Lansdale, Pennsylvania, USA
Sep 21, 2008 750ml bottle acquired in trade with valpoaj (thanks!!!). Bottle # 1224 / 1492, bottled Aug 2007 & Brewed in Sept 06. Gusher alert! Another one I’m glad I opened on the outside deck. This one just kept on coming out the bottle (slowly but surely). Poured a deeper and cloudy brown color with a huge sized off white head. Aromas of wood, earthy, a little funky, dark cherries, grape skins, cinnamon, and very light vanilla. Tastes of wood, earthy, the same light funkiness, chocolate, some dark fruitiness, and spices. Light alcohol in the finish.
jjpm74 (3086), Stratford, CT 06614, Connecticut, USA
Sep 14, 2008 Bottle 237 courtesy of iowaherkeye. Pours brown with a nice tan head. Smells of oak, some tarte sour hints, cognac, funky. Tastes earthy and sweet with a touch of bretty unkiness and some nice chewy caramel, nuts and spice. I don;t know if the brett is intentional or accidental, but it really works here.
ChainGangGuy (1602), Kennesaw, Georgia, USA
Jun 14, 2008 Appearance: Pours a dark brown, clear body with a gigantic, off-white head.
Smell: Sour-smelling sour cherry with a pinch of nutmeg, allspice, and cocoa powder.
Taste: Lightly chocolatey maltiness with distinct sour and spice qualities to it. Some woodiness. Funky, drying finish with a hint of exasperated cocoa.
Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied. Full carbonation.
Drinkability: No thanks. Fourth beer I’ve had from Upstream and the second I rather disliked. 2 oughta 4 now for those keeping score at home.
pantanap (781), Chicago, Illinois, USA
May 27, 2008 750ml bottle. thanks to Joey for this awesome extra!..... pours a fizzy chocolate brown with a spritzy light brown head.... light tartness and oak without a whole lot of malt as implied by the description on the bottle.... mild flavor with somewhat of a muted emphasis on the oak and light vanilla flvors. extremely dryh finish with a very lively and carbonated mouthfeel. can’t detect much of the 9.4% in this.
kp (6200), Woodstock, Georgia, USA
May 25, 2008 Date: 05/22/2008
Mode: Bottle
Source: Tasting
Appearance: dark ruby red, wispy tan head, streaks of drippy lace,
Aroma: sweet dark fruit aroma with a cherry pit tartness,
Body: thin over carbonated body,
Flavor: sweet dark caramel malt flavor, lots of oaky character, balanced with a fruity lactic tartness,
Aroma: 7/10; Appearance: 6/10; Flavor: 6/10; Palate: 6/10; Overall: 13/20
Rating: 3.2/5.0
Drinkability: 6/10
Score: **+/4
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