White Birch Barrel Aged Coopers Dilemma Ale

Brewed by White Birch Brewing
Style: Belgian Ale
Hooksett, New Hampshire USA

Serve in Trappist glass, Tulip, Tumbler

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Picked up at the brewery a corked and caged 750ml bottle filled on July 25,2011 Batch one. This beer was served directly out of the white birch barrel it was aged in at the White Birch beer fest in July, and apparently some bottles were also produced. Huge pop from the uncorking procedure, the most difficult bottles ever to be uncorked come from Hooksett NH. Wow this one is difficult to pour but comes out a slightly hazy golden straw color with more head than beer in the glass on my first pouring attempt. Smells of yeasty Belgian esters, some citrus in the form of lemon and pineapple, and a faint menthol wintergreen aroma that I assume is the birch wood contribution. Taste is a strange mix of lemon, pineapple, wintergreen, phenolics and yeast. Very dry finish. Medium to light body with an enormous level of carbonation and a tart watery mouthfeel. Interesting mix of flavors, definitely outside the box, I think a bit of body and some residual sweetness could do wonders for this brew, but as is its a bit muddled.

Dated: July 25, 2011. From bottle no. 57 of 101. This can only be found at the White Birch Brewery and (as of now) is not available in stores. It pours a cloudy golden amber with a frisky head that leaves lacing as it fades. Loads of aroma of malts, yeast, wood, and citrus along the lines of pineapple. There is also a sharp hop bite on the nose. The body is creamy and mellow in the medium range. The taste is also in the Belgian tradition of smooth malts, some candied sweetness but not as much citrus. There is a sour afterbite that lingers. It is a nice tasting beer.