Pannepot Reserva - De Struise Brouwers

wschmit

Illinois

3.95/5  rDev -8.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

2008, 12 oz., into a Perfect Pint.

A: Pours a murky, orange amber, topped with a half-inch of tan head that leaves a bit of sticky lacing. Not much apparent carbonation in the body.

S: Very carmelized and boozy up front, mellowing into a mild, sherry-like sweetness with a touch of vanilla.

T: Not sweet for a big quad, more dry than I expected. Slightly astringent and woody, but not much. Otherwise, a sort of generic malt flavor dominates--a little chocolate and caramel, but otherwise a subdued, raisin taste, with some booze presence. Some earthy hopping lingers in the end.

M: Lower end of the carbonation scale suits this well enough. I taste the alcohol, but the sensation warms pleasantly.

D: It goes down easily for a big beer, but hard to imagine drinking several of these. Quads are pretty extravagant, I find; this one's on the restrained end.

Serving type: bottle

02-25-2011 05:05:40 | More by wschmit

DovaliHops

California

3.95/5  rDev -8.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

2008 Vintage. Pours a dark brownish-red color with a small off-white head that diminishes quickly. Scent is candied dark fruits with light alcohol and brown sugar. Taste is very well-balanced and complex with hints of oak and vanilla. A little bit of caramel as well with some nice spiciness. Finishes with a bit of booze and more dark fruits. Carbonation is a bit lacking for this style IMO, but still very nice and drinkable. Overall, it's a very good beer, but I don't know if I'd prefer it to Rochefort 10 or St Bernardus 12.

Serving type: bottle

03-25-2011 07:03:46 | More by DovaliHops

jthahn

Indiana

3.95/5  rDev -8.6%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Bottle poured into a tulip.
'09 bottle, opened March of 2012.

A - nothing too special about the appearance of the beer. dark...one finger head..etc,etc

S - definitely has an oak smell to it. take any bourbon barrel aged beer and just remove the sweetness of the bourbon and keep the wood intact, thats it.

T - this is where this beer delivers. i tend to vassilate on quads but i like this one. its strong, so i hesitate to call it really drinkable but thats what it is. the alcohol holds back, mostly due to the large amounts of oak, molasses and caramel that come through.

M - its right in the middle, probably right where it should be. not overly heavy and certainly not light either. the beer lingers on your tongue for a little while after drinking it.

O - I would definitely put this quad in a lineup of beers that i regularly drink, which is saying something for it being a quad. although the price tag would probably prohibit that, $6.99 for a single 12 oz.

If you want a reason to get this beer, then i would say to utilize it the same way you would a big bold red wine. a steak, a broiled pork chop...it would suit these things perfectly.

Serving type: bottle

03-15-2012 22:19:14 | More by jthahn

largadeer

Kentucky

3.93/5  rDev -9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Pours a murky tawny color with a large and long-lasting head that leaves a coating of foam on the glass. The nose is rich, full of chocolate, raisins and molasses. There's a faint red wine-like tartness, and a odd mineral aroma beneath the surface. On the palate it's fruity and slightly tart, like a semi-ripe blackberry. A big chocolate malt flavor makes up the foundation, with subtler notes of tannins, minerals and figs beneath that. The finish is semi-dry and semi-tart with a light astringency. The full body and chocolatey, almost roasty malt profile make this an unusual quad, and a fairly good one.

Serving type: bottle

05-21-2009 02:31:45 | More by largadeer

barczar

Kentucky

3.93/5  rDev -9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4

Pours an opaque deep brown with a modest beige head that dissipates to minimal lacing.

Fairly subtle aromas of plum, prune, and dark belgian candi sugar complement toasted oak and a hint of belgian yeast. Raisins emerge as it warms.

Boozy oak, with sweet maple backbone and underlying dark fruit notes of fig, prunes, and raisins form the flavor profile. Hints of rum and vanilla add complexity at the peppery finish.

Body is moderate, with minimal carbonation and lots of alcohol heat.

Pretty hot. Could use some aging to calm that down, but the flavor and aroma were more subtle than expected. Somewhat disappointing. Overrated, imo.

Serving type: on-tap

05-25-2013 18:36:15 | More by barczar

tpd975

Florida

3.9/5  rDev -9.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A – Poured a nice chestnut brown with a light caramel head. The head is made up of tiny uniform bubbles that lingered for a long time leaving a thick lace on my St. Bernardus chalice.

S – Sweet yet roasted malt, and dark rum soaked chocolate covered cherries. A hint of fig and raisin as it warms.

T – Begins with strong dark chocolate taste with hints of burnt brown sugar. Figs and raisins can also be noted.

M – Full bodied with ample carbonation.

D – Thick yet drinkable.

Overall: It does not rank up there the with ABT quads, but is a nice beer nonetheless. Nice sweet brown sugar tastes mingled with dark fruits. It's an easy drinker at such a high ABV. I am eager to try the Belgian verison to see how this one stacks up.

Serving type: bottle

01-15-2008 19:07:52 | More by tpd975

GRG1313

California

3.9/5  rDev -9.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

"Old Monk's Ale" - 2007;

Pours dark brown with perhaps a deep red tint; thin tan head.

Nose is red plum, bright red fruit, grape/wine character in the nose;

Mouthfeel is creamy, malty and rich feeling.

Flavors are sweet-smoke sugar; sweet coffee and deep whiskey/chocolate with espresso. Complex, layered, sweet character and a nice alcohol character.

Drinks well and one of the few of this type I'd like colder than room temperature. this is more of a sipping dessert beer.

Nice a bit unique. Carmel/toffee/coffee/malty finish with just a burnt carmel bitter finish.

Probably couldn't drink a lot this; too rich and sweet. Nice for a small amount. Like dessert.

Serving type: bottle

07-23-2010 04:48:33 | More by GRG1313

keithmurray

New York

3.9/5  rDev -9.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

11.2 oz, 2007 bottle poured into a chalice

Appearance - Cloudy, dark chestnut brown color, which yielded a little bit of a tan head

Smell - red wine, plums, red grapes

taste - Red grapes, plums, cherries, malt, wood, slight smokiness to this as well, for 10% ABV, the booze is well integrated into the balance of this beer

mouthfeel - medium to full bodied, highly carbonated, slightly sweet in the middle, a bit of a tart, sour finish, which is a good thing here is that makes sense

Mouthfeel - there are cheaper and more readily available Quads out there for regular drinking, but by itself, this was a good beverage, very complex on the palate, a sipper, I am glad I tried this, very good Quad - worth seeking out if you can get a hold of it.

Serving type: bottle

03-13-2011 22:33:14 | More by keithmurray

AgentZero

Illinois

3.9/5  rDev -9.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Had this side by side with Pannepot, both 2006 vintages.

A - Basically looked the same, a brown colored beer with a little red on the edges. There wasn't much of a head, and it disappeared quickly.

S - Didn't like the nose on this one qas much. Dark fruits, toffee, brown sugar, and a little bit of vanilla, but not quite as sweet or smooth smelling as Pannepot, and with a noticable bit more alcohol.

T - I did like the taste more. Sweeter, and with more of a caramel quality. Dark fruits, particularly figs, a little bit of raisin, a little spice, brown sugar, and a slight alcohol burn. Felt like it was more smoothed out.

M - Not quite full bodied, with a moderate amount of carbonation.

O - Good beer, just like Pannepot was. I'd actually prefer to drink this one more, as it was smoother, but they were both winners.

Serving type: bottle

07-07-2011 16:10:31 | More by AgentZero

kiddynamite920

Pennsylvania

3.85/5  rDev -10.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

A: 2008 bottle. Very dark brown with a fingers worth of head, lacing already evident. Hints at a dark, red copper when light hits it.

S: Actually a bit light for how dark the beer is. Green apples and pears. The cherries and figs are definitely there, and it finishes with cinnamon and oak-y wood notes. Definitely one that aged gracefully.

T: Sweet, caramel with dark notes of fig and molasses. The light smells of the nose don't come through on the palate. Instead, this is where this beer shines. Brown sugar and vanilla extract. Some cherry and a bit of bitterness. Interesting beer.

M: Thick and chewy, full bodied and full of flavor that lasts for a while. Low carbonation that makes for a very smooth body.

O: This one is very enjoyable but, a bit on the raisin side for me. Sweet and viscous. Too much caramel and sweetness.

Serving type: bottle

10-04-2011 06:12:39 | More by kiddynamite920

Bitterbill

Wyoming

3.83/5  rDev -11.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

I got this bottle from leftmindedrighty in a trade. Thanks Aaron!

This pours from 11.2oz bottle(2006) a very dark brown with about a 2 finger head of foam that lasts for the entire session as a solid thin layer and there's some good lacing.

The smell has notes of citrus, spice, sugar...it's fairly light on the nose.

The taste is tasty. Peppery notes along wiith some chocolate, dark fruit, fig, mild candy sugars...this is really smooth.

It has a fairly thick mouthfeel to it, the carbonation is medium to light, and it finishes with a mix of bitter chocolate and maybe, raisin.

The alcohol, I noticed during the swallow but not so much after the swallow. I think I could only drink one of these at a sitting but it's quite nice.

Thanks again go out to Aaron!

Serving type: bottle

01-07-2008 23:27:21 | More by Bitterbill

randjuke

Iowa

3.83/5  rDev -11.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

2008 bottle gives dark brown sightly cloudy with beige head that disappears quickly. Aroma dark fruits and Belgian yeasts. Taste chocolate, dark fruits, spice, yeast, acidic. Thick creamy mouth feel. Medium finish with mild-moderate bitterness. Alcohol well disguised.

Not as tasty, creamy or complex as the Pannepot but still a decent beer.

Serving type: bottle

05-14-2010 01:37:53 | More by randjuke

Bendurgin

Maine

3.8/5  rDev -12%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured into a small pint glass. Pours a dark murky brown with just a thin head that settles almost immediately.

Big malty profile with a bit of a grape aroma. Caramel in he aroma with figs and raisins. Smells tannic and a little sweet. The taste is very malty and fruity. Lots of raisin ms fig flavor with a bit of caramel sweetness. Hints of cocoa linger in the background.

Good feel to this. Full body with soft carbonation.Overall a nice quad. I'd love to have this more available.

Serving type: on-tap

05-08-2011 04:32:59 | More by Bendurgin

comfortablynumb1

California

3.8/5  rDev -12%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

2008 vintage

Poured from 11.2 fl oz bottle into a RR snifter...

A - Pours a deep mahogany with a one finger tan head. Head dissipates at fairly hasty rate, but there is some sticky lacing to be had...

S - Sweet malts, dark fruits, belgian yeast, a little spice, and some alcohol. Alot sweeter scent than I was expecting...

T - Caramel, figs, plums, brown sugar, and some toffee. Don't pick up any oak. Ends with a good amount of sweet malt, and a touch of lingering dark fruit. Alcohol is present, but is not as prominate as it comes across in the scent. There is alot going on here, and sweet malts are definitely the base...

M - On the higher end of being medium bodied. Carbonation is on the moderate side, but it still prickles the toungue. A definite sipper...

O - Solid brew, but not worth the price-vs- bottle size imo. Was also a little bummed about the lack of oak. Good, but probably not something I will be going out of my way to obtain...

Cheers...

Serving type: bottle

10-19-2011 04:11:13 | More by comfortablynumb1

richmof

Belgium

3.78/5  rDev -12.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

Pannepeut 2007 in Chez Moeder Lambic (they didn't have the one I actually wanted). New young bartender made a point of pouring the beer and then made a hames of it...oh well. Even though there was way too much frothy head, some good head retained and stuck with us till the end. The beer itself was chestnut brown and quite cloudy (maybe to do with pour).

Dark fruits come through on the nose but also some malt and brandy. This follows through on the palate and it is almost like a christmas pudding - lots of dark fruit: figs, caramelised cherries, dates etc. There is clearly some biscuit malt there as well and the hopping counteracts some of the sweetness. Overall, it is a little too sweet for me (had a 2008 recently and wonder if the extra year is too much for the beer?). Really intense flavour for sure but quite heavy and I would struggle to drink more than one.

Serving type: bottle

11-08-2010 00:00:56 | More by richmof

StonedTrippin

Colorado

3.78/5  rDev -12.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

09 vintage totally not worth the hype. pours a clear caramel color with a red trace and a minimal white head that fades to nothing in seconds. the smell is just fine, sweet residual sugars from a big ass malt profile, a touch of molasses, and plento of booze. the flavor is a letdown to me though. it has none of the complexity im accustomed to in a quad. nothing woody about this, nothing spirited and clever in the malts used, and just way too much sugar and booze. this is not an elegant beer. the mouthfeel is flat and watered down, made caustic from the alcohol, which should have mellowed out by now. sticky sweet feeling left after the last sip, a funny buzz, and a turning tummy. this isnt anywhere near one of the best quads ive had. good beer by other standards maybe, or maybe my bottle was bunk, but this was a huge letdown for me.

Serving type: bottle

10-23-2012 23:39:42 | More by StonedTrippin

Phelps

Arizona

3.78/5  rDev -12.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

In my Lost Abbey glass, this beer is a murky, deep purple hue. About an inch of brown sugar-colored head fizzles quickly to a thin ring.

Sweet, rich nose. Dates, maple, brown sugar, chocolate, sherry. Just a touch lighter than I'd like.

Bigger, better, brighter flavor. The dark fruits are huge here -- raising, figs, dates. Tangy, like juice. The swallow brings a bit of chocolate and more than a little alcohol flavor. Maybe even some oak. I'm liking it more and more as it warms.

Moderate bitterness, mild alcohol heat. Silky medium body with mild, fizzy carbonation.

The dark fruits are a little too big and tangy for my tastes -- I prefer more of the deep malt flavors.

Serving type: bottle

11-22-2012 19:30:56 | More by Phelps

Jeffo

Netherlands

3.75/5  rDev -13.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Picked this up at the brewery in Woestvleteren.

From a bottle into a chalice. Sampled directly after Pannepot 2008.

Note: This vintage has the name spelt out on the label using the Dutch spelling: "Pannepeut." A 2007 vintage.

APPEARANCE: Pours a 1 ½ finger medium-thick tan head with great retention. Deep sienna brown in color, opaque, with no visible carbonation evident. Head slowly fades to a healthy foam cap that stays until the finish, but leaves no real lacing down the glass.

SMELL: A bit of a muted nose unfortunately. Some caramel malt and hints of spices and herbs, but not much else there. Pleasant, but not bold enough.

TASTE: Lots caramel malt and brown sugary sweetness. Some dark fruits, grapes and raisins perhaps, as well as notes of red wine through the middle. The finish shows some sweet and spicy alcohol along side some hop bitterness as well and leads into a bold but short lived aftertaste. Tasty for sure, and much more impressive than the nose had indicated.

PALATE: Medium body and not quite as creamy as hoped. Goes down smooth though, with a bit of an alcohol burn at the finish, though well measured, and finishes slightly dry on the palate.

OVERALL: Essentially, this brew is Pannepot without the added spices and herbs. Though Pannepeut is a nice beer on its own right, I don't think it even compares to Pannepot in terms of complexity and enjoyment. On the other hand, I can definitely see the appeal in this brew, and can understand why some would chose it over Pannepot. This is one I would have again, but would reach for the regular Pannepot nine times out of ten. Worth checking out to make up your own mind if you get the chance, and especially fun for a side-by-side.

Serving type: bottle

06-18-2010 19:17:02 | More by Jeffo

Philousa

California

3.75/5  rDev -13.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

2009 vintage.

Pours an inky mahogany with a bone colored head that is barely there. The foam comes up like a magic spell conjured from the drink, the bubbles small and delicate. Lots of vanilla with dark milk chocolate, wet oak, and an alcohol tinge in the aroma. There is some plum and other dark fruit in there, but you have to take a big whiff, since the chocolate is so prevalent. Lots of dark chocolate throughout the flavor profile. Young oak wood and subtle vanilla bean waft through. There is some definite plum and date flavors that are potent like a juice, but fleeting, like it's peeking it's head above the chocolate flavor for air. This beer is thick with flavor not unlike a brownie. This is a dangerous beer, as I cannot detect the alcohol at all. Feel is balanced with a somewhat dry finish. 

While I enjoyed this beer, I feel thre are more complex quads out there to be had for cheaper or the same price. The chocolate male is just too dominating.

Serving type: bottle

10-30-2012 22:33:14 | More by Philousa

bobhits

Kentucky

3.74/5  rDev -13.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.5

Pours a deep brown though surprisingly for a 2010 I'm not seeing a lot of yeast clouding. A bit of creamy head forms but no retention and fades before the glass is even 1/4 consumed.

Oak goodness really dominates the aroma giving way to chocolate, molasses, clove, and raisins.

Oak accents a very fruity almost sour base beer and then dominates the finish. There is beyond a complex brew but almost to a fault. A berry medley underneath oak and alcohol heat with light sugars sounds far better than this mix is providing. I think this beer needs another 2-3 years in the cellar to meld these flavors together more.

A bit hot and thin.

Pannepot reserva has a lot of potential, the oak flavors really add a nice adjustment to the regular beer. The problem is the base beer seems weaker and less prominent. I think age is needed on this. A 2010 served 2013 perhaps a 5 year gap between the bottle date and tasting are needed here. A shame as I thought I'd like this more from the nose and the first sip.

Serving type: bottle

05-25-2013 09:39:30 | More by bobhits

kojevergas

California

3.74/5  rDev -13.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.5

My favourite style from one of my favourite breweries. Pannepot Reserve 2010 vintage. "Belgian Ale Brewed with Spices and Aged in Oak." I've had all the other Pannepot variants; really excited for this one. I try to avoid buying Belgian beers while in the U.S. because I know how much cheaper I can get them in Belgium, but I couldn't help myself when this came to my local beer store. Acquired for $7.99 USD. Expections could not be higher; every Pannepot I've had has been incredible. I loved the Grand Reserva. 10% ABV cofnirmed. "PnP No. 4" Bottle lot: 29|01|HH. Unpasteurized, unfiltered, and bottle conditioned. Imported by the Shelton Bastards. 11.2 fl oz brown glass bottle with unbranded standard pry-off cap served into a Mitchells of Lancaster flared stem-tulip in me gaff in low altitude Los Feliz, Los Angeles, California. Reviewed live.

Served cold, straight from the fridge, and allowed to warm over the course of consumption. Side-poured with standard vigor as no carbonation issues are anticipated.

A: Pours a lovely tan colour head, about 1.5 fingers in thickness. Nice soft complexion and creamy succulent texture. Colour is quite appealing given the style. Even consistent lacing clings to the sides of the glass as the head recedes. Supple, luscious, and inviting. No bubble show. Retention is quite good, around 7 minutes I'd say. The last of the creamy head clings to the surface, tantalizing the consumer. Soft and approachable.

Body colour is a a very dark ruby-black; solid and opaque. Some ruby glow at the bottom of the glass from scattered light. No yeast particles are visible, but it's nontransparent. Colour intensity is mild.

Looking good for a quadrupel. Very excited for this one.

Sm: Great. Dark fruits - including plum and fig. Cocoa powder, caramel, biscuit malts. Berry skin. Cream. Subtle supple oak in the background. Buried raisin. Dark currants and cherries emerge as it warms. A delightful mix of beautifully integrated dark fruit with very subtle oak notes. Luxuriously appealing. Traces of biscuity yeast. Some grape. Plum is dominant. An extremely subtle aroma with magnificent complexity. Mild in strength. No alcohol comes through. Can't wait to drink this one.

T: Ripples of luxurious dark fruit throughout - dates, dominant plum, fig, dark cherry, dark currants... Fruity notes are more overt than in many other top of the line quads; it lacks the masterful delicate subtlety of something like Westvleteren. Caramel. Hints of nutty notes. Biscuit malt. Some brown malt. Light cocoa powder. Some grape. Fruity sweetness up front slowly gives way to a bit of a more dry raisin body which still feels smooth and wet in spite of the hardening of texture. Nuanced. Oak isn't as splendorous as the aroma indicated; it's too restrained and timid here. I get the sense that the oak helps lend cohesion and focus to the many different flavours, but it doesn't offer much in terms of oaky or wooden taste. Not getting any subtle toasty or vanilla notes you might expect in an oak aged beer.

Overall, it's far more fruity than I expected. As a result, it's not quite as well balanced and built as other top Belgian quadrupels. Do I like it? Shit yes.

Mf: Supple, soft, smooth, and wet. Good carbonation; the bottle conditioning definitely helps it feel natural and apt. Good thickness and body. Good presence on the palate. Feels custom-tailored to the flavour profile. Extremely well done.

Still, it lacks the delicacy or fragility of superior quads.

Dr: Definitely a fine quad, no doubt. I'd definitely get it again at a better price; I can't justify the cost in the U.S. again knowing how little this would run be in Belgium. Hides its ABV very well and shows signs it would develop nicely with age. I'd definitely recommend this one to friends. Another jaw-dropper from De Struise. I tend to be hard on quads since they're my favourite, but this one I hold in high regard. I'd happily drink more than one of these in a night. I'm glad I'm not sharing it with anyone else.

Constructively, I'd like to see still more complexity and subtlety, as well as a refined fragile and delicate mouthfeel. Also, bring that oak out more, please! And maybe tame the fruit a bit. A bit too sweet and syrupy; I'm sure some reviewers will accuse it of being reminiscent of cough syrup but that's juvenile and reductive.

High B

Serving type: bottle

06-11-2013 03:21:52 | More by kojevergas

jrallen34

Illinois

3.73/5  rDev -13.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

I drank this from a 11.2 oz bottle from the De Struise web shop...The beer pours medium brown, like a quad should look but a little lighter of a brown than the pannepot. There are tons of yeasy floaties. The head is disappointing, only rising a little then gone right away...The aroma is really dark fruits, raisins, caramel with a slight hop finish...The taste is ok, doesn't quite live up to a great quad though. A little light in feel and a very alcoholic finish. The taste is in general is just kind of flat.

Serving type: bottle

05-28-2010 23:39:00 | More by jrallen34

kflack

North Carolina

3.73/5  rDev -13.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A special thanks to dogfishandi for this trade bonus!!

2008 Reserva LOT 4DD

A: Wow, thick! Small head the dissapears quickly.

S: Dried fruit,

T: A little sweetness, nice dried fruit. Mild hops. Kinda boozey?

M: Thin, but you can tell its bottle conditioned. Nice carbination for this style. Maybe aged a little long??

O: No hint as to the style off the bottle, just aged. I think its a good tripple?? Maybe a quad? Nice overall, but maybe aged a little long.

Serving type: bottle

03-22-2011 20:18:31 | More by kflack

seeswo

Ohio

3.7/5  rDev -14.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

2008 vintage bought from the Webshop.

Appears dark, almost cherry brown in color, with minimal head. Nose of oak and mild cherry. Smells decent, but reserved.

Taste is not too sweet, but with a touch of cherry or other fruit sweetness. A bit of oak. A bit boozy, though not too much. The taste doesn't totally come together for me, like it is missing a bit of punch or direction. Maybe I'm not good with subtlety.

Medium mouthfeel that comes in a bit thinner than expected. Taste doesn't carry long with a very slight dry finish.

Found it to be very drinkable and it was not as much of a sipper as I was expecting. Maybe a bit of alcohol burn holds this back a touch, but not too much.

Serving type: bottle

12-31-2010 15:04:21 | More by seeswo

headbucket

Ohio

3.68/5  rDev -14.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

2008 bottle, lot A4DD.

A: A nice brown with a light tan colored head. Lots of little floaties in the beer since I wasn't careful when pouring. Not much lacing left around the glass but there is a nice swirl of foam around the edges of the glass and over top of the beer.

S: Sweet/candied dark fruits, little bit of brown sugar, and a little spice in there.

T: Dark fruits and sweetness like brown sugar on the start of the taste, spice comes in next(can't quite pinpoint which ones, but it tastes like a belgian beer in the middle for sure) as well as a bit of oak/woodiness. Brown sugar mostly lingers in the finish, a bit of the dark fruits, but they are overpowered.

M:Not very carbonated but it feels medium thick and dense.

O:Pretty nice. Not my favorite quad and I don't know that I taste too much of the barrel aging, would be interested to know what was aged in the barrels before this beer, or if they were new barrels. Interesting and glad that I got to try it, but won't be buying it again for the price of it.

Serving type: bottle

04-03-2011 01:31:08 | More by headbucket