Siamese Twin Ale - Uncommon Brewers

emerge077

Illinois

3.55/5  rDev -3.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

Rapidly dissipating speckled skim on the surface, deep saturated copper amber color with a hint of crimson. Nice color, the foam fades away pretty fast though. Slowly rising carb trails visible when held to the light.

Fruity sweet aroma of dried figs, rum raisin, sarsaparilla. Fairly complex and interesting, though a bit sweet with a hint of booze peeking through.

Sweet fruity flavors, reduced brown sugar, carob, figs and cola... also seems a little like sarsaparilla, a little like bittersweet chicory. Drying finish with some light lingering flavors, but nothing really distinctive. Medium bodied and slightly astringent. As it warms and sits in the glass, it's astringency becomes less pleasant.

Overall this is an ok Dubbel, not sure if it's something i'd seek out again personally though.

Serving type: can

04-24-2012 01:13:19 | More by emerge077

GbVDave

Illinois

3.98/5  rDev +8.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from a 16oz can into a DFH thick-stemmed tulip.

Canned on: 12/19/2011

A: Pours a deep russet with striking clarity. A brief flash of head that becomes a creamy, light brown collar that doesn't leave any lace.

S: Strong aromas of toasted bready malt, coriander, dark fruit, pan roasted nuts, vanilla icing, and a faint whiff of citrus.

T: See above with rum raisin bread pudding, dark chocolate, and subtle herbal flavors.

M: Full and relatively chewy. Savory flavors stick fully to the tongue and last long past the finish.

O: Damn impressive. I dug the "not traditionally canned" style that they chose to release. I'll keep my eyes on these guys.

Serving type: can

03-27-2012 00:26:54 | More by GbVDave

mdfb79

New York

2.85/5  rDev -22.6%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

Picked this up at Rick's in Alexandria a week or two ago. Poured from a 16 oz. can into my Lost Abbey glass.

a - Pours a deep medium brown color with two fingers of dark tan head and moderate carbonation evident. Head lasts for two minutes or so and a few bubbles throughout drinking.

s - Smells a bit metalic, and or nuts, toasted malts, raisins, figs, dark fruits, fruity malts, and light sugar. The metalic notes throw it off a bit.

t - Tastes of sugar, sweet dark fruits, sweet fruity malts, raisins, plums, figs, molasses, toasted malta, bready malts, and burnt malts. A little too sweet but no metalic notes.

m - Medium body and moderate to high carbonation. Little bit of alcohol and a little too carbonated.

o - Overall I wasn't a big fan of this one. I thought the nose was a bit metalic, the taste was a little too sweet, and the body was a little too carbonated. Overall not a great beer and something I wouldn't seek out again or recommend.

Serving type: can

03-21-2012 22:58:32 | More by mdfb79

paulginva

Virginia

3.48/5  rDev -5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5

APPEARANCE: This beer, poured from a tap into a goblet, produced a medium-tan frothy 1" head that dissipated somewhat slowly leaving good head lacing. Carbonation was soft in a muddy deep amber body.

AROMA: Some sweet malts but the predominant aroma was of lemon and ginger and a bit of alcohol.

TASTE: Initially, moderate amounts of lemon, lime, mint and grass, a hint of yeast, a bit of sweet malt and a bit of warm alcohol.

MOUTHFEEL: This beer had a somewhat light body with a thin texture, soft carbonation and modest body lacing that dissipated somewhat slowly. The initial flavor was moderately tart and bitter with a somewhat sweet finish that lasted for a moderate length of time.

DRINKABILITY: This is a sipping beer, not one I'd want for a session beer. Two would be tops for me. While easy to drink and having a good price point, the beer suffered from some deficiencies, not least of which was that it didn't taste much like a dubbel. It's described as "unique and uncommon," and I'll give them that -- and points for creating an original brew -- but I doubt that I'll buy it again; it just wasn't that outstanding.

Serving type: on-tap

03-13-2012 17:27:55 | More by paulginva

kflorence

California

3.53/5  rDev -4.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A: Pours a deep amber with a cherry tint when held up to the light. A fourth inch of frothy, tan foam sits atop and clings to the edges of the glass, slowly sliding down to the level of the brew. The foam bubbles on this one are pretty microscopic which gives reason to believe the carbonation here will be crisp but not overly active. A bit darker than I expected, but probably not unusual for the style.

S: Lots of caramelized malts on the nose along with some dark fruits, as well as a good amount of lemongrass, coriander and lime, as advertised!

T: The taste follows the aroma quite well for this brew. A decidedly malt-prominent blast of flavors hit first with dark fruits, lemongrass, coriander and lime following. A little caramel and toffee. Not much yeast. Lots of coriander. An interesting combination of flavors to be sure. Honestly, I'm not sure the coriander and lemongrass work well here, as it they seem to clash along with the added sweetness from the malts. Finishes quite dry with a bit of burnt grass. Lingering flavor is caramelized malts, lemongrass and hay.

M: Medium bodied with a light, crisp carbonation and a fair amount of substance. Interestingly, this brew seems to coat your tongue with an oily residue as it hits the tongue, and finish quite dry after the swallow.

O: Frankly, Belgian Dubbel's have never really been my thing, but I'm always up for exploration. While I appreciate the innovative thinking here, it just didn't really gel for me. There seems to be a clash between the sweet malts, dark fruits and spices that just doesn't sit well in my stomach. Still, this one is quite drinkable thanks to the light carbonation, and at 8.5% ABV you pretty much forget what it tastes like half-way through. I could totally see this beer satisfying a niche market, but I would probably pass over it on my next trip to the store. Cheers!

Serving type: can

02-29-2012 03:21:50 | More by kflorence

codsmith

Illinois

3.98/5  rDev +8.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3 | overall: 4

A: Dark amber with some bright red notes and fairly clear, but no head. It's missing the white creamy head to really pull this off an keep in some of the wonderful flavor.

S: A nice deep malt mixed with a very rich spicy lime aroma. Some very interesting aromas that play nicely with the style and the yeast character. A low alcohol aroma can be detected

T: You can pickup a lot of lime and spicy used. There is a medium amount of malty taste. There is good amount of phenol, ester and alcohol at play.

M: Light body with low carbonation. Easy to drink, but way off the mark on body and carbonation.

O: It has a good aroma and taste, but its really missing the carbonation to kick this beer up from being "good" to "great."

Serving type: can

02-29-2012 02:53:22 | More by codsmith

TMoney2591

Illinois

3.15/5  rDev -14.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Served in a Sloeber tulip glass.

Yeah, I'd say Siamese Twins are indeed pretty uncommon... Anyway, this stuff pours a clear ruby-garnet topped by a half-finger of dusty khaki foam. The nose comprises caramel, toasted rye bread, light lime peel, lemon zest, and a touch of banana. The taste holds notes of caramel, burnt rye bread, light lime zest, lemongrass (hey, for once it's actually in the beer!), clove, light fig, and a bit of banana peel. The fruit and grass combine for an occasionally harsh bitterness that tends to clash with the sweetness enveloping it. Luckily, this doesn't happen all the time. The body is a light medium, with a moderate carbonation and a decidedly drying finish. Overall, an interesting dubbel, that's for sure, but one that's not my bag.

Serving type: can

02-22-2012 05:37:38 | More by TMoney2591

DrDemento456

Pennsylvania

3.98/5  rDev +8.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A -Just like the last beer I had this one is exploding with carbonation even when only slightly agitated. Color is a hazy dark brown with a full inch of tan colored head.

S - Smells of everything advertised: lemon grass, lime, and coriander.

T - I get some flavors that remind me of a Belgium dubbel the dark fruits and yeasts are kind of muted to make way for strong coriander and equally as strong lime. The grass does give it a hay like taste.

M - Medium bodied but highly carbonated so it seems to go down lighter than it should

Overall I assume this one is just as old as the Baltic Porter which is at least 8 months old and still this banging with carbonation. A very weird beer that I could see buying again.

Serving type: can

02-11-2012 16:12:27 | More by DrDemento456

beerthulhu

New Jersey

3.48/5  rDev -5.4%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

- Ale brewed with kaffir lime leaves, lemon grass and coriander. Serving can dated 12/19/11. Consumed 2/2/12.

A: A beautiful deep ruby red when backlighted exposes a spacious light rise of effervesce. Tawny head, low profile, doesn’t hold long nor offer any window dressing. Easy clarity.

S: Scents of lemongrass and dried lime peels are most evident on the open. Spicy flowers and spices as well soft coriander hints and grape stems. Intriguing, interesting enough.

T: Again an interesting mix of flavors and spices quite unique to most beers. Lime, grapes with a spicy herbaceous flowering. Fresh toasty caramel, dried grapefruit with a soft offering of coriander. Fresh greenery, briary with some woodsy evergreen and lemon grass. There are indications of some spicy herbaceous notes which are quite hard to define, dried tomato-basil. Touches of starfruit rounds out with a warming Belgian yeastiness of alcohol and warm fruit.

M: sparkling with a bright carbonation factor, an oily texture and malty presence that delivers a spicy bite of seasoning on the inner cheeks and tongue on the swallow.

O: Overall an interesting flavor, odd, yet intriquing, don’t know if I could tackle a four pack at once but definitely has enough head scratching oddity to it to warrant at least a try. Spicy lime flower and herbaceous notes that step outside the box. Good alcohol feel and quite hard to label.

Serving type: can

02-06-2012 23:30:26 | More by beerthulhu

jeffjeff1

California

3.83/5  rDev +4.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

I picked this beer up at a deli in Carmel-by-the-Sea.

Poured into a tulip glass

Appearance- dark brown color, thin head but very good retention

Smell- dark fruits, spices, sweet smell

Taste- toffee, dark fruit

Mouthfeel- medium bodied, nice carbonation, you can literally hear the bubbles.

Drinkability- I thought it was pretty good. I usually don't drink dubbels but still pretty good.

Serving type: can

02-04-2012 20:28:26 | More by jeffjeff1

natemort13

California

3.83/5  rDev +4.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

Beer pours a DEEP translucent ruby with a dark tan head that dissipates very quickly.

I get toffee, burnt sugar, slightest bit of coffee, dark fruit and caramel apple on the nose.

Taste is a ton of toffee up front and through the finish. Lots of brown sugar. Lots of caramel. muted alcohol heat. The spices come through in the finish.

Mouthfeel is quite full, slightly syrupy on the finish.

Overall, not my cup of tea. The weird spices seem to be fighting with the toffee sweetness of the ale as opposed to complementing it. Age might mellow these flavors out and produce quite a unique beer.

Serving type: can

02-03-2012 01:31:59 | More by natemort13

Hophead101

Pennsylvania

3.9/5  rDev +6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Blind beer #11 - again, courtesy of flexabull

A:4 poured the contents of the 16oz can into my tulip glass. You never know quite what to expect with cans - but you never know. a bountiful off white/tan head emerged atop of the dark brown copper colored beer, which didn't stick around too long, but was nice while it lasted. the settled down beer left a nice collar and film lingering on the of the pour.

S:3.5 Smell was ok. there wasn't any nostril partying going on - but what was there was sweet and caramel malts with no hop presence. a slight smell of alcohol and some spices going on in there which I can't quite pinpoint.

T:4 enjoying the taste of this beer. similar malt taste as in the nose, bread, biscuit, caramel and sweet. also getting some brown sugar. more spices are prevalent in the taste. I know I should know what these spices are - but that is the beauty of doing these things blind. still some alcohol present.

M:4 decent overall mouthfeel - balanced carbonation, not too high on the alcohol and and overall pleasant feel with a creaminess towards the end

D:4 good overall beer. enjoyed this and pretty sure I have not had this before.

Another new beer for me. It is a belgian dubbel brewed with kaffir limes (didn't get much of that), lemongrass (didn't get much of that either) and coriander - and that was the elusive spice I couldn't pinpoint (which is odd because it is a rather distinguishable scent/flavor).

Serving type: can

01-12-2012 16:02:41 | More by Hophead101

canucklehead

British Columbia (Canada)

4/5  rDev +8.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Great to see this in BC. Pours dark brown with a lumpy head. The is dark fruit with some coriander.There is a sweetness to the finish but you can detect the lemongrass in the beer as it warms up. Very drinkable and fairly complex this is a great type of beer to be in a can.

Serving type: can

01-10-2012 01:38:39 | More by canucklehead

smcolw

Massachusetts

4.22/5  rDev +14.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Large, lumpy head. Surprisingly little lace (a couple of spots). Clear, deep amber color.

Mild, alcohol-ish malt aroma. On the second whiff, I detected some smokiness.

Very smooth beer, reminds me of an aperitif. It's slightly sweet, with very little carbonation (despite the head). There's also a floral fragrance that does NOT come from any hop. Light warming spices like white pepper and chile pepper. There is hop, but only in the swallow, even the aftertaste is malty--lots of caramel. Rich body, like whole milk.

Serving type: can

01-02-2012 21:36:15 | More by smcolw

BDTyre

British Columbia (Canada)

4.1/5  rDev +11.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Dark with a very light and porous tan head. Copper with definite brown hints. Spicy malt scent, very little hops. The coriander is noticeable.

The taste is a bit richer, and you can certainly detect lime leaves and the lemongrass. Good malt, candi sugar and even brown sugar in the flavour. Spice finish. Very nice.

Low carb, but a definite impact on the tongue from the ingredients. As per the can, this would go great with a curry.

Serving type: can

12-25-2011 05:27:02 | More by BDTyre

akorsak

Pennsylvania

4.05/5  rDev +10.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

A 16 oz can. The Andersons in Toledo.

A: The dubbel is a dark ruby red, pushing the envelope towards brown. Clearly and unabashedly opaque. A white head wasn't that large on pour and left no lacing behind.

S: The dubbel's darker malts and rich candi sugars set the stage nicely. Lemongrass is used sparingly, although cardamom is apparent as well. I didn't think that the dubbel/spice pairng would work but it is quite good. The dubbel aspects dominate but the spices are just below the surface.

T: A darker, sweet dubbel up front, the candi sugars are dark while the malts have caramel and chocolate. Rather than remaining a run of the mill dubbel, the spice profile kicks up during the second half, delivering the lemongrass, cardamom and lime. The lime in particular is a nice citrusy surprise. Unorthodox but quite good.

M: The mouthfeel brings the best of the spices out, lime, lemongrass, and cardamom. The dubbel stands on the opposite end of the spectrum but, very surprisingly, the beer melds the disparate flavors nicely.

Serving type: can

12-24-2011 21:45:57 | More by akorsak

cbutova

Massachusetts

2.65/5  rDev -28%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2

Interesting, didn't think this would be a Dubbel.

A- Pint can poured into a chalice with a brown body and a tan head. Head has a good size but doesn't retain all that well. Small ring remains leaving legs but no lace.

S- Dubbel profile with dark brown sugar, nutty caramel malts, raisins and spices. Also an earthy herbal quality, coriander and lemon lime.

T- Like the aroma but intensified. The spices and yeast really take over. A clash of raisin, nuts, dark fruit, licorice, coriander, lime, lemon, herbs and brown toasty caramel malts. Somewhat metallic and medicinal.

MF- High carbonation stings the tongue and it lacks that silky smooth feel of good Dubbels. Bitter and warm finish on the palate.

I like innovation but the spices they chose did not mix all that well with a Dubbel for me. Too much lime and coriander doesn't mix with the medicinal dark fruit base beer. Drinkable but harsh and not something I'll get again.

Serving type: can

12-16-2011 02:33:29 | More by cbutova

portia99

Massachusetts

3.13/5  rDev -14.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Randomly picked up this 16oz can on a whim without knowing anything about this one...poured into an Allagash stemmed glass.

A - Pours a very clear, brownish mahogany capped with two fingers of foamy head that dies away to leave behind a bit of webby lacing on the glass.

S - Malty sweet on the nose, soft caramel, candy sugar, bread, light roasted malt and limes which end up dominating the aroma for me after I initially couldn't detect it on first pour. Definitely different, perhaps a bit weird but not necessarily in a bad way.

T - The aroma carries through right to the flavor. Alcohol is rather noticeable and warm. Lots of malt to dominate this one - bready, sweet and sugary, low hop bitterness, light roast, biscuits, some spices and the can't be missed limes...rather strange.

M - Thinnish end of medium bodied...carbonation is rather light. Mid-level alcohol warmth (more than I expected).

O - Not my favorite style and definitely not my favorite example of it. Had higher hopes for this, but the mix of spices and limes in a dubbel really didn't work well for me. Wasn't entirely unpleasant, just a bit too weird for my tastes. I think the lime is an interesting idea, but one that would play better in a lighter style.

Serving type: can

11-18-2011 02:06:55 | More by portia99

hosehead83

Ohio

3.93/5  rDev +6.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured from a 16oz. can into a wine goblet.
Dark copper/reddish in color, with a short head of tan foam.
Aroma-Sharp whiff of malt, lime and coriander. Interesting.
Taste-Big initial blast of malt, then lime and coriander come to the forefront. Very drinkable, as alcohol is well-hidden by the exotic mix of flavors.
Overall a very unusual and interesting take on a Belgian dubbel.

Serving type: can

10-10-2011 15:13:50 | More by hosehead83

chugalug06

Colorado

1.9/5  rDev -48.4%
look: 3 | smell: 1.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 1.5 | overall: 2

A - Cloudy golden copper color with lots of reds. Head is aggressive yellow foam. None of the lacing the Bros spoke of in their review...

S - Very vinegar... *-) Interesting. A definite miss on the scent.

T - Hum. Don't quite know what to think... Very piney. Lots of off flavor... Maybe this brew has some bugs??? Lots of weird citrus things going on.

M - Dry, super bitter and unpleasing. Lots of big heat flavor.

O - Not my favorite brew. Could easily end in the drain.... :( I really wanted to like this brew.

Serving type: can

08-19-2011 00:37:06 | More by chugalug06

Reidrover

Oregon

3.8/5  rDev +3.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

16 oz tin from "Lifesource", Salem. $2.95 Bad pour out of the can.huge uncontrollable light tan head...wait a few minutes.When it semi-calms the beer is a nice havy dark amber. Aromas..nice sicy/toasty,bubblegum and coriander.Pleasing Taste is a little maltier but similar to the aroma..slight lemongrass finish and waming plum pudding alcohol. Nice on the palate..liked the carbonation. Nice beer a bit of a surprise.

Serving type: can

08-13-2011 19:17:27 | More by Reidrover

BeerAdvocate

Massachusetts

4.22/5  rDev +14.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Review from BeerAdvocate Magazine Issue #52 (May 2011):

Canned extreme beer, hell yeah! Dark ruby color, lacing is as good as it gets. Mouthwatering aroma, the lime leaves and lemongrass along with the malt sweetness make for one of the best-smelling beers we’ve seen in a long time. Brawny like a Dubbel, with a hint of broth, which quickly moves to showcase spices of lime leaves and lemongrass; coriander plays second fiddle. Tart bite from the spicing melds well with the malt base. Alcohol jumps on the palate with a sooth- ing warmth. There is a lot of unusual flavor not only for a beer, but for the style; however, it really works here. The result is a very interesting and very drinkable beer. Sometimes it pays to go out on a limb.

Serving type: can

07-28-2011 14:36:42 | More by BeerAdvocate

bluejacket74

Ohio

3.8/5  rDev +3.3%
look: 3 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

16 ounce can, date stamped on can of 06/06/2011 (don't know if that's the canned on or best buy date). Served in a St. Bernardus chalice, the beer pours a cloudy reddish/brown color with almost a half inch tan head. Head retention and lacing are both average. Aroma is sweet and spicy, the brew smells like caramel malt, lime, brown sugar, dark fruit and some lemongrass. It tastes like caramel and bready malt, lemongrass, lime, coriander, herbs, and a bit of dark fruit. There's also a lingering bittersweet finish. Mouthfeel/body is medium, it's a bit sticky with moderate carbonation. I think this is an interesting brew, I liked it. It's worth a try.

Serving type: can

07-21-2011 21:59:15 | More by bluejacket74

20ozmonkey

California

2.63/5  rDev -28.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

Poured slowly into a Bruery tulip. This beer is a muddy brown and seems to be quite thick. The smell when I opened the can was a bit worrying. I got a whiff of rusty metal and old beer. Upon properly smelling the beer I get definite hints of ginger and lemongrass mixed with the sweet and alcohol qualities of a dubbel. None of the smells stand out though and if I were to blind taste this beer I would be wary of how it tasted after smelling it.

Not much to taste on the front but after that the beer washes over your mouth coating it with a bitter sweetness with perhaps just a bit of ginger spiciness. Aftertaste is plain and malty. I taste absolutely no Belgian yeast in this.

I'm pretty disappointed in this beer. I was excited when I found a store selling single cans of it because I was unwilling to buy a 4-pack of it where I normally buy all my beer.

Serving type: can

07-14-2011 23:18:36 | More by 20ozmonkey

BeerImmediately

Pennsylvania

2.73/5  rDev -25.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 3

This Emperor is not wearing any clothes, and I'm not afraid to say it. This is not a Dubbel, sorry.

Pours with a decent off white head over a deep amber body, with plenty of carbonation flowing up when held to the light.

Aromas are initially of lemongrass and lime, and as it warmed I picked up dark fruits and spices, with a touch of caramel.

Flavors are tart and tangy. Lots of lime, mint, and herbal / grassiness, with just a bit of coriander - quite different from the latter-stage aromas. Nothing rich or dark fruity about this - it's all citrus. Sort of like a gin and tonic with a sprig of mint and drop of caramel.

Mouthfeel is pretty sharp and thin. Nothing like the style should be (assuming they were going for this).

Unique and "uncommon" indeed. I give them credit for an original brew, but this is not something I would choose to buy again.

Serving type: can

07-03-2011 15:25:30 | More by BeerImmediately