Cuvee De Tomme - The Lost Abbey

jvillefan

California

4.25/5  rDev +0.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.25

A: Deep brown body with a ruby tinge to it. Almost no head is present.

S: Very strange. There is intense sweetness from cherries. The malt comes in next with toffee and caramel notes.

T: Very sweet cherry starts it off. It then transitions to a rich caramel and toffee. The finish then comes back to cherry flavor without the associated sweetness.

M: Thick and silky body with very mild carbonation.

O: Great beer but a little sweet for my liking.

Serving type: on-tap

03-04-2013 23:25:49 | More by jvillefan

dirtylou

Washington

3.93/5  rDev -6.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

on-tap, brouwers

appearance: 12oz pour in an unbranded snifter, muddy amber body, soapy white suds and a light filmy lace

smell: bourbon, tart and sweet cherry, oak, brown sugar

taste:intermingling of tart and sweet cherries, moderate notes of bourbon, oak, vanilla and brown sugar, raisin and caramel. Interesting, but not all it was cracked out to be.

mouthfeel: light tartness, oily, light bourbon bite

overall: pretty good - would have a hard time justifying the sticker price on a bottle though

Serving type: on-tap

12-08-2012 01:38:02 | More by dirtylou

jaasen64

Massachusetts

4/5  rDev -5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On-tap at Lord Hobo for a Night with Tomme Arthur. 12oz serving in a tulip glass.

A- Dark reddish murky brown, pretty much completely opaque, a thin brownish head that leaves layered lacing, decent carbonation.

S- Chocolate, cherries, some very light vinegar funk and oak hiding in the background. Above average aroma strength, fairly sweet, not as sour as I was expecting.

T- Dark fruits, mostly cherries, some plum, tiny bit of raisins, some oak and bourbon, a light tartness on the finish but more sweet then anything.

M- Medium bodied, can detect a little bit of the abv but for 11% it is very well hidden and easy to drink, moderate carbonation.

O- This was a decent sour that I definitely enjoyed drinking. It wasn't as tart as I was hoping for, but the oak and dark fruits provided a nice taste and aroma to the beer. Not my favorite beer of the night, but well done. At $7/glass I would consider having it again and I'd recommend trying it.

Serving type: on-tap

09-08-2012 18:16:27 | More by jaasen64

merc7186

New York

4.43/5  rDev +5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

I had this beer poured from 12.7oz bottle into a tulip glass.

A: Dark Brown/Reddish Hue, Passes No Light, No Head, No Lacing

S: Tart Cherries, Bourbon, Mild Oak

T: Tart Cherries, Red Plum, Mild Bourbon

M: Medicore Carbonation, Medium Bodied, Bitter, Mildly Fruity

Overall, a really nice sour mellowed out by the bourbon barreling, solid.

Serving type: on-tap

08-21-2012 00:54:58 | More by merc7186

ColForbinBC

New Jersey

4.35/5  rDev +3.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

On-tap, served in a snifter

The body sits a still, muddy chestnut brown with a reddish tan cap that sits about one finger before settling to a thin collar. No visible carbonation.

The nose is seriously sour. Notes of sour cherries, leather, wine barrel oak, dry tobacco, rum soaked raisins...just a ton of lactic sourness.

Intensely sour. Rum soaked raisins blend with wine barrel oak before sour cherries take over. Tobacco and leather lend some drying notes that complement the sourness well. The finish is overly sour with cherry juice.

Medium body with low carbonation. Nothing really mind bending about the feel.

This is a world class sour that delivers on all fronts.

Serving type: on-tap

06-06-2012 21:34:40 | More by ColForbinBC

jwhancher

Pennsylvania

4.98/5  rDev +18%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Had this one on tap at a Monk's event which Tomme Arthur showed up to speak with the partons.

A: Pours a murky brown with okay head that eventually dissipates.

S: Smells of raisin, cherries, Brett, and a sour vinegar like aroma. As I'm still getting into sour beers, this one smelled wonderful!

T: Tasted great with the same notes as in the nose. Also had an excellent woody quality as this one was aged in bourbon barrels I believe.

M: Excellent sourness that was intriguing as well as it was refreshing. I was forced to sip this one to take in all the exceptional qualities. Felt medium-full to me.

O: A wonderful beer overall. Glad to have made it to Monk's to try this special brew and chat it up with the brewer. Awesome beer experience.

Serving type: on-tap

03-20-2012 02:16:05 | More by jwhancher

jethrodium

California

4/5  rDev -5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

On tap at City Beer Store. Pours a dark brown with a small tan head that settles to a ring and leaves some light lacing on the glass. The aroma is vanilla, bourbon, hints of brown sugar, some light funkiness, a little leather, cherry, and hints of raisin. The initial taste is quite tart with some lactic acid and a bit sweet with some brown sugar. There is also bourbon and vanilla, and some cherries. The finish is tart with some acetic acid and some lingering bourbon. Full body. Medium-low carbonation. The alcohol isn't detectable, but you can tell it is a fairly big beer. Quite enjoyable, but a little bit more sweetness than I like in my sours.

Serving type: on-tap

02-15-2012 22:55:33 | More by jethrodium

rudzud

Massachusetts

3.88/5  rDev -8.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Enjoyed on tap at the Armsby Abbey on Lost Abbey night poured into a 4oz sampler.

A - Poured a murky brownish red with a thick off white brown head with super clouding and side lacing.

S - Aromas are somewhat of a let down. Super sweet with light funk notes and chocolate. There are nice deep dark fruits too.

T - Interesting taste. Dark fruits and super sweetness. Lots of molasses and dark fruit esters with light barnyard funk. Some sour cherries too. Quite boozy.

M - It is a bit lowly carbonated for my liking. Bit too syrupy too.

O - Overall this beer was alright. A bit too boozy for my liking. Nice Bourbon notes too. Still not my favourite.

Serving type: on-tap

02-02-2012 00:57:57 | More by rudzud

Chizoad

California

3.95/5  rDev -6.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

On tap at Craft and Commerce. I really love the increased number of sour beers on tap here in SD, and was happy to see this one crop up and one of my favorite places.

Murky brown without much of a head. Definitely not opaque. Thinned Ovaltine?

Crazy aromas of vanilla and bourbon and raisins.

Much less sour than anticipated. Quite sweet actually. I would guess the pH of the beer might be low, but there's still a lot of residual sugar in it from the cherries and whatever else they threw into this brew. Rum, vanilla, figs, raisins, no cherries, cinnamon. A swirl of flavors that is really unique. Not something I would want to have all the time since it's a little too sweet for me.

Ok mouthfeel. Moderate carbonation and body. I would really not put a lot of weight on this component though.

Wild offering from Lost Abbey. I love that they keep making really unique beers. Keep it up!

Serving type: on-tap

01-31-2012 02:58:49 | More by Chizoad

Philousa

California

3.3/5  rDev -21.8%
look: 2.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

Imbibed at the Lost Abbey tap room 12/31/2011.

Very murky and cloudy in appearance. If I made a paint color to match this, it would be called "mysterious red". Good amount of light tan head, most likely because of the forced carbonation. Sour cherry hits up front and stays, turning a bit sweet like a blackberry. Stout backbone is evident, much like an Irish dry stout. Black cherry dominates the palate. Much like the ice cream flavor, but replace the sugary sweet flavor with a super sour flavor that turns tart. It's like a sour black cherry turns to a bitter dark chocolate in your mouth. Very thick and murky, this beer leaves a dry finish.

This is a wild beer (no pun intended). Although I am very intrigued and in awe over the flavors coaxed out of this beer, it is ultimately not one I would really want to try again. I am very happy to have had only a sample, as a 10oz glass would have been too much. I cannot imagine how someone would finish a 350ml bottle of this. As a homebrewer, I really want to pick the brewmaster's brain to see how he accomplished this. It just makes me want to try Red Poppy all the more.

Serving type: on-tap

01-03-2012 02:43:31 | More by Philousa

stakem

Pennsylvania

2.88/5  rDev -31.8%
look: 2.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 2

On tap at Monk's Cafe served in a 12+ ounce octogon glass. The brew appears murky dark brown with a few bubbles around the edge of the glass. When held to the light, it appears with lighter brown coloration along the edges with some red hues. A swirl revives a few bubbles but fails to produce a head.

The smell of this is dark sugary alcohol coupled with chocolate malt. Some sweet barrel presence is here with a mild touch of oak and vanilla. The overall impression left in the nose is that of raisins soaked in alcohol. Some deep earthy character developes as the brew warms.

The taste of this brew is deep and fruity with alcohol mixed with a presence of raisins and chocolate malt. No surprise here based off of the aroma. The alcohol is prevalent coupled with a very mild barrel presence. Each sip makes me think of molasses, dark caramelized sugar, raisins and a light touch of yeast.

This is a full bodied brew that is undercarbonated. Big booze and sweetness is a constant reminder of raisins soaked in alcohol. I could not finish my glass, I had a hard time finishing but 5-6 ounces of this. I've had this brew before and based on that experience and the reassurance of this brew's description makes me believe that something different was going in here. It is grossly under-attenuated, undercarbonated and displayed zero of the described character of tart cherries and "wild" barrel influence. I have a bottle which I will end up reviewing but I seriously hope it doesn't taste like this.

Serving type: on-tap

06-09-2011 15:55:02 | More by stakem

oglmcdgl

Pennsylvania

4.33/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On tap at monks.

A- no head just a thin line of tan around the glass. Very dark brown with a deep red glow at the edges.

S- burnt brown sugar and dark bread with a light sour funk to it. Touches of spice and sweet. Very interesting nose, smells like a quad but then there's something else.

T- opens up with a big sour tart fruity flourish that rolls into a rich dark sweetness. Brown sugar on top of dark toasted whole wheat bread. Complex layers of bready grains and funky wood keep the palate guessing. Slight vinous notes and some earthy herbal undertones. Complex stuff.

M- a few steps above medium in body and a tick below medium in carb. Good pucker.

O- didn't know what to think about this brew but after I spent my time with it I'm very impressed and really enjoyed it. Interesting and fun, I'm really glad I got to try this on draft since the bottles seem to have many issues.

Serving type: on-tap

06-08-2011 22:54:20 | More by oglmcdgl

benclimbs

California

4.05/5  rDev -4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Pours amazingly wonderful, dark brown/red with a big thick head and tons of visible bubbles and lacing.

smell is so wierd, all minerals and sour brett funk, some woody earthy smells but everything is just strange, it smells how vitamins taste.

Taste is really amazing and uber complex - a dry leathery character along with sour cherries, prunes, dried figs and bitter herbs...so interesting and unique.

feel is good - not too slick, not too light

drinkability is really hard to judge - i was happy with a 6oz pour and wouldn't have wanted another one, it was just so so so complex and intense, like no sour or wild ale i've ever had - wholly unique, very interesting and very wierd.

Serving type: on-tap

03-07-2011 04:25:41 | More by benclimbs

Chambic

California

4.47/5  rDev +5.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A: dark with bubbles, a bit like cola

S: somehow, the sour scent is surprising, even though you KNOW (and expect) it's a sour. I think it's because a beer that looks like that doesn't normally smell like that.

T: it's a sweet type of funk, complete with cherries and bretts

M: the sharpness stays on the sides of the tongue, so that the whole mouth experiences different flavors

The first time I had it was at Stone on a Sunday, when sours are 25% off. What a "deal"! I loved it instantly, because it's a combination of so many things I love about beer. Quad-style, sour, mmm

Serving type: on-tap

03-22-2010 23:14:12 | More by Chambic

BradLikesBrew

Missouri

4.9/5  rDev +16.1%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

I have my qualms when it comes to Lost Abbey. Their questionable standards for quality control are infuriating at best and unethical at worst. BUT DAMN IS THIS BEER GOOD.

Cuvee de Tomme was the highlight of my 2009 GABF experience, what a beer! I enjoyed a couple samples on Thursday, but on Friday, when the line was inexplicably short, I easily had 5 or 6 pours. In retrospect, GABF is probably the best setting to consume beer from Lost Abbey. You know you are going to get a carbonated beer, something you can't take for granted with Lost Abbey. Of course, you don't have to pay for it either, which is nice.

Cuvee de Tomme showcases all the qualities that make American Wild Ales so exciting. Perhaps no sour pulls it all together better than this. The depth of the malt flavor, the sweetness of the cherries, the acidic vinegar notes of the yeast, the balancing smoothness provided by the barrels. Balance really is the key here. An alphabet soup of flavors, but all appropriately balanced to keep you yearning for more.

I don't know if I would ever pay the asking price of a bottle or if I will ever have the option to purchase one, but I can say that this is without question one of the most satisfying beers I have tasted. Between the Thursday and Friday GABF sessions and the Pints for Prostates Rare Beer Tasting, I had the opportunity to try hundreds of this countries finest beers. This may have been my favorite.

Serving type: on-tap

10-19-2009 15:13:49 | More by BradLikesBrew

womencantsail

California

4.43/5  rDev +5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On-tap at Beachwood BBQ

A: The pour is dark brown with reddish tints. A bit of off-white foam sits on top.

S: Tart cherries, raisins, a bit of alcohol, and bit of funk. Leather, oak, and plenty of earthy notes to go along with it.

T: The predominant flavor is the tart cherry. There is also some sour apple and raisins. The finish is quite earthy and dry. Not a huge funk to the beer, but great oak/barrel contributions.

M: Medium bodied, good carbonation, and quite tart.

D: A great all around experience. Great flavor and sourness.

Serving type: on-tap

08-31-2009 21:44:27 | More by womencantsail

Arbitrator

California

3.85/5  rDev -8.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

On-tap (killed the keg) at Toronado SF on 6/13/2009.

A: Poured a dark ruby color with an inch of fluffy caramel-colored head. It had long-lasting retention and left huge gobs of foam down the sides of the glass.

S: Oak, sour red cherries, some red wine / grape character, molasses, and very light bourbon/vanilla.

T: Huge sour red cherry flavor (my girlfriend commented that this tastes like cherry juice gone bad). It was definitely sour, but not totally vinegary, as the oak and molasses flavor pull it back out into a fairly rounded profile. There is a red-wine like flavor with very light hints of bourbon and vanilla near the end of the swig. Has a dry finish.

M: Light-to-medium bodied, moderate carbonation (maybe a little high, and yes, I do feel weird saying that about a Lost Abbey brew), dry finish. Definitely a sipper, but it doesn't get syrupy and start to coat the tongue, so it's very drinkable.

D: My only complaint is how expensive it is. I refused to buy a bottle because I've had some issues with flat beers from Lost Abbey, and I didn't want to take the risk again. But on-tap it's quite good, and I'd definitely have it again if I saw it.

Serving type: on-tap

06-16-2009 18:21:53 | More by Arbitrator

WaXHeLL

California

4.68/5  rDev +10.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

On tap @ Lost Abbey / Port Brewing's 3rd Anniversary party. 4oz taster. Tasting notes from 5/9/2009. 2009 Vintage.

Appearance: Dark brown and tan with a greenish and reddish tint. White head lingers in the glass. Good lacing. Intresting appearance, not entirely sure what to make of it.

Smell: Very fruity with heavy grape and cherry tones. There is a slightly sourness and tartness to the nose. The alcohol is definitely present in the nose. Smells a lot like red wine.

Taste: Very unique and tasty -- unlike any beer that I've had before. There is a sour taste of dark, heavy grapes complemented with sour cherries. Tastes almost like a complex red wine (with a slight hint of carbonation). There is a bitter, sour taste that starts in the finish and lingers in the aftertaste that is executed very well. There is a slight hint of hops and malts in the finish, but not much. There is a slight smoky and oaky flavor somewhere through everything. The dryness definitely contributes to the taste and is done well. One of my few 5.0 ratings for taste.

Mouthfeel: Sour thick grape feeling with a mild carbonation. The taste definitely sticks to your mouth afterwards. Feels like wine. Medium to full body.

Drinkability: Definitely a sipping beer. The alcohol isn't too apparent (except for the nose), but the complexity and unique flavor delegates it to a sipping beer. However, even given that, very drinkable and should complement food very nicely. I'd be more than happy to drink this quite a bit, but it's hard to find and expensive.

Overall: Very unique beer that probably will age very well. One of my favorites.

Serving type: on-tap

05-12-2009 07:40:03 | More by WaXHeLL

HopHead84

California

4.93/5  rDev +16.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

I was ecstatic to find this on tap at the PP Belgian Beer Fest. I've had bottles of this several times since its last release, but it's been far too long since I last had it on tap.

Cuvee de Tomme is dark amber brown with a one inch, off white head. I'm greeted by the most fantastic tart and sour cherry aroma I've ever experienced. Oak, caramel, chocolate, vanilla, plum, and fig are all present in the nose, with some alcohol. The taste has a high level of sourness and a medium level of tartness. The cherries combined with the subtle chocolate are stunning. Oak is noticeable, with some vanilla, plums, figs, and caramel. The alcohol is very well hidden for its high level.

Cuvee de Tomme is medium-full bodied with a medium level of carbonation and a vinous mouthfeel. This is, without a doubt, my favorite sour cherry beer, and one of my favorite beers period. I can't wait for the next release.

Serving type: on-tap

03-31-2009 01:16:13 | More by HopHead84

egajdzis

Pennsylvania

4.68/5  rDev +10.9%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Multiple samples, tasted fresh, and up to 5 yrs old!

Poured a deep dark brown color with a small tan head and nice lacing on the glass. Funky, sweet caramel, brett, tart apples some roast, cocoa, and pineapples. Roasty and tart taste, more apples, vinous, some strawberries and sweet finish. Fuckin awesome!

Serving type: on-tap

11-25-2008 02:33:08 | More by egajdzis

SwillinBrew

California

4.33/5  rDev +2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A - A bronzy mohogany, mud brown color fills my glass with a small oatmeal color head that doesnt last too long.
S - Liquor and brandy scents waft up leading to faint sweat malt and maybe plums and cherry pie.
T - Damn this is good. A tanginess of brett with very slight barrel qualities... not overpowering the brew thank god. These give way to wet hay and a sweet balsamic/port reduction sauce. Very good.
M &Dr - a little over medium on the tongue and rather complex, well rounded, thick but crisp beverage. I have to have more of this.

Serving type: on-tap

12-15-2005 07:13:32 | More by SwillinBrew

cracker

Pennsylvania

2.25/5  rDev -46.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 2.5

I'm probably the first person who did not like this one. Not sure if it was a 'bad sample' or what. Had it at the Michael Jackson tasting at Penn in Philadelphia. Perhaps the beer was poorly handled or something?

Anyways smell is interesting...a fruity port like wine aroma. Aroma and boquet was very intriguing and enticing. However the taste was of acetic acid to me...too much so. I''ve had Belgian sour ales before but this one was pretty much vinegar. No hops whatsoever. I realize that this brewery is well known and makes quality beers but I simply just did not like this one. Maybe it needs several years of aging for the raw, young flavors to mellow out?

Serving type: on-tap

03-13-2005 16:56:26 | More by cracker

woodychandler

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev -5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Tomme, himself, poured this for me recently at the BURP Spirit of Belgium 2005 conference. It was a deep, dark brown color with a light, brown head. The thing that really jumped out on the nose was the scent of alcohol, which prepared me for the somewhat hot mouthfeel, accomapnied by a taste of sour cherries. The finish was extremely sour with the cherry flavor really asserting itself. After a moment, I also began to tatse lightly of sharp cheese. A very interesting drink, mos def.

Serving type: on-tap

01-26-2005 23:13:44 | More by woodychandler

beerguy101

California

4.38/5  rDev +3.8%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4

Dark brown color. Small head. Aroma is chocolate, fruits and malts. A very complex beer. There are definite and separate flavors of; sour cherries, chocolate, raisins, rum and bananas. Nicely mixed and well balanced. Touch of alcohol bite at 12%. Very smooth taste. Mouthfeel is full and round. Finish is clean and smooth. Aftertaste is slightly bitter. Nice, complex beer, hides the alcohol well.

Serving type: on-tap

09-15-2003 01:35:13 | More by beerguy101

jcalabre

California

4.15/5  rDev -1.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

Originally sampled on 9 March 2003 at Pizza Port's Belgian Beer Fest in Carlsbad, CA. Dark brown pour, it looked like a porter. A nice aroma of sour cherry hits you. As it aired, lots of notes of brandy & complex flavors came out. A beautiful sipping beer.

Serving type: on-tap

06-14-2003 18:53:14 | More by jcalabre