Isabelle Proximus
The Lost Abbey

Isabelle ProximusIsabelle Proximus
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From:
The Lost Abbey
 
California, United States
Style:
Wild Ale
ABV:
7%
Score:
100
Avg:
4.6 | pDev: 7.17%
Reviews:
221
Ratings:
448
Status:
Retired
Rated:
Mar 09, 2023
Added:
May 22, 2008
Wants:
  877
Gots:
  45
In March of 2006 five guys, Adam Avery, Vinnie Cilurzo, Rob Todd, Tomme Arthur and Sam Calagione accompanied Lorenzo Dabove, The Prince of Pajottenland, through a tour of Belgium's finest geuze producers. Many of the mysteries of lambic production were answered along the way. They vowed to return to the states to brew a sour beer celebrating their experiences. In November of 2006 they reunited at Port Brewing to brew Isabelle Proximus.

In this bottle, you'll find the answers to many of the questions that were posed along their journey near the river Senne. However, like the mysteries of lambic beers, there remains one lingering question that was left unresolved. We hope like us, the next time you're on a pilgrimage to Brussels you'll drop by the Empire Club and let us know whether you prefer Green or Orange...
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by jaasen64:
Photo of jaasen64
Reviewed by jaasen64 from Massachusetts

4.59/5  rDev -0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Thanks to StandardCherry for cracking this whale for his going away tasting tonigh. 1st bottle tried during tasting and only one I am reviewing. 750ml bottle split 4 ways, poured into HF tulip.

A- Pours a hazy golden with a thin layer of white head that recedes to leave virtually no head at all. Not too much carbonation or too much in terms of lacing. The hazy golden aspect of it makes it look very appealing for a sour though. Lots of very hazy golden yeast towards the bottom of the bottle.

S- Very sour, maybe some sour citrus in there, yeast, definitely some oak in there (one BA said it almost had a slight nutty aroma from the oak- not sure if I quite agree, but definitely has a noticeable presence). More of a sweet sour, then a funky sour- probably one of the more sour beers I've smelled, but definitely not one of the funkiest. Definitely one of the most aromatic beers I've encountered- could smell from across the room, especially when pouring.

T- Sour citrus, a little bit of funky cheese on the finish, some light oak, finishes with a lightly sour citrus with a mild acidity and an aftertaste that makes you crave more (the mark I look for in a good sour). All the tastes were well balanced and and overall pleasurable to drink. Definitely a little bit more funk then in the aroma.

M- Medium bodied, light carbonation, very easy to drink, very nice feel for a 4 year old sour.

O- This is without a doubt one of the best sours I've had. It was definitely the unanimous favorite of the night even when compared to Lente. One of the more sour beers I've encountered and definitely one of the most enjoyable sours I've had. I'm definitely glad I tried this, just wish it was more attainable so I could have it in the future. Thanks again standardcherry for sharing.
Sep 03, 2012
More User Ratings:
 
Rated: 5 by fthegiants from California

Mar 09, 2023
Photo of rodmanfor3
Reviewed by rodmanfor3 from Vermont

4.75/5  rDev +3.3%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
This is an incredible beer, even after all these years! Lemon tartness, light funk, soft mouthfeel, and a dry finish. As good as it gets in the American wild ale category.
Nov 23, 2021
 
Rated: 4.62 by mrn1ceguy from Illinois

Jul 06, 2019
 
Rated: 4.41 by swanfungus from California

Apr 29, 2019
 
Rated: 4.43 by StoutSnob40 from California

Apr 06, 2019
 
Rated: 4.49 by Resuin from Massachusetts

Nov 21, 2017
 
Rated: 4.49 by jaydoc from Kansas

Jun 30, 2017
Photo of OneBeertoRTA
Reviewed by OneBeertoRTA from California

4.8/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.75
Big props to me ;) for bringing this to DLD for the bottle share...

Good Ole Izzy is still hanging on. A bit of the sour has been lost but the light faded golden glow still shines in the 75 degree heat of Munster Indiana in middle May. Plenty of carbonation and as sour as any LA offerings to date. I've hunted Sasquatch in Juno Alaska and ridden Unicorns in Tokoriki but this was up there in amazing experiences.

Props to @bjhorvat for ensuring this was drank early in the tasting, #37 to be exact. Good job A hole.
May 16, 2017
 
Rated: 5 by Dirtyhands from Maryland

Apr 29, 2017
 
Rated: 4.53 by Lare453 from Florida

Mar 12, 2017
Photo of rodbeermunch
Reviewed by rodbeermunch from Nevada

4.39/5  rDev -4.6%
look: 3.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
I guess you could save reviews for big round numbers, but shit man, when you get the chance you gotta get out there and dance. Thanks to leftpaw for bringing this, not too many in the wild or captivity these days.

You get that golden sour base color coming out, thin 1/4" white head that can't stick around for long. Not here for a long time, here for a good time. Aroma was well, sour, lemon and oak, really no one component dominates here, vague non descript stuff.

Taste is a good blend of stuff, I dunno if it is the American gueuze counterpart, but I would say this stuff is pretty good, blend of DDG & RR -tions I believe? Nice light mineral dry sour, white oak like notes. Tiny bit of leather and funk throughout the mouth feel. Carbonation still on point. Awesome to get a glimpse into where it all started for this style of beers that is seeing exponential growth. Overrated perhaps to give up the newmoney trade ammo for such a thing, sure, but still a neat starting point.
Feb 09, 2017
 
Rated: 4.83 by SveNss0N from Massachusetts

Dec 03, 2016
 
Rated: 4.6 by YvesB from Belgium

Oct 12, 2016
 
Rated: 5 by SDRedDevil from California

Oct 11, 2016
 
Rated: 5 by SimcoeKid from California

Oct 09, 2016
 
Rated: 4.75 by t2grogan from Arizona

Oct 02, 2016
 
Rated: 4.83 by Dicers from California

Sep 28, 2016
 
Rated: 4.66 by Can_has_beer from Texas

Sep 25, 2016
 
Rated: 4.73 by dddddddd from Washington

Jun 06, 2016
Isabelle Proximus from The Lost Abbey
Beer rating: 100 out of 100 with 448 ratings