St. Sebastiaan Grande Reserve - Brouwerij Sterkens N.V.

superspak

Michigan

3.8/5  rDev -0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

16 ounce ceramic bottle into tulip glass, best before 3/27/2014. Pours lightly hazy golden orange color with a 2 finger fluffy white head with good retention, that reduces to a small cap that lingers. Dense foamy lacing clings on the glass, with some moderate streaming carbonation. Aromas of pear, grape, apple, pepper, clove, floral, candi sugar, honey, and earthy yeast spiciness. Nice and pleasant aromas with good balance and complexity of fruity/spicy esters with malt notes; but pretty muted for a 10% Belgian. Taste of pear, grape, apple, pepper, clove, honey, candi sugar, bread, floral, and earthy yeast spiciness. Lingering notes of light fruits, pepper, clove, honey, candi sugar, bread, and earthy yeast spiciness on the finish for a good bit. Very good balance and complexity of fruity/spicy esters and malt flavors; with a nice moderate malt balance with no cloying sweetness present after the finish. Medium-high carbonation and medium bodied; with a lightly slick, crisp, and moderately prickly mouthfeel that is nice. Alcohol is very well hidden with only a slight warming noticed after the finish. Overall this is a very good Belgian strong pale ale. Good complexity and balance of flavors; and very smooth to sip on. A nicely enjoyable offering.

Serving type: bottle

05-01-2013 04:55:02 | More by superspak

AlCaponeJunior

Texas

4.03/5  rDev +5.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Ceramic type bottle with grolsch style lid. Pours a cloudy yellow/tan color with a very large, lasting head and sticky lacing.

Aroma is fruity, spicy, with clove and banana, citrus, a little hops and some biscuit malt.

Flavor is tasty, it's got tons of spiciness, with clove, coriander, pepper notes, banana and bubblegum, and some funk.

Body is pretty thick with plenty of carbonation and slightly noticeable EtOH.

Overall it's tasty. A nice Belgian Strong Pale that fits the style nicely.

Serving type: bottle

12-03-2012 23:47:18 | More by AlCaponeJunior

srandycarter

California

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

A - Clear straw, stark white head, tight bubbles, not much cling.

S - Light juicy fruit, malt.

T - Fruitiness and esters more prominent, bittered nicely.

M - Light body, good carb and balance. The alcohol is well hidden.

D - An enjoyable beer. Would try again.

Serving type: bottle

06-29-2012 03:12:38 | More by srandycarter

StaveHooks

Oklahoma

4.58/5  rDev +20.2%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Bottle code: 04/07/16
16oz. poured into a Tripel Karmeliet tulip.

A - Pours a hazed apricot with a fluffy white head that holds great retention. Nice horizontal lacing left behind.

S - Tropical fruit esters, pineapple, green apple skins, green mango, orange, peach, cotton candy, banana taffy, grassy hops, sweet malt in the background.

T - Very fruity, pineapple, papaya, lemon honey, biscuit malt resides underneath a grassy hops. Earthy strawberries come out as it warms.

M - Medium body, medium carbonation, slick feel, finishes semi dry.

The best aroma I've come across from A BSPA. It couldn't be more perfect. The flavors come across the palate very straightforward but very tasty.
One of the best examples of the style I've come across.
This beer drinks like a 7.00ABV. Highly recommended.

Serving type: bottle

04-07-2012 01:12:58 | More by StaveHooks

drperm

Virginia

4.78/5  rDev +25.5%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

If you enjoy a good Tripel, or beers in the Duvel line (Strong Goldens and Strong Pales), this one is sure to please.

Even before getting it in the glass, I predicted that I was in for a treat: the ceramic bottle with the swivel Grolsch-style top is an eye pleaser and a souvenir keeper as well.

In the glass, it's sheer beauty: rich golden colour and hazy, it pours like liquid pirate treasure.

On the nose, it's a melange of Belgian goodness: coriander, vanilla, maple, nutmeg, hay, chamomile, and biscuit.
The flavor is seamless from the nose and picks up where the aroma leaves off: smooth, rich, and creamy, belying the 10% tag it carries. Honestly, it could be a little richer and I wouldn't complain.

The mouthfeel is the definition of smooth. There's always the risk of a beer of this profile having a too-sweet finish, but this one is meticulously balanced.

Overall, a capital winner. Especially for the price of the bottle, I'm wishing I had bought a case of this stuff. It's great on its own, and a perfect complement to everything from rich cheeses to pancakes with maple syrup.

Serving type: bottle

02-18-2012 23:28:39 | More by drperm

Drinkerofales

California

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

Pours cloudy golden honey with a big dirty white head that dissipates rather quickly to leave some lacing.

Smell is Belgian yeast, and nutty bready malt. A light peppery smell is in the back ground.

Taste is yeasty tang, spice, a hint of citrus on the end accompanied with booze. This lessens with warmth.

Feel is smooth, carbonation makes it glide, but the finish bites you back and is a little tough. This effect also lessens with warmth.

A fine beer, just remember to drink it 20 minutes out of the fridge.

DOA

Serving type: bottle

02-07-2012 09:40:25 | More by Drinkerofales

SLeffler27

New York

3.68/5  rDev -3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Pours slightly hazy, golden amber with energetic carbonation. A big, puffy, off-white head turns creamy as it settles, but never drops below half an inch. Big patches of lace are left behind on a Unibroue tulip glass.

There is some cedar and lemon with undertones of peach and spice. Yeast and funk are evident. Overall, the aroma is much fresher than anticipated.

Musty and much earthier in flavor than aroma. This is well balanced with sweetness, bitterness, sourness. It has a long, subtle finish of honey that eventually turns sour.

Dry with a medium to full body and tingly carbonation. Alcohol is perceptible, but surprisingly absent for a 10% beer.

St. Sebastiaan improves with warmth, reaching its best with cheese and cured meat. This one lacks the power and complexity I expect for its style.

Serving type: bottle

01-29-2012 22:21:33 | More by SLeffler27

Rhettroactive

Virginia

2.08/5  rDev -45.4%
look: 4 | smell: 2 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 2

From 16oz ceramic swingtop to Bruges hybrid glass on 11/8/11
*From notes

A: Fair golden, paleish yellow. a standard pour yields a thick 2.5 finger head. Solid retention and lacing.

S: Wet cardboard.

T: Wet cardboard yet again, with hints of hiney hole.

M: Quite nice, actually. Properly carbonated and creamy.

O: I was simply going to do a "had it" with a D- rating, but I wanted to put the word out that St. Sebastiaan's Grand Reserve is one of the top ten worst beers I've had this year. Purchase and consume at your own risk.

Serving type: bottle

11-25-2011 18:52:56 | More by Rhettroactive

merc7186

New York

3.48/5  rDev -8.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

I had this beer poured from the ceramic bottle into a tasting glass.

A: Clear Golden Straw, Mild White Head, Minimal Lacing

S: Honey, Belgian Wheat and Sugars

T: Honey....seriously, it tasted exactly like a Honey Mead

M: Mild Carbonation, Light Bodied, Sweet Dry Mouth

Overall, this "Strong Ale" was practically a Mead. It still had a good taste about it, but not a belgian strong ale.

Serving type: bottle

11-19-2011 18:29:15 | More by merc7186

jayhawk73

Maryland

3.9/5  rDev +2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a light gold color w/ a one finger white head. Good carbonation and lacing on my snifter. Fairly clear in appearance. There's no doubt this is a BSPA for looks. Nose is mainly Belgian yeast, malt, fruit, spices. It also has an earthy-ness to the nose that takes away from the smell for me. Taste is definitely fruit, spices, yeast and malt. Not my favorite in style, but not bad. Feel is carbonated, slightly syrupy, w/ a nice malt backbone that smooths things out. Overall, this is a good, although not quite great BSPA. Cheers.

Serving type: bottle

11-06-2011 18:47:31 | More by jayhawk73

brystmar

New York

3.48/5  rDev -8.7%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Pours a cloudy golden color. Thin white head atop, poor retention. Belgian yeast, sweet malts, spices, & booze in the nose. Taste is smooth and crisp; mostly follows the nose. Medium bodied, lots of carbonation. Mild boozy warmth as it descends. Not spectacular, not bad either.

Serving type: bottle

10-08-2011 21:36:33 | More by brystmar

jmdrpi

Pennsylvania

3.33/5  rDev -12.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

16 oz ceramic bottle with swing top. Best By date of 3/27/14.

clear dark golden in color, with big white head. good head retention and a bit of lacing. fairly subdued nose for a big Belgian Ale, not of the usual yeast aroma.

taste of biscuity pale malts, a little alcohol in the finish. some spiciness. medium body, higher carbonation. works well.

Overall it's alright, but probably not worth the high price tag. I probably wouldn't buy again.

Serving type: bottle

09-19-2011 03:31:44 | More by jmdrpi

bskrtz

Illinois

4.08/5  rDev +7.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

16 ounce ceramic flip top bottle served cold in glass beer challis

A) Spectacular hazy bronze that glows bright when held to the light. Dense with suspended floaties and yeast sediment. White puffy head turns quickly to lace

S) Baked apple stew. Very sweet with mild alcohol esthers

T) Clean and mildly bitter. Apple cider, citrus & pear blended with sweet honey. Surprizingly refreshing. Alcohol content is high yet muted.

M) Sparkling champaign with fine bottle conditioned carbonation that lasts and lasts.

O) Exceptional example of Pale Belgian Ale. Enjoy (if you can find it).

Serving type: bottle

08-13-2011 00:16:34 | More by bskrtz

twiggamortis420

Texas

4.2/5  rDev +10.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

16 oz ceramic flip-top bottle pours a very clear gold color with a fluffy, white head. Bubbly and fades at a pretty rapid pace and does not leave much lacing.

Nose is very fruity with some white bread...Yoda thinks strong the yeast is, hrrum? Honeyed grains and alcohol are the secondary aromas I am getting.

Taste is smooth for a 10%'er. The fruit backs off a bit and lets some of the subtle biscuit and grain flavors to come through. Bread dough is there as well as some tropical notes from the alcohol. Mouthfeel is nice and rich, starts zesty and finishes dry and quick. A nice example of a BSPA, little fruitier than a Duvel and definitely less hoppy, but nearly rivals the benchmark of the style in terms of overall enjoyability. This one flies under the radar for sure.

Serving type: bottle

08-06-2011 00:51:13 | More by twiggamortis420

impending

California

4.33/5  rDev +13.6%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

500ml into a tulip. Pours a hazy orange honey, dense orange tinted head slow to subside, nice lacing.

Strong crisp aroma, seems a meld of a strong pale and a tripel. Lively, clean and complex. Much fruit, much floral and spice. Superb depth.

Taste has all the nuances of the nose and adds a pleasant alcohol warmth counter balancing the initial syrupy sweetness. All the hops were just for the scent. Finishes with little bitter or dry, simply fades away rather quickly. Full bodied mouthfeel. Warms well.
cheers
jd

Serving type: bottle

02-20-2011 06:07:13 | More by impending

claireoakhammer

New York

4.33/5  rDev +13.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

a - clear, golden color

s - wonderful bready nose, slight smell of alcohol, some tart and fruity notes coming through

t - fruity, bready, subtle and understated, some sharpness, definitely unique

m - full yet almost sparkling

d - totally drinkable. love it!

Serving type: bottle

02-05-2011 22:49:13 | More by claireoakhammer

mexikrainian

Ohio

4.08/5  rDev +7.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

16 oz cellar temp bottle poured into a Samuel Smith tulip.

Appearance: orange-yellow with thick, white foamy head and decent lacing.

Aroma: apples, cider, floral and peppery.

Flavor: acidic, apples, tart and earthy.

Mouthfeel: high carbonation with medium body and dry finish.

Overall impression: reminiscent of cider, though tart and fruity. very drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

02-03-2011 06:35:43 | More by mexikrainian

Fatheranderson

Texas

4.83/5  rDev +26.8%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

First thing I have to say: this beer was absolutely excellent. It was the first Belgian produced Strong Ale I've ever tasted and it was definitely one of my top five favorite beers.

Appearance: a smooth, clean golden yellow, rather large and well defined head.

Smell: I distinctly smell apples, with the barest hint of freshly baked bread and flowers. Extremely warm and inviting scent.

Taste: Delicious is the first word that comes to mind. Apples, possibly a little raisin, maybe just a hint of pear, and bread are the predominate tastes, though the tiniest hint of hops is detectable. It might sound strange, but it tastes just like I assume Autumn in a Belgian village would taste like if a season in a village could have a flavor.

Mouthfeel: Lacks carbonation. Reminded me somewhat of Boddington's Pub Ale's mouth feel. That said, it really doesn't detract from the overall presentation of the ale. Also it feels somewhat syrupy which compliments the flavor perfectly.

Drinkability: Exceptional is the only word I can think of. It's amazingly easy to drink and is very refreshing while still complex enough to appeal to even the most discerning beer lover.

Serving type: bottle

12-24-2010 00:47:56 | More by Fatheranderson

4000qtrap

Missouri

3.85/5  rDev +1%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Source/Serving: 16oz. bottle, rather old looking but in an opaque ceramic bottle.

Smell: caramelized pear, musky spice, a wiff of golden raisins. Thick with a blunted, subdued, overlapping notes. Moderately yeasty.

Taste: Slightly stale apple cider, a raisiny roundness and fullness, with a touch of pear/orange and spice. Moderately high sweetness. In the middle there is more apple cider with a significant amount of spicy mineral and orange peel bitterness and still lots of thick, ripe raisin and pear. Fairly stale and earthy overall and a little tart. Interesting overlap of flavors which blend and meld together with a subdued depth of flavor. The finish is quite spicy with sweet pear cider, yeasty but not bready, a hint of caramel and has a very thick, lingering character.

Notes: Subdued deliciousness. Great value.

Serving type: bottle

06-26-2010 23:27:25 | More by 4000qtrap

scottfrie

California

3.93/5  rDev +3.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4.5

16oz bottle into Chimay goblet.

A: A slow pour yielded a lively carbonated thick white head that slowly reduced into a fizzy film floating over light orange liquid.
S: Light fruits, green apples, Belgium spices and Belgium yeast, citrus, oranges, roses and other flowers.
T: Light citrus orangey taste with heavy undertones of malt and spices. Yeast notes come through in the finish but are subtle. Notes of green apple juice and raisin bread.
M: Medium bodied that's slick with a touch of syrupiness and a lot of fizzy bubbly carbonation. The alcohol and spices nip at your throat with the last swallow in a good way.
D: This is a very mellow and drinkable Belgium strong pale. It has light flavors that make this beer go down easier than others. It also masks the alcohol content extremely well. Recommended.

Serving type: bottle

04-06-2010 01:02:47 | More by scottfrie

OBeerMeGreatOne

California

4.05/5  rDev +6.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured from the ceramic bottle into my Duvel goblet.

Appearance: Pours out a bit orange. Nice frothy white head, excellent lacing held up until the end.

Smell: Nice and mellow. A little fruit, a little bread, not too complex.

Taste: A big swig brings out the fruit (but not too sweet). I didn't taste the yeast as much as expected, a nice little tart kick in the taste buds shows up in the middle. The alcohol is hidden well and doesn't take away from the taste.

Mouthfeel: A bit light on the carbonation and a bit sticky, but not bad.

Drinkability: In my book I'd say it is pretty damn sessionable. It isn't expensive, it tastes good and makes me wish I bought at least one more.

Serving type: bottle

02-26-2010 02:29:42 | More by OBeerMeGreatOne

zeff80

Missouri

4.22/5  rDev +10.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A - Poured out a cloudy, orange/copper color with a very foamy, thick, three-finger head. It left sticky patches of lace on the glass.

S - It smelled earthy and of dried fruits - apple and some pear.

T - Very tasty Belgian ale with biscuity malts, dried fruits (mostly apple) and a spicy yeast kick.

M - It was crisp, sharp and smooth finish. A medium bodied ale with a warm alcohol presence.

D - This is a pretty good Belgian brew. A bit steep on the price but still good.

Serving type: bottle

01-06-2010 03:18:05 | More by zeff80

thekanna

Maryland

4.43/5  rDev +16.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A: Pours a strong gold color which settles into a nice orange-amber. About one finger of white head.

S: Belgian yeasts, spices; some faint apples, pears, and citrus fruits; somewhat like the smell of Westmalle Tripel. Floral aromas further liven it up and give it a sense of freshness.

T: Belgian yeasts with some strong peppercorns, coriander, citrus fruits, and pears. Candi sugar is present which gives it a nice sweetness, and spice definitely rounds it out.

M: Nice carbonated juiciness.

D: This is frankly one of the beer Belgian Strong Pale Ales I've had in a while. They seemed to have nailed down everything I love about the style perfectly.

Serving type: bottle

11-01-2009 06:25:51 | More by thekanna

bminor7

New York

3.9/5  rDev +2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

16 oz bottle from Hoosick Beverage. Date is 9/11/11 on the back.

I remember having this and a couple other of the St Sebastiaan beers back in college. One of them made me feel high. I don't think this is that one.

A - pours a really interesting amber with touch of orange. some hiss when bottle opened, a good sign. light carbonation but good lacing. no extra bubbles in my duvel glass with an etched D in the bottom.

S - faint...smells almost like a tripel but everything is subdued. mainly spice and some malt. yeast is calmed.

T - agree with a previous reviewer who mentioned bubble gum. It has that same sticky sweetness. Apple. Bready malts. Some hops in there too. Mine had a strong tinge of iron, metallic flavor. this took away from the experience a little. I dont remember that flavor when I last had this. Probably just this bottle.

M - just syrupy enough for the style.

D - not bad! most beers of this caliber suffer from the complexity but this is toned back some. that said, it could use a little more complexity to push it in the A tier.

Serving type: bottle

09-25-2009 01:55:09 | More by bminor7

midnite2sixman

Michigan

4.43/5  rDev +16.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Got this in a ceramic/stoneware bottle at Butch's in Holland, MI.

Poured during sunset turns into a nice hazy orange in my tulip glass. Globby lacing scattered throughout.

Nose: Rock candy, apples, citrus and spice, maybe how bout apple flavored bubble gum.

Taste: More of the citrusy apple, think of chewing on a piece of pink bubble gum while eating a slice of granny smith apple.

Mouthfeel: Surpisingly light, not too much carbonation, sweet finish.

Drinkability: I don't drink a lot of belgian's any more, i'll say, but i must stress that this beer is quite worth the money. Make sure it is consumed in the proper setting.

A Belgian benchmark.

Hot damn!

Serving type: bottle

08-05-2009 01:31:59 | More by midnite2sixman