The Tide And Its Takers - Anchorage Brewing Company

metter98

New York

4.13/5  rDev -1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A: The beer is very hazy yellow in color. It poured with a quarter finger high bright white head that has good retention properties and consistently left a thin a thin layer of bubbles covering the surface.
S: There are light to moderately strong aromas of sourness from the brettanomyces in the nose.
T: Like the smell, the taste has sour flavors from the brett along with flavors of oak from the barrel aging process and some hints of citrusy hope.
M: It feels medium-bodied and somewhat dry on the palate with a moderate amount of carbonation.
O: This beer doesn’t really take like a tripel, but it is very nice and flavorful with the brett and oak barrel aging.

Note: Batch #1, October 2011

Serving type: bottle

06-23-2012 23:29:40 | More by metter98

marlinsfan4

Maryland

3.13/5  rDev -24.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

A very interesting beer for sure, but not sure if it really flowed well for me. Pours a bubble yellow color, huge white head to it. Yeasty smell. Taste is of champagne, Brett, very sour, kind of an odd mouthfeel. Seems like a lot of work went into the beer with aging in different vessels, but the overall product didn't taste the best in my opinion. Not bad, but probably would never try this again, reminded me too much of wine when I just wanted a tasty beer.

Serving type: bottle

06-23-2012 01:37:31 | More by marlinsfan4

FreshHawk

Illinois

4.45/5  rDev +6.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A - Cloudy, hazy, pineapple color with orangish hues. Full, thick, creamy, frothy, white head. Very nice retention leaving a nice sticky lace.

S - Brett is definitely in the forefront of the nose. Nice Tripel aroma backing up that Brett. Tropical fruit, banana, sweet malt. Some spices and a touch of floral hops. Not much from the Chardonnay though.

T - Brett is a bit more subdued than in the nose but it gives the beer a nice funk albeit nothing overpowering. Really nice stone and orchard fruit, a touch of banana ester. Some spice but it's quite lightly spiced for the style. Touches of sweet grape and vainilla. Complex but not disjointed.

M - Medium to light body. Above average carbonation. Pretty spritzy and lively for the style.

D - Quite easy to drink and it entices me to keep drinking more. Complex but well balanced. Brett is definitely there, strong, and funky but it isn't overpowering.

Notes: Really nice and interesting Tripel. Solid beer. Brett is definitely there but it doesn't take over the Tripel. Chardonnay provided only a touch of flavor. Definitely worth picking up.

Serving type: bottle

06-21-2012 22:01:55 | More by FreshHawk

avalon07

South Carolina

4.58/5  rDev +9.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

A: Poured from a bottle to a pint glass. Had a bright yellow color and a cloudy texture. There was a small amount of foamy head that lasted a fair amount of time. Good lacing.

S: A strong, inviting aroma of fruit, malt, and some yeast.

T: Tasted of light fruit (lemon), malt, yeast, and some vanilla in the finish. A very lively, complex, surprisingly light flavor that's easy to drink.

M: A huge amount of carbonation with a prickly finish. Medium-bodied.

O: This is a beer that's about as close to a Belgian beer that you'll find in this country. Extremely drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

06-21-2012 02:46:36 | More by avalon07

jlindros

Massachusetts

4.53/5  rDev +8.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Been really impressed by this brewery so far, and my love of well done Brett beers salutes this combination. Batch #001, from Oct 2011, so its a bit old but with Brett it should help develop. I'll have to try a fresh one sometime, and I need to get a few more for cellaring.

The pour yields a nice creamy looking pasty white 1 finger head that floats for a while and doesn't want to fade, I do get some foamy looking lacing when it eventually does with my forcing. It's a mostly clear honey mead colored beer.

Nose is really nice, the Brett comes right out front, with light barnyard wild funk aromas but not too strong, then plenty of Belgian tripel aromas, with light floral spices, a farmhouse like aroma, just a slight hint of a lemongrass, a light orange citrus juice, and a decent malty aroma. In the background is a hint of a buttery toasted oak, and very light fruity clean chardonnay.

Taste is also pretty nice, starting with a nice Belgian tripel flavor, with some light floral spices from the yeast, hints of esters, light lemongrass and hints of citrus orange rind juice. Malts add a nice malty base that comes smooth. Brett really comes on as well but not overpowering, with light barnyard wild funk that adds a great almost foreground taste but roams the background. The oak adds a strong presence, with definite chardonnay flavors, buttery oak, a light vinous chardonnay flavor, with the beer it's a perfect combination, and light toasty oak flavor. I can't highlight more how well the toasted buttery oak, the crisp fruity chardonnay, and the funky wild Brett all blend so well. A light booze warmth floats in the background as well. The finish is slightly dry but slightly sticky as well, light citrus lingering, as well as a hint of funky Brett, bit of buttery oak, and light fruity crisp chardonnay. The longer i drink it, a bit of a bitterness comes through I think from the yeast spice flavors and esters, as well as the wild Brett flavors, but there could be hints of floral hops.

Mouth is med bodied, fluffy with pretty good carb, and a bit of booze warmth.

Overall amazing beer. This is just the perfect blend of all the flavors, starting with a nice Belgian tripel with good Belgian yeast additions, light spices and esters, citrus, fruit, etc. Then add the nice Brett flavor to add some wild funk in the background that doesn't take over the beer, then on top of all that some crisp fruity flavorful Chardonnay wine flavors, and to top it all off as the cherry on top, the rounding from the toasty buttery oak. Maybe the perfect spring beer!

Serving type: bottle

06-17-2012 22:48:48 | More by jlindros

jdhilt

New Hampshire

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

Pours a two finger off-white head that fades very slowly leaving some lace. Hazy pale amber color. Good carbonation and medium bodied. Tart fruity nose and flavor is yeasty, fruity with a lingering tart finish. Batch #1 Oct 2011, $12.99 for a caged & corked 750ml bottle from Beverage Warehouse Winooski, VT. Not quite sure what Sam Calaglone (Dogfish Head) is doing, looks like moral support for Anchorage brewing.

Serving type: bottle

06-17-2012 22:19:47 | More by jdhilt

MasterSki

Illinois

4.35/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Bottle shared with the fine ladies at Debonair Social Club. Served in a classy plastic cup.

A - Big, creamy white foam, with great volume and retention. Lots of sticky lacing and a thick cap top a hazy golden body.

S - There's a definite creamsicle vibe with the combination of stone fruit malts, oaky vanilla, buttery Chardonnay, and tropical brett. Reminds me a little of the wafer you use to eat Lik-M-Aid.

T - The taste is very much sweet tripel, but with tropical brett notes complementing the fruity pale malt flavors. The primary Belgian yeast isn't assertively phenolic, which I appreciate, and the secondary fermentation adds a mildly sour and oaky finish that helps prevent the beer from growing cloying. A touch of buttery, vinous oak rounds things out, but the Chardonnay character is nowhere near as heavy-handed as it was in Whiteout Wit.

M - Smooth, medium-full texture, lower carbonation, and a hint of the 9% in a warming finish. Not particularly dry or oaky.

D - I'm curious if these are second- or third-use barrels, as the Chardonnay flavor is far less assertive than some of Gabe's other offerings. I found this easier to drink, and would put it somewhere between the awesome Bitter Monk and the mildly disappointing Love Buzz. In any case, really easy to drink for the 'style'.

Serving type: bottle

06-15-2012 06:23:10 | More by MasterSki

thedoubler55

New Jersey

3.78/5  rDev -9.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: Nice tinted orange color with a slight head at the top, not to much lacing on this one.

S: Some hops, oranges, lemons, honey, and some floral notes as well.

T: Taste almost exactly like the nose besides the tartiness, lots of lemon, citrus notes. Slight hint of honey.

M: Medium bodied and a good amount of carbonation.

O: Not to bad of a beer, slight sourness on it, but it was pleasant.

Serving type: bottle

06-07-2012 21:27:03 | More by thedoubler55

BarryMFBurton

Indiana

4.25/5  rDev +1.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Anchorage Brewing, when did you get on the shelves in Indiana? And why was this bottle $16?! Well, if what I hear about this brewery is true, this expensive tripel may just be tasty enough to justify the price tag.

Brewed seven months before the date of this tasting (Batch #1, OCT/2011).

A: As soon as I try to pull the cork out, OH GOD! It pops with the force of a cannon blast. As expected, there’s a lot of carbonation – lots of soapy foam, getting up to three inches of creamy, off-white intensity. Silky webs of lacing and weightless retention keeps this one looking excellent for a while. The color is pale, straw gold, shining in the light but a bit dim and hazy otherwise.

S: A nose of moderate strength, mainly herbal notes combined with a bright, complex hoppiness. Aromas of key lime pie, clove, spicy pepper, daisies, and soft, lemony bitters. It’s played up by the yeast, vanilla, fresh sugary pastries, and light coriander esters. Quite unique, and pleasing as ever.

T: An aggressive brett presence – barnyard funk and lactic acid, with herbal, dry white wine tendencies. A leafy hop note crystallizes the yeast with a bright feeling of complex herbs, mainly lemon zest, tannic grapes, pine wood, citrus rind, and pepper. What a delicious palate…I absolutely love it. Lemon-juice-meets-vanilla comes in, reminding me of some sort of lemon cream pie (as the label suggests), though bubblegum and big, chalky berry tastes are still apparent. Aftertaste is made of a green hop bitterness and some sugary grain tastes, more straw than syrup.

M: The fizz makes its statement, that’s for sure…it’s a very foamy feel, especially in the finish, evocative of meringue or something slightly thicker. You can’t really chew it, but the carbonation is definitely textured like thick foam.

O: I am now officially excited about what Anchorage Brewing has to offer – and I’m certainly glad I bought their White IPA when I had the chance. After further inspection, it looks like this had something to do with Dogfish Head, as Sam Calagione’s name and signature are on the label. Makes sense…this beer’s astounding, a record Dogfish Head is not unfamiliar with.

Serving type: bottle

06-07-2012 04:33:52 | More by BarryMFBurton

draheim

Washington

4.43/5  rDev +6.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

750mL (batch 1, Oct. 2011) into an Ommegang tulip. Pours a clear golden color w/ a thick, bright white head, lazy carb rising from the bottom. Clumps of sticky lace cling to the glass.

Aroms is a combination of the chardonnay and brett up front. Funky, vinous, oaky, floral. Basically what I was expecting and hoping for. Intensifies as it warms, but remains in balance.

Taste is delicate, flowery. Belgian yeast lends a softness, then right behind it the chardonnay kicks in. 9% ABV completely hidden. Hops provide a nice sharp, but subtly bitter, counterpoint.

Mouthfeel is medium-bodied w/ a dry finish. Possibly hindered by the lackluster carbonation.

Overall, another great beer from Anchorage. Basically exactly what I imagined a brett-fermented, chardonnay-aged tripel would smell and taste like.

Serving type: bottle

06-01-2012 04:16:30 | More by draheim

jsanford

Georgia

4.2/5  rDev +0.7%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours hazy gold with a dense white head that settles to a thick cap, leaving rings of lacing clinging to the glass. Wonderful aromas of yellow apple, lemon zest, light Belgian yeast, and funky Brettanomyces, all wrapped up in a lovely white grape barrel. Taste is similarly funky, with lots of earthy Brettanomyces, citrus-forward hops, ripe pear, and a solid Tripel base of banana and clove. Very nice blend of the traditional Tripel and the funk. Mouthfeel is crisp and feels surprisingly light given the 9% ABV. Body is a touch over medium, and the carbonation is ample. Overall another great Anchorage beer, keep em coming!

Serving type: bottle

05-31-2012 00:52:36 | More by jsanford

daledeee

Iowa

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

Picked this up since it is a new beer to Iowa. A tripel with Brett aged in barrels. OK you have my interest!!

When I poured it, it wasn't anything special. a bright hazy gold with white head and good lacing.

Nose is brett and funk.

Taste. Just what I thought. This is primo stuff. Brett always gives a beer a special twist. This beer is intensely flavored yet it all balances out. I don't find that often. The taste is brett, malt, apricot, sweet background and some spiciness. Also citrus oil or peel but it is a back ground flavor which is unusual and very appealing. This is really a good tripel in my opinion. A little pricy but I am loving every sip. About $13 for a 750

Serving type: bottle

05-26-2012 23:19:37 | More by daledeee

jjanega08

Minnesota

4.5/5  rDev +7.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Batch #1
OCT/2011

A= Pours a nice orange color with a two finger thick crispy white head on it that holds great retention and lacing.

S= Funky, lemony, zesty. There seems to be a bit of an oak character and a little white wine. The deeper I dig it seems like the funkier it gets.

T= Very nice funk to it. Loads of funk and a bit of a lemon zest. The lemon zest actually tastes so much like lemon zest I get the oil from the skin of the lemon it tastes like. A touch of oak and chardonnay comes through but not much. Mostly funky goodness.

M= Highly carbonated and jumps off the tongue.

O= This is another home run from Anchorage. I dunno too much about the brewery besides they are making world class beers that are hard to find but avalible for just about anyone with a keen eye. Keep up the great work Gabe and I'll keep buying these. A unique experience and worth every penny.

Serving type: bottle

05-22-2012 23:37:28 | More by jjanega08

brystmar

New York

4.13/5  rDev -1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Thanks to Joey for bringing this one over.

Gorgeous pour with plenty of head, retention, and lace. Strong Brett aroma plus funk & booze in the nose. Quite nice.

Chardonnay barrels really come through in the taste. Funky yeast usurps the malt base as the primary flavor. Citrusy too. Booze creeps in towards the end, leaving a warming sensation in my throat after swallowing.

Another solid offering from Anchorage.

Serving type: bottle

05-20-2012 00:07:04 | More by brystmar

sprucetip

Alaska

4.4/5  rDev +5.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Very Pale golden, exceptional clarity, and active with a finger of fluffy foamy white head that stays for a bit and fades to film and ring. Minimal lacing.

At first it hit hard with lemony tartness and mid bretty funk. Appearing later are a more generalized Belgian yeasty character and gentle malty sweetness. It all plays well together.

Has all of the same elements as the nose, including horsey brett, lemony tart also from brett, Beglian yeast and a light malty sweetness blending together beautifully. Very mild hop bitterness is detectable and adds to the pleasure.

Well carbonated, rich full body, way more viscous than it looks, and finishes crisp and tart.

Gabe is an amazing brewer and designer of exquisite beers, and he's helping me learn to like brett. Like all ABC beers I have had so far, the brett element is absolutely a central component of the beer, but yet doesn't dominate it. And while this beer may not be as bold and have as many ingredients as some, the subtle nuance of what is there presents with the synergy and delicate perfection of a polished symphony orchestra. I suspect that something like the finished product is what he had in mind, and that hitting that target is something not a whole lot of brewers can do.

Serving type: bottle

05-16-2012 04:50:14 | More by sprucetip

DrFayhee

4.13/5  rDev -1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

A: Nice pale golden color, rather cloudy, with a thick foamy head.

S: Citrusy bretts are most prominent with a little straw.

T: Citrus, green apple, tart brettanomyces, some alcohol.

M: Quite light for a tripel-style ale. Medium carbonation. Pretty clean.

O: Because of the bretts in this, it changes quite a bit over the course of a pour. Opens up, mellows out, becoming less tart and a bit sweeter, and really develops a lot of complexity.

Serving type: bottle

05-14-2012 02:57:21 | More by DrFayhee

ngeunit1

California

4.43/5  rDev +6.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A - Pours a hazy golden-orange color with a finger of frothy white head atop. The head fades down fairly slowly leaving behind some nice lacing.

S - Aroma is a mix of lemon, orange, and other citrus hops with some funky Brett, Belgian yeast spices, some oak, and a touch of tart light fruit.

T - Starts off with some tart lemon zest and other citrus hops alongside some farmhouse funk and Brett flavor with some Belgian yeast spices. Through the middle, some oak comes through with some stronger yeast flavors, coriander, and clove with some mild bitterness. The finish is a mix of tart and funky Brett and yeast flavors, a bit of citrus hops, pepper and other spices, and a touch of oak.

M - Medium bodied with moderate-plus carbonation. Feels smooth with a dry, tart, and lightly spicy finish.

D - Very drinkable. Good complexity added to the beer from the Brett and oak. The balance of flavors is really nice from start to end and the alcohol is very well hidden.

Serving type: bottle

05-10-2012 03:22:55 | More by ngeunit1

Phyl21ca

Quebec (Canada)

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

Bottle: Poured a hazy medium orangey color ale with a large foamy head with good retention. Aroma of light Brett notes with some dry hops notes and lightly sweet malt notes. Taste is a quiet complex mix between some Brett notes with light funky ester mix in with Nobel dry hops and some sweet malt with a light spicy yeast finish. Body is quite full for style with good carbonation and no apparent alcohol. Very well brewed with good balance and nice drinkability factor.

Serving type: bottle

05-09-2012 18:50:02 | More by Phyl21ca

cvm4

Mississippi

4.35/5  rDev +4.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

A - Pours a faint amber color with a 2 finger white head that dissipates to outline the glass.

S - Sour, yeast, malt, funk and slight apple sweetness.

T - It's tart and sweet at the same time! I just can't discern the flavors.

M - Crisp with great carbonation, very smooth on the palette.

O - An interesting take on a beer and I loved it!

Serving type: bottle

05-05-2012 22:30:12 | More by cvm4

FoxiBoxi

Florida

4.98/5  rDev +19.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Tried this beer on the second story deck of the Avenue Pub in New Orleans. Can't get a much better spot to try a fantastic brew.

It poured a little cloudy, with a finger of foam. Beautiful lacing, and you could smell the complex bouquet from the table. The nose is floral, with just a hint of oak and a subtle tartness. The taste explodes over your palate, but everything sings in harmony. Slightly bitter and oaky turns into sweet fizz, with just a small amount of funk. This is a memorable beer.

It was beautiful. I went to Stein's the next day and bought two bottles to bring home.

Serving type: bottle

05-03-2012 20:10:06 | More by FoxiBoxi

smakawhat

Maryland

4.08/5  rDev -2.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Poured from the bottle into a tulip glass.

What an absolutely gorgeous looking beer from pour. Classic white rock head and uniform with plenty of staying power and tiny white bubbles slowly rising through a glowing neon body of mango tropical yellow and orange. Opaque but not cloudy (slow pour yeast left in bottle on first one). Just fantastic looking.

Nose is a good sense of brett, muting some of the floral and faint citrus character, with a good sense of dense thick malt coming for this style. I am real excited to taste this.

Bringing that brett action for a tripel seems to be unique, but blurs this into saison territory and taking away I think some of the magic. Most noticeable character is that it is a bit wet, but luckily not too watery. Palate has some definite saison character but masking much of a classic sweetness for the style. Malt sweetness is not really coming through, a classic hot pepper brett afterfinish that follows. Kind of hop forward also, but after sometime a nice tart apricot and juice quality comes out.

Overall, it's an interesting take, probably not what I look for in this favorite style of mine, but it's an incredibly well crafted beer. I expect nothing but great things from this place and they just deliver in spades.

Serving type: bottle

05-01-2012 01:55:13 | More by smakawhat

notchucknorris

California

4.43/5  rDev +6.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

A: Beautiful hazy apricot color with a huge, foamy white head. Tons of carbonation billowing from the bottom of the glass. Definitely a looker.

S: Spicy aroma with lots of lemon and tart green apple, cinnamon, cedar and a hint of Belgian yeast. Aroma only gets better as it warms.

T: The chardonnay barrel really comes into play here. Lots of vinous character upfront with some brett, chalky yeast and lemon with a touch of Belgian yeast and clove on the finish. Never gets close to the sweetness a lot of other tripels have, which I think is a really nice touch. Really delicious stuff.

Serving type: bottle

04-25-2012 22:10:55 | More by notchucknorris

Gmann

New York

3.63/5  rDev -12.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Pours a pale golden color with some honey highlights. The pure white head is dense and short, leaves a short wall of lacing and settles into a solid ring.

The aroma is sweet and tart. Big tart apple and lemon aroma. Quite funky and tart from the brett and oak. Lots of apple cider characteristics. The brett dominates the aroma.

The taste is sweet and tart. The malt is bready and sweet with some honey notes. Not much flavor from the traditional belgian yeast. Big tart notes from the brett. Noticable oak flavors as well. Definitely funky and sour but its kept in check.

The feel is moderate with tingly carbonation. Starts off with a general sweetness but then the brett turns its sour and quite dry, astringent.

I would like to see more of a belgian flavor to this beer. This could have been any pale ale with brett added to it.

Flavorful brett brew

Serving type: bottle

04-22-2012 01:30:08 | More by Gmann

chocosushi

Oklahoma

4.53/5  rDev +8.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

"DFH/Anchorage Collaboration"
Melbourne Bros. Stemmed Tulip
A ~ Pours a nice light bronze color with no lace. There's a 'whiteness' to it. Pretty hazy. Looks like a tripel.

S ~ Brett, French oak, Sliced pears, & lemon zest. Brett comes out more as it warms in an expression of cherries.

T ~ Brett again with stonefruit lead into a nice Chardonnay flavors with a backbone of Belgian-style pale malt flavors & light-raw sugar sweetness ending with more Brett & dry wood. Hints of Lychee & Pepper. Undercurrent of Citrus throughout.

M ~ Really crispy with some nice fruit flavors, while not being fruit-forward & sweet. Carbonation is smooth & full with a good amount of barrel flavor on it. Surprising amount of hops. Mild booze that I expect with the BA style.

D ~ Could drink this all day. The brett, barrel, & base beers are all in point here. Check it out & please refer this to wine fans who need to convert. Thanks Reza!

Serving type: bottle

04-20-2012 23:05:49 | More by chocosushi

jibbyvonjibb

California

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

A: Yellow. Slightly hazy. Large luxurious head.
S: Citrus. Some oak. Light funk.
T: Citrus. Bitter hops. Dry throughout. Some woodiness. Wonderfully balanced. Brett is understated, thankfully. Anchohol is present but by no means out of proportion.
M: High carbonation. Alcohol and acids produce a nice, almost medium body.
O: So far, my favorite of Anchorage's offerings and a very solid brett beer. I am not a huge fan of over-the-top brett beers, but this one was very well balanced with bitterness and barrel flavors.

Serving type: bottle

04-20-2012 06:00:56 | More by jibbyvonjibb