Pike Tandem Double Ale - Pike Pub & Brewery

tylerprince

Colorado

3.73/5  rDev +5.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Poured a small amount from a bomber and gave the rest to my father - more his cup of tea, and based on the smell, I wouldn't want a whole bomber anyway.

A: Pours a hazy reddish copper. One finger white head gives way to some decent lacing.

S: Bizarre. Fruity and tart, like a combination of apple and grape juice with hints of citrus. More like juice than a beer.

T: An earthy combination of apple and citrus with an almost porter like smokiness in the background. Finishes with no bitterness but lots of warming alcohol. Fruity esters linger.

M: Extremely carbonated. Drinks like a cider.

O: This is a peculiar beverage brewed with a tad too much whimsy for my taste. All in all it's not bad - a unique beer perhaps best for those who usually drink other types of alcohol.

Serving type: bottle

02-09-2012 01:45:18 | More by tylerprince

Tripphop

Virginia

2.68/5  rDev -24.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

Brown color, light brown bubbles, no lacing. Aromas of caramel, bread, raisin. Flavors of light malt, bread crust, clean finish. Mouthfeel is light, dry, clean, simple. This beer is about as boring as this review, not crazy about it. Good quaffer, but not the top of its class.

Serving type: bottle

05-06-2011 03:47:46 | More by Tripphop

Ghenna

California

3.25/5  rDev -8.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Bomber poured into a schlitz pils glass.

Nice dark copper color, off white head.

Smells malty and of dark fruit.

Taste is malty but dry, no real hop notes beyond general bitterness that balances the sweet. Dark fruit is sort of there, but not a whole lot to this one.

All told, kind of meh on this one. Expect more from this brewery.

Serving type: bottle

04-10-2011 03:32:07 | More by Ghenna

burnheartsMKE

Wisconsin

2.58/5  rDev -27.3%
look: 3 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

Poured a dark brown with a modest head.

Smelled a bit like chocolate and dried pit fruit.

Tasted like, well, dust & dead flowers (as someone put it). A sweet malt-bomb through & through. I suspect it was well past it's prime...

Overall, just couldn't finish my share of the bottle. It's noted here that it's retired, so maybe theres a reason for that.

Serving type: bottle

04-08-2011 06:01:49 | More by burnheartsMKE

jballeng

Florida

3.48/5  rDev -2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 2 | overall: 3.5

650 ML bottle
St. Bernardus tapered snifter

Appearance - little to no head, what is there dissipates quickly. Light lacing, dark ruby red color when held to light.

Aroma - strong blood oranges up front, some red grapes followed by cedar, coriander and citrusy hops.

Taste - Pleasant, roasty, and hoppy - but sparse. Astringent grapefruit hops precede unripe grapes, coriander, pecan, subtle caramel, and cedar. Not entirely complex. Hoppier than expected. Almost akin to a toned-down Stone Double Bastard.

Mouthfeel - Very thin. Disappointingly thin, though hoppy dryness stays with you.

Overall - a decent brew, though not the bouquet of complexity I look for in a beer. Nice blood orange and spice accents save it somewhat.

Serving type: bottle

03-27-2011 16:41:00 | More by jballeng

prosper

Alberta (Canada)

4.47/5  rDev +25.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Pours a reddish brown. Smells of toasty malts, with some fruitiness. Taste is excellent - nutty toasted malts, some sweet toffee-caramel, and a generous late hop flavour - orangey citrus. Body is medium - nothing that would make you suspect it's 7% ABV, though. Dangerously drinkeable

Serving type: bottle

11-27-2010 03:15:38 | More by prosper

MoreThanWine

Massachusetts

3.65/5  rDev +2.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Poured a 2" head. Very dark in color like a stout but less viscous. Sweet. A little rich and definitely more than average hops but nowhere near the top of the list of IPAs or DIPAs I've had. Acceptable considering it was affordably priced and I'm on the opposite side of the country from where it was born. Maybe it would be stronger or fresher in its home?

Serving type: bottle

10-27-2010 08:49:36 | More by MoreThanWine

beerthulhu

New Jersey

3.7/5  rDev +4.2%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 3.5

A: From the bottle, a cola pour emerges with rustic amber highlights glistening from the light. In the glass a cranberry tea color is more suited. The head was buff, short lived, but did manage to lace fairly well with a thin sheet coating. Visible carbonation was medium, with graciously spaced macro-bubbles rising rapidly to the surface.

S: A mixture of some fruity and cola notes evolve first on the nose. Some pears, dried cola and cinnamon all come through of medium strength. A slight hint of smoked dried caramel is detected on the finishing trail along with a bit of dried nuttiness.

T: Some alcohol is first noticed, set against a malty backing. Dried munich malts and caramel are spiced up by some cola, nutty tones, and some fruitiness from the ale yeast. Some light citrus, dried appleskins also appear lightly in the background. The finish is where the alcohol becomes most apparent, along with some woodsy spruce and citrus warming.

M: Full bodied, perhaps the best feature of the beer, with a malty lush feel accompanied by a light tingle of carbonation. Nice hold with its full malty nature that really stands out.

D: The Abv% feels a bit more then its advertised 7.0%, possible feeling upwards of 8% easily. Heavy malted body will limit this consumption wise by numbers, but is fairly enjoyable by the bomber.

Serving type: bottle

09-05-2010 18:42:17 | More by beerthulhu

CJfromPhilly

Pennsylvania

3.63/5  rDev +2.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Pours from the 22 oz. "bomber" bottle a dark cola-ish brown with a one finger head that settles into a nice collar. There seems to be a fair amount of carbonation, although it's hard to see many bubbles in the darkness. Aroma is of rich malt, with hints of fruit and spice. 1st sip brings an initial touch of malt sweetness, some sugar, and dark fruit, with the sweetness vanishing in the middle. The swallow brings a fry, wine like character. Mouthfeel is good, light, but not watery with nice sparkle from the carbonation. The drinkability is quite good, with the alcohol being almost completely hidden. Overall, a good, sessionable strong ale. Not spectacular, but i'll be picking up a couple more bombers for the upcoming football season.

Serving type: bottle

08-28-2010 23:21:53 | More by CJfromPhilly

chickenflea

Florida

3.4/5  rDev -4.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Bomber. Reddish brown and and cloudy. Moderate head with good retention and lacing. Aroma was bubble gum and spices. A touch of yeast. Fruity. Strange...I expected more of a brown ale nose. Very faint roastiness. Taste is a fruity but not sour. Sweet dark fruits with a hint of roasted malt. Aftertaste is consistent with the first flavors. Not a complex brew. But not disappointing. The alcohol is not noticeable. Finish is clean. Texture is watery. The whole thing does not seem suited as a "strong ale". But then, I don't know what you would call it. It's drinkable and not unpleasant.

Serving type: bottle

08-08-2010 21:00:11 | More by chickenflea

philbertk

Washington

3.9/5  rDev +9.9%
look: 2 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pike Brewing Company--Pike Tandem Double Ale--2009-B Release--22 oz. Bottle--7.50% ABV--25 IBU's. (4.1 / 5.0) Belgian Ale--Dubbel--OG 1.070.Thin tan mild lace head. Cloudy dirty brown color. Bottle Conditioned (BC) Sediment. Toasted toffee mild nutty hop Belgian yeast ester front. Crusty doughy mild sweet dark wheat bread toasted toffee creamy smooth mild Belgian fruit body. Mild hop EtOH hint end. Tasty Belgian Brown Ale. Sampled 1/17/2010. $4.49 Each.

Serving type: bottle

07-13-2010 03:53:03 | More by philbertk

zplug123

Georgia

1.65/5  rDev -53.5%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 1 | feel: 1.5 | overall: 1.5

This double ale was new in Atlanta so I bought a bottle from Total Wine, poured into a pint glass:

A: Dark brown color, finger-width of head with minimal lacing

S: Roasted with malty undertones, a bit of hops is there too

T: Also savory, like soy sauce with dry finish.

M: Medium bodied, carbonation was biting enough

D: Definitely not a taste I'd like to repeat, too roasted, not malty enough, and hops only contributed to bitterness.

Serving type: bottle

06-29-2010 23:32:25 | More by zplug123

northaustin

Texas

2.9/5  rDev -18.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

pours dark brown/black with a finger of off white head that disappears quickly but leaves good lacing.

smell: very "husky" with sort of an overboil style sweetness. otherwise smells like a classic american strong ale.

taste: very mellow, with a caramel style finish.

mouthfeel and drinkability: its really sweet. worth a try but i would not consider this one sessionable.

Serving type: bottle

02-27-2010 22:18:23 | More by northaustin

Durge

Connecticut

3.98/5  rDev +12.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

A dark mahogany color, almost cola, with a big light tan head and lots of chunky head. The aroma is a mellow yeast and brown sugar and raisin malt. The flavor is a burnt maple syrup with a hint of scotch and raisn edges. I get some juniper highlights on the tongue. I get some apple nut hints. It's woodsy like a scotch ale but it's quite thin. Finely carbonated but definitely on the watery side. A more resinous touch would go a long way here. It's got a little licorice alcohol presence yet pretty drinkable.

Serving type: bottle

12-11-2009 06:24:52 | More by Durge

Dawkfan

Alberta (Canada)

3.1/5  rDev -12.7%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A- Pours a deep cola brown, with some plum like tinges in it. A really gorgeous color. 1 finger beige head that leaves a fair bit of lace.

S- Smells sweet with fruit and caramel malt being the most notable. There's a bit of citrus and hop detectable in the background as well.

T- Like the nose, but piney/grapefruit hops are more pronounced. The flavors are way to muted, definitely not as complex as this style would dictate.

M- Low carbonation, medium body. A bit chewy and it coates the mouth as well.

D- Besides the appearance, nothing really stands out to me. It's a below average beer in terms of flavor, but it's easy to get down.

Serving type: bottle

12-11-2009 05:21:17 | More by Dawkfan

sprucetip

Alaska

3.65/5  rDev +2.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

From notes. Darker than deep amber, orangeish red highlights, hazy, not very active, not much head, no lacing. Attractive but not impressive. SMELL is sweet malty, vaguely roasty briefly, with some faint but tangible hop aroma balancing and adding complexity. A bit fruity with a swirl. TASTE Very balanced and smooth, but also somewhat benign. Some light sweet malty caramel mixes with some similarly restrained hop flavors and bitterness, and soem roasty influence. Coffee like flavors later,lingering and mellowing through the finish. FEEL medium body, pleasant texture, clean finish. Not an amazing or particularly memorable beer, but a good one.

Serving type: bottle

10-09-2009 20:36:44 | More by sprucetip

rye726

Colorado

3.58/5  rDev +0.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a hazy mahogany with a thin beige head. Nose is light with fruity malts, wheat and subtle floral hops. Taste has a bit more punch to it. Sweet bready malts, ripe cherries, plums, molasses and again quiet hops. Medium body is well carbonated. Not sure I'd call it an American Strong Ale. More of a double brown.

Serving type: bottle

08-31-2009 01:17:47 | More by rye726

Wasatch

Utah

3.85/5  rDev +8.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

22oz. Bomber

Pours a nice brown color, nice carbonation, nice one-finger creamy off-white head, with some nice thick creamy sticky lacing left behind. The nose is malty, with a slight hop note, with lots of caramel. The taste is sweet, malty, slightly hoppy/bitter, with some caramel. Medium body. Drinkable, this is a tasty brew, glad to have a shot at it.

Serving type: bottle

08-27-2009 00:20:13 | More by Wasatch

racer2k

Massachusetts

3.5/5  rDev -1.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

22oz bottle poured into my favorite pint glass.

A- Dark amber color typical of many of the fine northwest craft beers. Robust head which dissipates into a thin topping on the core of the beer. Excellent lacing covers the entire area of my pint glass.

S - Roasted malt, hint of chocolate, sweet hop smell in the air. Spicy aroma is present.

T- Nice malty roasted taste with hints of chocolate and a spicy hopped finish. Very complex but tasty.

M- Light carbonation with a smooth dry finish. Medium bodied beer.

D- Nice drinkable beer which is spicy and filling. This would be a great after dinner beer.

Overall, I like it!

Serving type: bottle

08-22-2009 23:40:15 | More by racer2k

wordemupg

Alberta (Canada)

3.88/5  rDev +9.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

650ml bottle aug 6 2009

A nice deep maroon, two finger head that falls quickly and leaves only patches of lace

S heavy malt with some caramel, light hops not too bad

T sweet malt with a little chocolate mixed with spice

M/D nice feel, not too much carbonation, a little creamy, overall quite nice

another good beer from pike this would make a nice winter warmer i will drink again

Serving type: bottle

08-07-2009 06:04:35 | More by wordemupg

Magpie14

Michigan

3.2/5  rDev -9.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

A: a rich deep red color with soft shades of browns and orange. Sits pretty dark in the glass away from the light. The cap fell short of commendable but left a good scattering of dingy yellow lace

S: dusty floral hops with a light minty tobacco smell. Roasted smells are very light and are full of grains. Seems like a stretch for an American Strong Ale, by the noses decision. Some whiffs of caramel and molasses are detected...but hops reign

T: it starts with brown sugar and caramel, a light spicy hopped bite, and a main course composed of sweet sugary prune-like/date flavors. It reminds me of a Belgian Dubbel at times. I find the hops are much like the nose and with the addition of some acidity in the finishing gulp that dries things up. Otherwise, things are sugary and candied sweet. The flavors kind of loom on the palate in a mediocre way, not too complex

M: the body is very bubbly and scrubs the tongue a little to much for my liking. It is medium in mass and I find it finishes okay

D: I have seen this brew in the store for sometime now and always passed it over. And after this tasting, my "passing" on this beer will continue. Not bad not great

Serving type: bottle

07-01-2009 03:36:19 | More by Magpie14

tigg924

Massachusetts

3.5/5  rDev -1.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

Appearance: hazy, milk chocolate brown, 1/4 inch head

Smell: malt and caramel

Taste: a malty start and body, caramel..with a hoppy/piney finish

Mouthfeel: crisp, dry, medium bodied, medium carbonation, with a slighty bitter finish

Drinkability: I could have two or three..Malts dominate and this is a small malt bomb..Moderately complex, but nothing over the top

Serving type: bottle

06-24-2009 15:53:58 | More by tigg924

smcolw

Massachusetts

2.4/5  rDev -32.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2 | feel: 2 | overall: 2

Deep amber/brown with a strong ruby hue to the liquor. Moderate head with good lasting time. Decent lace.

Smell: strong caramel with a dash of licorice. Light hop in the background.

First impression is that this is a far thinner beer than I expected with a low carbonation level. Reminds me of a homebrew. Mild flavor: some burnt malts and some crystal. Good hop finish, but I would not describe this as hoppy. Nothing "bad" but it just sorta fizzles--sorta like catching a fish below the minimum size: you get some fun, but you're gonna throw it back anyway.

Serving type: bottle

06-17-2009 23:39:26 | More by smcolw

biboergosum

Alberta (Canada)

3.9/5  rDev +9.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

This beer pours a slightly hazy reddish dark copper hue, with a few fingers of soapy light beige head, that leaves a bit of lace around the glass as it slowly recedes. It smells of sweet caramel malt, and earthy, spicy hops. The taste is a light pine hoppiness, and lightly toasted caramel malt, with some very faint anise-like spiciness lingering. The carbonation is quite moderate, leaving the body nice and smooth with a good weight. It finishes dry and hoppy, showing a bit of citrus in the end. The 7.5% ABV is hardly noticeable, blended well into a very decent quaffer for a cool spring day.

Serving type: bottle

05-01-2009 23:45:17 | More by biboergosum

Shadman

Alberta (Canada)

3.7/5  rDev +4.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Got to admit I kinda like this beer style/category. Maybe it should be called American Mad Scientist Ale because it seems just about anything goes.

Blood Moon reddish when held up to the late afternoon Alberta sun. Awesome off white head. You have to be patient as it takes a long while to receed.

Caramel coffe malt with a definate date like fruitiness. Floral hop with a hint of pine as very prevalent.

To be honest, the flavors are good, just a little out of balance. Still enjoyable. Citrus/oily pine hop throughout with the malt moving in and out at various intervals. Malt flavour tend more towards date ( which I'm not a big fan of) vs caramel coffee. Finish is quite strong on the grapefruit rind end of things. The high ABV is really not all that noticeable.

Smooth, easy on the palate.

Quite nice and certainly well crafted, but just seems to be lacking balance. As mad scientist experiments goes, this one is still quite good.

Serving type: bottle

03-27-2009 00:46:38 | More by Shadman