Thumbprint Enigma - New Glarus Brewing Company

electrojosh

Illinois

4.93/5  rDev +19.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Before writing this review I took a few minutes to read what others have written about New Glarus Unplugged Enigma, and I have to admit that I'm utterly surprised that this beer isn't better respected. This stuff is flying off the shelves in beer stores across Wisconsin and soon wont be available anywhere. I feel lucky to have found a couple of four packs at a liquor store and a case at the brewery itself.

Everyone I have ever shared this beer with has agreed that it is something special. Unplugged Enigma is without a doubt my favorite beer ever.

Packaging: 12oz bottle with brown old fashioned label and bright red foil. Purchased as four-pack at Riley's in Madison ($9) and by the case at the New Glarus Brewery ($54).

A - Dirty orange color, almost reddish. Pours with a 1cm head.

S - Slightly sour, but with complicated aromas I can't place. Orange peel? Bourbon? Absinthe?

T - Sweet, sour, and a little dry. As with the smell, the taste is highly complicated and difficult to place. Dry hop finish. Something in the flavor reminds me of the wild yeast taste of Belgian lambics.

M - Dry bitterness upfront overwhelms apparent carbonation. Dry afteraste of oak. If I could have but one wish granted, it would be to enjoy this remarkable beer on hand-pull without the carbonation.

D - This beers is so complicated that I would almost have to say that it stands on its own and shouldn't be paired with anything. I recommend it for short chats with an ex-girlfriend, or for watching some long-forgotten movie on television. Like life itself, this beer is complex and under-appreciated.

The sales clerk at Riley's said it all: "This beer changes every time you drink it."

Serving type: bottle

01-10-2007 14:06:09 | More by electrojosh

vespahulb

Illinois

4.93/5  rDev +19.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

I don't give out high pointed reviews like this, but goddamnit if this isn't one of the best American sour brown's out there.

2012 Bottle. Served this one at cellar temp, maybe around 55 degrees or so.

Upon first whiff, gorgeous clouds of damp earth, barnyard, crushed door county cherries, and vanilla pipe tobacco. The last time I smelled something this beautiful, it was a 2005 Chateau Pommard...excuse the ex-wine snob in me, but the comparison to Burgundian pinot noir is inevitable in my eyes.

In the mouth, the front of the palate get's the bracing sour acidity, the midpalate has sour cherry pie and soft spicy grain and it finishes with toasty vanilla oak with a bit of funk.

Need I say any more? This beer is off the charts.

Serving type: bottle

09-16-2012 00:07:02 | More by vespahulb

TheDudeRules

Minnesota

4.93/5  rDev +19.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

2012 bottle.

Pours a rusty red. About a fingers width of reddish brown foam that quickly recedes to nothingness. Zero lacing. Not a trace that there was any head at all. Some light bubbles come up lazily from the bottom of my glass.

Smell consists of tart cherry. Mild oak. Some leather. Vanilla and some cinnamon. No denying, there is a bit of some slight funk to it too. A beautiful combination that makes one think of a cherry pie.

Tart and funky cherry dances across my tastebuds. Leaves a nice sour feeling in the back of my throat.Cinnamon and vanilla are incredible compliments to the cherry. I sit for several seconds and enjoy the aftertaste.

It's bubbly but not fizzy if you can feel what I'm going for here. I find myself sipping it due to the tartness.

An incredible and damn near perfect beer. I'm rarely this excited about a beer. Bravo to New Glarus.

Serving type: bottle

09-16-2012 22:00:12 | More by TheDudeRules

soulgrowl

United Kingdom (England)

4.9/5  rDev +18.6%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Appearance: Hazy chestnut brown, opaque for all intents and purposes. Head is a somewhat fizzy affair, parchment-colored and fleeting. A handsome but not gorgeous pour.

Smell: This is really special. Sour funk is the most noticeable character, along the lines of a Biere de Garde or a Flanders red, but less fruity and more leafy, more herbal, and more vegetal, but in the best possible way. Notes of orange zest, sour cherries, clove, and oak trees add a light potpourri-esque perfume. A hint of Peaty smoke lends a dusky depth and the impression of Scotch whisky.

Taste: Holy mother of God. This is amazing. Lush essences of vanilla (loads of vanilla), honey, cocoa, and caramel; mouthwatering fruity sourness that doesn't pucker or burn; subtly woody oak; fresh cherry juice; fresh, autumnal, almost tobacco-like leafy crispness. On the sweet side, but well-countered by the healthy level of tartness. Finish has a dry, vinous bittersweetness that closes with a tug of savory oak.

Mouthfeel: Smooth, solid, medium- to full-bodied with a slickness from the cherry sugars. Well matched with the flavor and not nearly as rough as many other sour beers.

Drinkability: Good lord, I just wish I had stocked up on more of these when I was in Wisconsin. I could drink this all the time. Complex yet mellow, big and creative yet affordable, sour but not too sour. Way up there on my list, for sure, and definitely the best I've had from New Glarus.

Serving type: bottle

01-11-2007 10:20:12 | More by soulgrowl

garymuchow

Minnesota

4.9/5  rDev +18.6%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Sweet tart cherry aroma holding vanilla and a sourness noted with wild ales. Complex, fresh, light and interesting.
Smallish off-white head that in other glasses I've had has settled out, but not in this one, which holds its cap well, drinks with lacing that falls back into the cap. Nice. Quite clear amber with reds from the cherries with brownish and golds.
Such an interesting, flavorful beer. Repeats the cherry tartness and bolder vanilla with the steady background of wild ale yeast phenolic tartness. But additionally presents the oak flavors. The cherry is the forefront, but never overpowering or in excess. So nicely balanced.
Even with the lighter body this beer is smooth, which is enhanced by the softness of the carbonation.
This is truly an exceptional beer. Flavorful, accessible and highly drinkable. I sincerely hope I can track down some more.
My compliments to the brewery.

Serving type: bottle

06-27-2010 22:45:57 | More by garymuchow

JohnQVegas

Tennessee

4.9/5  rDev +18.6%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Bottle into Bruery tulip, split between my beautiful wife and I after a long day of brewing and toddler wrangling. This one is once again thanks to the Amazing Jeff (Alewatcher) - thanks for looking out for me, Jeff!

Pours a very pretty red, almost crystal clear, with almost no head at all, just a thin ring round the outside. Beautiful ruby hue.

Nose is gorgeous - beautiful sourness hits you with a dose of acetic and a maybe bit of lactic (that might just be a bit of vanilla creeping in), with a gorgeous cherry note that carries just a bit of sweetness to underlay the sour, done only the way Dan Carey can do it. The man is Da Vinci with fruit and beer.

Taste is bright and vivid and gorgeous and perfect. Sharp acetic sour bite up front provides a snappy sour intro to the signature, ridiculously vivid cherry explosion that follows; perfect blend of sweet and sour dancing in cosmically perfect harmony. Just a bit of vanilla provides a richness to the bright cherries, before the long finish, which echoes of the sour bite and cherries alongside just a bit of oak. Beautiful beer, the best I've had in a long time.

Mouthfeel is snappy and puckering, zippy carbonation over a light body.

Drinkability is phenomenal. I had maybe 7 ounces of this beer, and I could have downed an entire growler effortlessly, savoring every beautiful sip. Fantastic beer, and another huge thank you, Jeff. You outdid yourself with this one. This one only reinforces what I already believed: Dan Carey is the best brewer in the country. There are some very close competitors (Vinnie @ RR, Patrick @ the Bruery comes very close, a few others) but no one I know can produce the variety of styles Dan has in such a masterful fashion, from German wheats to unbelievable lagers to fruit beers and sours. A tip of the hat, from me to Dan.

Serving type: bottle

08-01-2010 01:45:36 | More by JohnQVegas

Sephiroth

Indiana

4.88/5  rDev +18.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Big thanks to shbobdb for this unsolicited bottle. Pours with average head, some lacing, the beer looks unusual. When held up to the light, the bottom outlining edge is a cherry brown color, and above, the beer is dark, opaque brown. This smells absolutely mouthwatering. Slightly tart cherries with a nice dose of oak.

The taste is somewhat subtle. Cherries on the front of the tongue, the wild yeast adds a faint tartness, and then the oak and some barnyard notes. The oak might be the strongest flavor in this beer, yet it does not dominate the beer. This has a full, creamy mouthfeel, it extremely drying. The drinkability is outstanding.

New Glarus is the undisputed king of fruit beers in America.

Serving type: bottle

12-19-2006 07:31:00 | More by Sephiroth

GCBrewingCo

North Carolina

4.85/5  rDev +17.4%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

The beer poured into the chalice almost clear golden medium amber with an off-white head which rose tall and fell very slowly to lace the glass.

The aroma was a melding of oak aroma and bourbon. Neither aroma was overpowering and both worked well together. Behind that was a light fruitiness which was hard to distinguish between cherry or raspberry.

The flavor was fruity and slightly sour, or better termed as acidic. The flavor was distinctly cherry, but more subdued than say Cherry Tart (Wisconsin Belgian Red), much more. The cherry flavor was tempered with oak that finally finished out as a bourbon, but was only subtle, never overdone.

The finish was dry and crisp with lasting cherry which transformed on the palate in the finish to oak and later to light bourbon. The body was medium and the carbonation was spot on.

This beer, probably one of the few released from the brewery was worthy of asking about if you ever visit. Most bourbon beers are overdone and perhaps overrated, but this one is subtle and sublime. A mix of fruit beer and bourbon and a wonderful way.

Purchased for $10 in 2003 at the brewery on a private tour prior to Great Taste of the Midwest, unlabeled with only a gold crown cap on a green 750 ml bottle. At least 12 other people purchased a bottle(s). I wish I had another bottle, and had been waiting for the right moment to open this one. It should have been stored for even longer and a more special occasion, but today seemed like the day. The reason was GT tickets went on sale today even though I will not be able to attend this year.

Wood and Barrel-aged Beers: 2003 Silver Medal GABF, 2004 Bronze Medal GABF.

We need a BA Wood and Barrel Aged beer style!

Serving type: bottle

05-01-2005 22:33:39 | More by GCBrewingCo

Atricapilla

Pennsylvania

4.83/5  rDev +16.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Poured into a normal water glass. Was a deep mahogany color with a fairly light 2 finger head. Aroma was of dark fruits and malt with some sourness added. Initial taste was of sourness, although less than I expected, followed by chocolate and cherries. Slightly sweet, slightly sour, a good combination.

Serving type: bottle

06-19-2010 19:47:12 | More by Atricapilla

scaliasux

Wisconsin

4.83/5  rDev +16.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

Appearance - Dark amber brown. Clear. Medium off-white head that quickly dissipates.

Smell - Obviously cherries. I'm also getting a flat cola smell and maybe a little vanilla.

Taste - Begins very prominently with authentic tart cherry flavor and a lighter but still very prominent bourbon. Finishes malty.

Mouthfeel - Medium to light. Dry finish.

Drinkability - New Glarus sure does make a lot of cherry beers. It might get old if they weren't all so good. I was a little skeptical that this beer would have much new to offer, but it certainly does.

Serving type: bottle

09-28-2010 03:56:24 | More by scaliasux

JamnesCameron

Illinois

4.83/5  rDev +16.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Poured into a St. Louis Gueuze glass.

Pours a fairly clear amber hue with a light tan, one finger head that drops to a wisp of foam. Looks like lacing will be spotty.

Aromas of smokey oak, lactic sourness, sweet cherries.

Flavor of honey glazed smoked oak (would go great with a piece of salmon!), some malt sweetness, reserved sourness, sweet cherries, distinct smokey oak flavor. A little carbonic bite. No hop flavor. Finish is medium, with smoke, wood, and lactic sourness slow to fade.

Mouthfeel is light/medium, with a mouthcoating sourness that gives a slight pull at the cheaks.

Very drinkable, interesting beer. This is very nice. I would love to pair this with a big piece of grilled salmon. Very complex, mixes well.

Serving type: bottle

03-16-2011 02:08:14 | More by JamnesCameron

terrabyte

Wisconsin

4.8/5  rDev +16.2%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

This was allowed to warm up for a few hours.

Pour was dark brown / dark red, with a small head.

Smells just like a Jack and Coke. Or maybe Jack and Cherry Coke. A wooden bourbon aroma was husky and mellow, and was more distinct than the light fruity or cherry aroma.

The flavor was smooth and mellow. Sweetness came from a cherry flavor, but nothing like their Unplugged Cherry Stout. This was more like icing on the cake, and the cake was a nice wooden bourbon mixed with uncarbonated cola. In fact, I'm reminded of Captain Morgan Gold, and how they blended their rum with a low carbonated cola.

Carbonation was perfect, allowing the finish to fade out into a warm oaky aftertaste. A fascinating type, and definitely worth trying out again. I think I'll try to pair it with a juicy grilled steak next time.

Serving type: bottle

10-11-2006 14:45:51 | More by terrabyte

PoisonOakAdam

Illinois

4.8/5  rDev +16.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a bottle into a new glarus flute.

The appearence is beautiful! Its a rich copper with mild lacing and a thin head. The carbonation rushes through to flute.

Smells a bit funky, vinegar and fruit in the background.

Taste is where it really shines, it so well balanced and the complexities are all noticable. Cherries, vinegar funk, vanilla, even a bit smoky in the finish.

The mouthfeel is poppy and bright the carbonation really helps with the flavors coming out.

I really feel like this is a sour and should be categorized as an american wild ale, but whatever.

Serving type: bottle

06-06-2010 03:41:25 | More by PoisonOakAdam

VerbingNouns

Illinois

4.8/5  rDev +16.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

poured from a 12oz bottle into an Allagash tulip

A- Translucent cherry red with one inch creaming tan head, fully of lacy bubbles

S- Sour, grassy, fruity, light and crisp, almost tropical

T- Puckeringly tart, sweet and crisp, fruity - maybe apple? cherry?, mild sweet aftertaste

M- Thin, refreshing. Not very complex, but it works very well with the style

D- YES. Almost like tart fruit juice, which is my absolute favorite non-alcoholic beverage. Drank Enigma after eating Sausalito cookies (macadamia nuts, milk chocolate). I definitely recommend this pairing!

Serving type: bottle

09-03-2010 02:47:39 | More by VerbingNouns

IntriqKen

California

4.75/5  rDev +15%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 5

There are a thousand different things going on in this beer.
Pours a cloudy deep, dark tea color with a smallish head that soon becomes a sticky halo ring.
Aromas are basically tart fruit with brown sugar to mellow it out.
Flavor is initially semi-tart cherries, toffee, caramel, brown sugar, followed with a lemon citrus hop.
As it warms and you explore it more the taste becomes less tart and more candied cherries. Really, really complex and really, really nice.
Aftertaste is sort of a lip smacking dry tartness that pleases and makes you want more. With each sensation of tart fruit is the presence of sweetness that makes this an incredibly balanced brew.
What? Retired???
Fate is not kind.
Sometimes the world makes no sense to me.
I want more.
Many, many thanks to nflmvp for this golden opportunity.

Serving type: bottle

11-25-2006 01:51:18 | More by IntriqKen

TheBlackMallard

Michigan

4.75/5  rDev +15%
look: 4.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

This is probably one of my favorite beers even though my first chance to try it was just a few months ago.

Pours a hazy brown with little to no head.

Smell: Apples, Cherries, Cinnamon, Leather, and more Fruit.

Taste: Tart, Fruity, Apple Cider, Cherries, Grapes, Leather, and a bit of Oak. Full body, medium carbonation. I would drink this all day if I could.

Serving type: bottle

05-20-2008 05:41:53 | More by TheBlackMallard

FungusBrewer

Illinois

4.73/5  rDev +14.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Picked this up in a four-pack during there annual Oktoberfest celebrations. Reddish-brown ruby hues sink deep in my brandy snifter. Immediately I'm hit with a sour oak flavor leading into a deep, warm burn on the back of my tongue. This beer tastes wonderful, unlike anything I've ever tried before. Enigma is carbonated--almost champagne- in mouthfeel.

Serving type: bottle

10-04-2012 05:58:58 | More by FungusBrewer

dirtylou

Washington

4.7/5  rDev +13.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

This beer is not retired, not even close really

12oz bottle, got a 4pack at Riley's

appearance: standard New Glaurs Unplugged label which i am fond of...pours into a wide mouth wine glass....rose-mahogany body with a light violet highlight, light beige froth with light lacing on the rim

smell: immediately similar to belgian red and cherry stout. This isnt a bad thing, but its very familiar. tart michigan cherries dominate the nose for me, rather sour...in the background i get vanilla and oak but the sour cherry dominates

taste: the flavour is much more complex to me as more of the beer is revealed than in the nose...every sip is pretty divine if you ask me, it starts with a sour-tart michigan cherry flavour then the vanilla and oak follow in the finish, a little booze comes through but the finish remains quite tart and sharp. As it warms i get more and more bourbon in the finish...Theres been some conversation on how similar belgian red, cherry stout, and enigma are to each other but i am not bothered...this is another wonderful fruit beer from new glarus

mouthfeel: tart, slick medium body, velvety smooth

drinkability: a joy

Serving type: bottle

10-19-2006 02:09:13 | More by dirtylou

modernartblues

Connecticut

4.7/5  rDev +13.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

Reviewed from notes, received in trade from woosterbill (thanks Will!)

Poured into Duvel Tulip

A: brownish-red, dirty caramel, almost apple cider like in appearence, 1" off white head recedes to light film, some lacing

N: tart cherries principally, but notes of oak may also be present, while I didn't find this to be ridiculously aromatic, it was very very pleasing

T: excellent, excellent, this is probably my favorite 'wild' ale yet sampled, fruity cherry taste with plenty of barnyard funk, neither the light tartness nor the sweetness overtake the tastebuds, light oak notes blend perfectly...this is truly delicious

M: nice rugged mouthfeel, thicker than most sours/wilds/fruit beers

D: excellent, sessionable, I wish I had a six pack or easy access to this delicious brew. The bottle says it was a one time release, but maybe if we beg...

Serving type: bottle

01-16-2011 15:33:23 | More by modernartblues

312HopBomb

Illinois

4.7/5  rDev +13.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

12 oz bottle poured into a Southern Tier tulip glass.

Appearance: Pours a deep, clear amber red with a smallish head that leaves no lacing or ring.

Smell: Aromas include cherry, oak, leather and funky yeast.

Taste: A tart burst of cherry yields to slighty sweet medium roasted malt and a tangy finish. Hops are way in the background. A sour brew with a nice cherry flavor without the intensity of their Belgian red but still extremely flavorful.

Mouthfeel: Fizzy and fresh, crisp and refreshing with a puckering finish.

Overall: New Glarus has mastered the art of brewing world-class fruit ales. From the apple beer to their Raspberry, and finally the top ranked Begian red. These are all treats to seek out and savor.

Serving type: bottle

09-18-2012 02:41:39 | More by 312HopBomb

dogger6253

Minnesota

4.68/5  rDev +13.3%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 5 | overall: 4.5

Mud brown once it settles, but during the pour - an avalanche of color. Several gradients ranging from bright orange to deep brown. The bottom is closer to orange than the top, hints of ruby red swirl among the middle ground. The head is thick and retentive, mocha colored. The head stays around 1/4 inch, little bits of lace hang on the glass as I drink. Man, this is beautiful.

The smell is wonderful, very warm and rich with cherries and cinnamon coming through. It smells like warm apple cider, nutmeg, and a strong oak presence. There is sort of a chocolatey-tobacco smell going on here too.

The taste is excellent, cherries and apple cider are the majority of the flavor, but adding to the mix are some sweeter layers and some more bitter layers. There is a bit of vanilla and a bit of brown sugar, some toffee. In the finish, we have more oak flavor and some of that tobacco and unsweetened chocolate I was smelling. There's no real hops flavor, but a sort of floral/earthiness to it. The taste basically goes through three phases: tart at first, working into sweet and fruity and finishing dry and slightly bitter.

The body is awesome, thick and syrupy, clinging to your mouth and lingering on long after you've swallowed. There is some noticeable carbonation running through your mouth and a wonderful alcohol warming feel. I like this beer a lot, I need to get more of this stuff before it disappears.

Serving type: bottle

10-05-2007 04:44:20 | More by dogger6253

NeroFiddled

Pennsylvania

4.68/5  rDev +13.3%
look: 4 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 5

As I sit down to review this beer it is with both joy and sorrow, for this is the last of my 6-pack stash. It also reminds me of my last serious girlfriend who moved to Madison a year ago, and whom I first enjoyed this beer with. But that's also kind of like this beer in a way, as it's sweet and sour, but with great depth behind it.

It pours a murky, deep chestnut brown beneath a short head of creamy off-white that fades steadily to a thin collar. Minor spots and splashes of lace are left about the glass, but not much more.

The nose is malty with a sweetish edge that's almost sugary but fruity, kind of like a jam. Lots of vanilla, apple, and cherry. Clear notes of oak come through as well, and I'm thinking a tiny bit of barnyard underneath. There's even a kind of pineapple note to it. Complex and interesting! I could enjoy this beer just based on the smell alone!

In the mouth it's medium with a decidedly dextrinous edge, and a delicately crisp, tiny-bubbled carbonation.

The flavor is intense, with tartness and sweetness fighting it out for dominance in a face to face death-roll. Over and over they swirl, repeatedly gaining and losing to each other. The vanilla and oak do the same, and the cherry and some caramelish malt all help to round it out. There's a suggestion of earth and smoke in the background, but they're soft. No bitterness is really needed, and it finishes with a lingering note of sharp acidity and caramel-sticky malt that clings to the teeth. Cherries fade to apples, apples fade to vanilla, vanilla fades to oak, and then vanilla returns softly along with a note of soft, sweet caramel in the long-lingering finish.

A year in the cellar has done wonders for this beer, and it's far more smooth and round than when I first tasted it fresh from the brewery. Oh that I could have more, oh that I could see my sweet love once again!

I realize that this is listed on BA as a fruit/vegetable beer, but this is one of tne of the best oud brune/sour Flemish brown ales in the world!!! Absolutely worth seeking out!!!

Serving type: bottle

11-11-2007 17:58:36 | More by NeroFiddled

SaucyA

Michigan

4.68/5  rDev +13.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4

I've always loved New Glarus' logo's... they look like they're from a 1950's school book.

A - One finger off white foamy head into a 22oz snifter. Quickly receding. Body a murky, opaque maroon. Almost purple... a beautiful colored brew.

S - Oak, apple orchard, apple cider, cherries, overly ripe fruit, millions of nuances. Apple pie, for god's sake. Cinnamon. Wow.

T - Tart, but not too tart, definite oak note running throughout. Tastes of apples, white grapes, wine, cherries come through the more it warms... Sweet malts, no hop profile.

M - Medium bodied, dry, perfect amount of carbonation.

D - Completely quaffable and perfect balance of sweet/tart/dry. This is a really fantastic brew.

Notes: Mad thanks to TheBlackMallard for giving me a bottle of this. It lived up to it's expectations and thensome. Isn't this inexpensive? You Wisconsin folks are lucky dogs.

Serving type: bottle

06-06-2008 00:01:08 | More by SaucyA

dancinwillie

Wisconsin

4.68/5  rDev +13.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

2010 release, bottle to nonic.

Lighter in color than I remember, a clear yet darkish mahogany. Head is the same color as the tan label, or I should say it was. It evaporated almost immediately, leaving just a hint of head film remaining. I don't think that's a bad thing, just what happened.

Aroma is deep rich cherry with an oaky undercurrent. A little vanilla is there too, and maybe a little bit of chocolate. smoke aroma is very subtle, and adds a nice dimension to all the sweetness.

Flavor is sour, yes, but not as sour as some would have you believe. More tartness than actual sourness. Cherry is featured prominently and mingles well with the oaks earthiness. Malt is strong enough to stand up to the sweetness, but takes a back seat to it overall. Balance is the key here, and it has unlocked my door. Wonderful taste here, right up there with Duchesse, and maybe even better.

Medium bodied, higher than medium carbonation, and a creamy mouthfeel make this a delight to sip or quaff.

Overall a damn good beer, and one that I wish was a year round offering. But I'll take it when I can get it, and I'm getting a lot of it this year. The only thing that I can say would benefit from improvement is the thinnish appearance. And that's something that I personally don't care too much about anyway. Keep on making hits Dan and Randy, this one's damn dandy! Cheers!

Serving type: bottle

05-13-2010 20:44:43 | More by dancinwillie

morimech

Minnesota

4.68/5  rDev +13.3%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5

Reddish brown color with one finger of head that slowly settled to a thick cap. A little lacing is left on the glass. Interesting aroma of tart cherries, vanilla, and some sour, funkiness. Already I can tell this is not going to be just another fruity beer. The flavor is complex. Starts off with some sourness but it is not lip puckering tartness. Hints of cherries and vanilla. Acidity is moderately low. This is how I think Wisconsin Belgian Red should taste. Light body and slightly effervescent. Almost has a ginger ale finish. Seems quite suitable for a beer like this. New Glarus unleashed a very interesting, well made beer with Enigma. Glad I had a chance to drink a few bottles.

Serving type: bottle

09-28-2010 22:16:20 | More by morimech