Mirror Mirror - Deschutes Brewery

bamadog

Kentucky

3.28/5  rDev -21.9%
look: 4 | smell: 2.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

So, I've been dipping into the cellar a bit this weekend and last night I got an infected beer, and I think that my bad luck is continuing... This one smells a wee-bit funky/tart... Dammit. Oh well, let's give it a shot anyway. Review is from notes taken on 5/13/2012 and poured from the bottle to a snifter.

Appearance: Pour is a ruddy coppery color and is reminiscent of apple code; starts with a short 1/4 finger head that lingers a bit and eventually fades to a thin, nearly complete skim; body is murky and difficult to see into, but there is decently strong tiny strands of carbonation bubbling up near the sides; some sticky oily residue

Smell: Tart, acidic green apples (likely from the infection... again, dammit...); some sweet caramel maltiness and a touch of bitter hop still lingers. All in all, not bad, but I would imagine it would be superior without the slight taint to it. Fortunately I have another that may not be bugged.

Taste: As mentioned, there is definitely a tart and acidic green apple presence to it along with a saccharine funk, and it's strong up front, but followed nicely by the big caramel malts; still a fair amount of grassy and bitter hop presence in the back; some booze as well. Not displeased, but again, I feel this would be an amazing beer otherwise...

Mouthfeel: Body is of medium weight and the carbonation is still strong, but comes across as smooth and soft; bit of a sticky coating left on the palate and teeth; belly is left warm and tingly from the acidity, funk and booze.

Overall: See above... not too bad, even with the infection, but could be sooo much better. Que sera sera. Better luck next time, I guess.

Serving type: bottle

05-14-2012 01:04:22 | More by bamadog

Photekut

Azerbaijan

3/5  rDev -28.6%

05-18-2013 22:04:20 | More by Photekut

Kopfschuss

Oregon

4.75/5  rDev +13.1%

05-17-2013 07:13:29 | More by Kopfschuss

Skunkdrool

California

4.75/5  rDev +13.1%

05-10-2013 19:12:24 | More by Skunkdrool

gratefulbeerhead

Indiana

4.25/5  rDev +1.2%

04-30-2013 02:03:53 | More by gratefulbeerhead

BigJK

California

4.5/5  rDev +7.1%

04-29-2013 06:18:00 | More by BigJK

fox227

California

4.25/5  rDev +1.2%

04-23-2013 03:48:14 | More by fox227

mikeincharleston

South Carolina

4.75/5  rDev +13.1%

04-21-2013 01:19:17 | More by mikeincharleston

Kelp

New Hampshire

4.25/5  rDev +1.2%

04-15-2013 06:06:07 | More by Kelp

orangesol

Pennsylvania

4/5  rDev -4.8%

04-11-2013 03:17:44 | More by orangesol

riored4v

Colorado

4.53/5  rDev +7.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5

2009 release enjoyed on 4/9/13

Poured in to a tulip with a crystal clear, ruby colored body. 1/4 finger, khaki colored head.

Aroma was of dark fruits, cherries, caramel, molasses and subtle amounts of chocolate. Some light raisin and mild earthyness. Light vanilla/barrel notes.

Taste was excellent. Still some light alcohol warmth and heat with a mellow bitterness. Good amounts of dark fruits, prunes and raisin. Malty and biscuity with good amounts of caramel. Some light vanilla and oak notes. Slightly floral in the finish. Mildly sweet.

Medium/heavy mouthfeel, medium carb and a sticky finish that turned dry.

Overall this was great. Bottle says to enjoy after 4/20/10, so I'm almost 2 years past that point and the flavors really melded together.

Serving type: bottle

04-10-2013 00:37:20 | More by riored4v

artoolemomo

Oregon

3.75/5  rDev -10.7%

04-01-2013 03:16:07 | More by artoolemomo

andrew84

Vermont

4/5  rDev -4.8%

03-26-2013 02:27:02 | More by andrew84

Sparky44

Illinois

4/5  rDev -4.8%

03-23-2013 20:29:12 | More by Sparky44

JRod1969

New York

4.5/5  rDev +7.1%

03-11-2013 02:38:28 | More by JRod1969

CoryR

Oregon

4/5  rDev -4.8%

03-07-2013 03:35:44 | More by CoryR

Pattelbert

Virginia

4/5  rDev -4.8%

03-05-2013 18:06:11 | More by Pattelbert

williamjbauer

West Virginia

4/5  rDev -4.8%

02-26-2013 23:43:27 | More by williamjbauer

LambicKing

Virginia

4/5  rDev -4.8%

02-24-2013 01:02:55 | More by LambicKing

Hanzo

Virginia

4/5  rDev -4.8%

02-23-2013 21:28:03 | More by Hanzo

chugamugofsud

Oregon

4.25/5  rDev +1.2%

02-20-2013 19:24:15 | More by chugamugofsud

kawilliams81

Illinois

3.98/5  rDev -5.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4

2009 vintage. Poured from 22 oz bottle into a glass.

A- pours dark copper with a half finger off-white head. Minimal lacing on the glass.

S- caramel, light dark fruits

T- sweet caramel, toffee, oak, faint bourbon

M- medium body and carbonation. Smooth and slightly syrupy.

O- milder BA Barleywine. Has nice sweet malts and dark fruit notes.

Serving type: bottle

02-19-2013 04:42:56 | More by kawilliams81

jvillefan

California

4.75/5  rDev +13.1%

01-30-2013 18:49:13 | More by jvillefan

DmanGTR

New York

4.75/5  rDev +13.1%

01-29-2013 03:09:06 | More by DmanGTR

oline73

Maryland

3.75/5  rDev -10.7%

01-28-2013 14:17:45 | More by oline73