Heavy Seas - Holy Sheet (Über Abbey Ale) - Heavy Seas Beer

johnmichaelsen

Oregon

4.13/5  rDev +13.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Just picked up a 6 pack from Jason's and couldn't wait to crack open a bottle.

Not a huge amount of head on this beer, and what's there dissipates pretty quickly. However, beer is a loverly amber brown color, with enticing flavors of spice on the palate. The beer is very rich and sweet tasting, but is not over the top in the latter regard. Although obviously a big beer, it's not heavy or too tiring to drink. Very nice smooth mouthfeel, with almost a creamy texture. I could probaly drink a couple of these, as the beer is pretty drinkable for its 9% abv.

Another solid performance from Clipper City's heavy seas line. Can't wait to try this beer on draft.

Serving type: bottle

03-14-2007 21:30:02 | More by johnmichaelsen

dedrinker

Kansas

3.9/5  rDev +6.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

a dull ruby color, smells of sweet fruits - spiced. Spiced apple? peaches? Hides its alcohol fairly well, with a little astringency on the finish. Mellow carbonation. Good American example of an abbey ale, but I would question its spring release tactic, as this seems more like a December through February beer. The Heavy Seas line over all is a good example of a well-grounded approach to "extreme" beer without being retarded about it.

Serving type: bottle

03-14-2007 02:22:46 | More by dedrinker

Jaynuze

District of Columbia

4/5  rDev +9.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

I was lucky enough to get a case of this new rare beauty from the brewer. Pours a beautiful reddish amber with a thin white head. It dissipated quickly, but this might have been due to the cleanliness of the tulip glass I was using.

The nose has notes of sweet fruits and spice ... apple seems to be the most prominent. Though it is a sweet aroma, it is not overbearingly sweet. The chocolate malts really seem to round out the nose and taste.

The initial sip is a bit sweet ... though the beer had only been in the fridge for about 20 minutes. There is a light pinch of alcohol, but drinker beware, though this beer is smooth it's strong (9%). I'm not sure if this is better served warmer or colder, but I've got 23 others to test out my "theories"! Again, notes of apple with a smooth malty finish make this beer a great sipping brew. I'm not sure if I could handle more than two per sitting, as with most Belgian styles, the malty sweetness tends to get to me ... so does the 9% ABV!

Bubbles were rapidly rising once poured into the glass. This beer is very well carbonated and well balanced. Not much of a sign from the two brands of hops (Warrior and Tettanger), however Belgians tend to be much maltier than hoppy. The alcohol is well balanced with the malts and makes this a very smooth drinking beer. Though alcohol is noticed in the finish it still has a light creamy finish.

It's a good stab at the Belgian style. I'll have to drink a few more to see how my impressions change, but I sure am glad that I have more to sample! This is a smooth drinking beer and I can't wait until they put this one on cask! It seems a bit large for a Spring release, but it is still pretty darn tasty! Once again, Clipper City has built another winner!

Serving type: bottle

03-12-2007 15:13:59 | More by Jaynuze