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

Liverpool08

Massachusetts

3.35/5  rDev -7.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Pours a light Plum color with a big puffy head that settles down into a nice 1 inch top. Good lacing thruout. Not much of an aroma, a little dark fruit smell. Taste echoes the dark fruit. A little spice and raisins, a little of the belgian funk. Still not a great flavor. Its an ok try at the style but lacks that deep candied fruit flavor you get in other Belgian darks. Its easy to drink and the booze is hidden well. So overall an ok brew.

Serving type: bottle

03-24-2010 23:21:09 | More by Liverpool08

PJStello

Pennsylvania

3.78/5  rDev +4.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Appearance - Pours easily and settled down with a thin tan head that dissipated quickly. Ranges from a mahogany to dark amber color as you move it around in the light.

Smell - Upon first opening the the bottle you are greeted with a nice characteristic belgian ale aroma; however, said aroma greatly tones down as the beer settles into the glass. After a few sips (with a good bit of room left in the glass) disturbing the beer a bit it will kick off a nice malty aroma.

Taste- Definitely tasted a few spices hitting the tongue right off the bat, however as it moved around I began to pick up a good bit of a honey flavor. The hops definitely offer more of an aromatic quality in this beer as they definitely linger in the after taste. The flavor of this beer really does let you know you are drinking a 9% beer .

Mouthfeel- This beer really sits in the middle of the road; I can't say it feels heavy, and I can't say it feels like the lightest beer either. It has a very light carbonation that gently tickles the tongue.

Drinkability- Very drinkable. I recommend starting your night with this beer and coasting with something like a Yeungling lager afterwards.

Grade- B (cold) / B+ (warm): When comparing it against other Belgian (style) Strong Ales I feel like this beer is a bit lacking in the flavor department, and it really has to be kicked in the ass to offer up a nice aroma. Holy Sheet is a very drinkable beer and something I would easily consider going back to if nothing better was offered at the time.

Serving type: bottle

03-15-2010 05:26:32 | More by PJStello

kdawg105

Georgia

4.8/5  rDev +32.2%
look: 5 | smell: 4 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5

Really good beer!! The appearance was inviting with lace that stuck to the glass the whole way down. The smell was a little lighter that expected but nice with a balance of malt and hops. The taste great very balanced brew with a nice little bite of hops. The mouthfeel is perfect it has a nice feel to it. The drinkability is also great the beer has no overpowering characters and it finishes really smooth!! To be so strong in abv.% it is a really easy drinking brew!

Serving type: bottle

03-12-2010 02:18:20 | More by kdawg105

dpasotti

Indiana

2.23/5  rDev -38.6%
look: 2.5 | smell: 2 | taste: 2 | feel: 3 | overall: 2.5

Pours a transparent deep plum color into my Piraat balloon glass. Zero head despite the high-altitude pour directly down the center. Aroma is very clean and lacks any Belgian yeast character whatsoever. Dark toasty malt; very biscuity with just a little fruit. Smells quite similar to a doppelbock.

This is a Belgian style? A thin malty sweetness that turns tart and quickly fades away. Alcohol is very forward and feels like more than 9%. Not a hint of Belgian-style phenols anywhere on the palate either. Mouthfeel is thin and boring with medium-high carbonation.

Holy Sheet is a very disappointing offering from Clipper City, a solid brewery that I feel has some excellent beers in the form of Loose Cannon and The Great Pumpkin. I finished the bottle, but I won't be having this again.

Serving type: bottle

02-23-2010 00:43:14 | More by dpasotti

claytri

Maryland

3.88/5  rDev +6.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

The beer poured a rich Mahogany with a tan head. The aroma was of caramel malt and spices. The tastes was of caramel malt, vanilla, and spice. The feel was heavy and wet. A very pleasant beer, the spices and vanilla were a good compliment to the malt.

Serving type: on-tap

02-21-2010 14:45:47 | More by claytri

adamette

Ohio

4.13/5  rDev +13.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Live Review. Poured from the 22 oz. bomber that I bought at Warehouse Beverage on Mayfield in Cleveland last week. No observed "best by" date. Poured into my silver rimmed Westvleteren goblet.

A Creamy light brown head over a dark brown body which glows a dark mahogany in front of direct light. Curtain like lacing left on the inside of the glass after repeated sips. 4.0

S Sweet malt with minimal hops. A warmth of alcohol is apparent. Inviting, interesting smell. 4.0

T Nice, sweet malt taste with a warmth of alcohol that is really a nice effect. This taste is of a classic Belgian Strong Dark Ale and I really like the sweetness with the Belgian yeast taste as well. Bravo. 4.5

M Some syrupy stickiness but the feel is moderate. There is a warmth of alcohol to it and it certainly is a "big" beer but really I would characterize this as a moderate feel for the style. 4.0

D The malty sweetness helps the drinkability which cannot be that high due to the elevated ABV of 9.0%. 3.5

Notes: Very good example of the style, a rival of classic Belgian beers.

Serving type: bottle

02-20-2010 04:01:25 | More by adamette

thequeen711

Pennsylvania

3.53/5  rDev -2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

This is a beautiful colour pour, mahogany brown with ruby red highlights when held up to the light. Three finger head slipping into light lacing. Aroma of dark fruits, plums, figs, raisins, candy sugars.
Taste initially of the dark fruits, then the alcohol kicks in the aftertaste. Medium heavy mouthfeel, an interesting Uber Abbey Ale, this is. I'm not digging the fruitiness of the ale, but certainly worth the taste.

Serving type: bottle

02-09-2010 02:33:00 | More by thequeen711

TMoney2591

Illinois

3.58/5  rDev -1.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Served in a Chimay goblet.

Pours a deep ruby brown, black highlights seeping in at certain angles, with a nice half-finger of bright head, though the lacing is somewhat weak. The nose is a melange of coffee, dark fruits, and booze. The taste highlights those fruits, mostly plum and fig, with the booziness lending a sort of oakey flavoring; lots o' complexity. The body is a heavy medium, and it doesn't coat the mouth too much, allowing this brew to be fairly drinkable, though the moderate alcohol may have something to say about that.

Serving type: bottle

02-08-2010 00:26:44 | More by TMoney2591

ChainGangGuy

Georgia

3.5/5  rDev -3.6%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

22 ounce bomber - $4.99 at Total Wine & More in Kennesaw, Georgia.

Appearance: Pours out a chestnut-hued body with a medium-sized, frothed, light khaki-colored head.

Smell: The nose is fruity and sugary, like toasted cherry-flavored caramel, provided there even is such a thing and with some spritzes of wafting alcohol, like standing next to someone overdoing it on their sprayable haircare products.

Taste: This so-called Über Abbey Ale starts with a burst of sweet maltiness with some tastes of sugar-glazed, toasted, chewy bread crusts and dark caramel with just a teeny tiny hint of cocoa. Strong fruity tastes of raisins and discount cherry cordial join the mix. Spicy character reminiscent of cloves jumps out midway. Hint of dried herbs with some slight bitterness. Finishes with some all-too notable alcoholic heat and still a fair amount of lingering sweetness.

Mouthfeel: Medium-bodied. Medium-plus carbonation.

Drinkability: A bit simplistically sweet, and a bit hot at times, leaving a beverage that doesn't quite mesh well for me. By no means is it an exemplary example of the style, but, well, that's usually my feelings towards any of the Clipper City brews. This one just lacks the grace and charm of those bold brews from Belgian, or the Belgian-styled beers that many American breweries are excelling at nowadays. If it does have one thing going for it, it's the price - you could do a lot worse monitarily when it comes to a bomber these days.

Serving type: bottle

02-07-2010 21:19:58 | More by ChainGangGuy

billab914

Virginia

3.75/5  rDev +3.3%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

Poured from a 22oz bottle into my Lost Abbey stemware. Pours dark brown, almost ruby colored when held up to the light. Poured with a thick two finger off-white head. The head settled out within a few minutes to cling to the sides of the glass and didn't leave much lacing on the glass.

Aroma has some Belgian yeast spiciness with some candy sugar and dark fruit notes. The taste is more malty and caramely then I expected. I expected the Belgian yeast to be a little more present, which isn't a bad thing in my opinion. it has a sweet flavor to it with some dark fruits going on, as well as a decent amount of spiciness.

Mouthfeel is medium to thick with moderate carbonation. I opened this one not expecting to like it as much as I did, but I ended up really enjoying it. It was a nice mix of Belgian flavors with an American twist. I liked how the Belgian yeast was a little more subtle in this one which gave the other flavors a chance to come through.

Serving type: bottle

02-06-2010 00:27:52 | More by billab914

jgasparine

Maryland

4.05/5  rDev +11.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Note: There was a recipe change for all Holy Sheet brewed 2010 onward. This review was conducted with the "new" Holy Sheet.

A- Poured from the tap with a thin ivory colored head, which quickly receded to a haze layer, leaving some decent lacing behind. The body was a slightly opaque mahogany color, with no carbonation visible from the sides of the glass.

S- Beautifully pungent aromas of leather, ripe dark fruit, candy sugar and Belgian yeast aromatics. Doesn't smell quite like a Belgian abbey ale, but certainly as a Belgian-style abbey ale with an American Twist. I suppose Heavy Seas' description of it as an "Uber Abbey Ale" is quite fitting. That said, this bold bouquet of aroma is fantastic.

T- A nice replicate of the nose plus some unanticipated earthiness and breadlike qualities. Finishes malty with a lingering (and mild) stale hop bitterness, and a touch of booze.

M- A nice medium body, with some moderately soft carbonation. Nothing too impressive, and the carbonation is a touch prickly. A mark above average in the mouthfeel department.

D- Very drinkable for the ABV. Looks, smells and tastes nice. Satisfying. Not bad at all.

Serving type: on-tap

01-13-2010 16:22:18 | More by jgasparine

Billolick

New York

3.53/5  rDev -2.8%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.5

12 ounce bottle, a gift from a non BA friend, Daver. "For fresh taste purchase before" date notched onto the bottom of the front label. At 9% do folks want this one to be "fresh" or would some age calm things down and allow some growth of complexity? Oh well, doubt I will ever find out..Pours murky dark and dull brown, quickly dissapearing minor head and no lace. The nose is of rum, sweet candied fruits and boozy. Notes of dark fruits, caramel, sweet darker malts, a hint of smoke and more boozyness. Cant say I'm in love with. Lacks the density of flavors and intrigue of better crafted examples. Got to give Heavy Seas credit for sticking their necks out on this one.

Serving type: bottle

01-03-2010 21:49:08 | More by Billolick

sophisticated

Michigan

3.7/5  rDev +1.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 4

Nice label - a pirate at sea. Argh.
Pours a cloudy dark-amber/brown. The bottle claims to have yeast sediment. It's cloudy but not much sediment is visible. Small head leaves a bit of lace.

Smells of berries, Belgian yeast, malts. Overall, sweet and nice.

Taste/Mouthfeel: Kind of like a boozey toast with jam. Strawberries, malts, bread, as well as some alcohol presence. This has a bit of a sharp bite.

D) Pretty good. It's fairly tasty and my first try from this brewery. This may not be my favorite style but it's enjoyable enough. At 9% ABV its a sipper.

Serving type: bottle

12-30-2009 23:24:31 | More by sophisticated

RppIII

District of Columbia

4.33/5  rDev +19.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5

Poured from a 12oz. bottle into a snifter

Appearance: Pours amber brown that turns to a dark amber once settled in the glass. The head is a thin fawny layer that subsides to a swirl coating almost like whips of clouds on a sea of beer

Smell: There is little odor coming from this beer, aside from a fruity alcohol wafting into my nostrils there are hints of dark malts and spice.

Taste: Opening this beer "holy Sheet" Über abbey style ale I was preparing myself for an all out assault on my senses! I was expecting a complex beer, with a prevalent yeast, and an alcohol content to keep me warm in the coldest of winter months. After taking a drink the most prevalent thing I notice from this beer is a dry mouth. However, there is a sweetness of fruit (raisin, prune, fig) and caramel malt with hints of toasted grain and an interesting burnt character. A very subtle hop essence works almost in harmony with the drying effect of the alcohol to create a delightful flavour/experience. The yeast adds a hint of spiciness, as the beer warms towards room temperature the fruit soaked alcohol aroma becomes more established in the flavour of the beer leading to a pleasing contrast of spicy notes and fruity alcohol aroma. I love the finish of sweetness, almost like a red wine I had earlier this evening.

Mouthful: Carbonation is precise to the claims on the bottle, along with the warming effect of the alcohol the beer brings about a sense of drying. This is not unpleasant but could affect the drinkability of this beer.

Drinkability: A great beer to keep you warm on a chilly day. I enjoy what was done with this beer but there seems to be a discrepancy in it's advertised style. I would not consider this a Belgian Strong Dark Ale; I would consider this more of an American interpretation of a Belgian Strong Dark Ale. Personally I would drink this beer all night, I enjoyed what Clipper City has done with this beer!

Serving type: bottle

12-16-2009 01:25:37 | More by RppIII

becktone

Ohio

3.43/5  rDev -5.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

From notes 9-1-09

Eye: Exactly what you expect from this type of beer; brown in color and when light passes through it, it becomes crimson. Nice clarity to this beer as well. Its got a nice head as it sits here in this Chimay goblet, perfect, just like every other great beer poured into this glass. Its not so much a head, as a covering for the beer, a thick blanket that looks so right for this beer, in this glass. Lacing is nice.

Nose: Lots of dark fruity aromas here, plums and rasins, prunes. Dark candied aromas too. Sweetness from alcohol. Overall a nice smelling beer.

Tongue: Fruity aromas come out to play, but not in the way that I expected. They are much more subdued. Alcohol is very noticeable. Almost everything that was great about the aroma is gone. Tin character is present. Finish is dry and the aftertaste is short lived leaving the palate dry, unhappy and wanting something more, something better, wishing that that next sip will be better though it won't be. Overall this one's flavor is just short lived. Its not bad, but it doesn't last long at all and does not have a pleasant aftertaste. Almost get some roasted grain bitterness from this, which is off for the style. I mean some of those dark fruits are there but the alcohol just cuts too much, it really ruins what is nice bout this beer.

Feel and Drinkability: Its funny that the label gets it right "full bodied and aromatic..." yes its very aromatic, too bad that doesn't come out in the flavor of this brew though. Body is full and carbonation is a bit high for my liking, too prickly as well. It works, but I think it could be better. Overall not a bad beer, but I think it could use some work. Its just not as complex or deep as others that I've had. Also everything bout it tends to be short lived. Sure I'm enjoying it but not enough to buy it agian.

Serving type: bottle

10-27-2009 23:49:56 | More by becktone

LilBeerDoctor

New York

2.8/5  rDev -22.9%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 2.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

Bottle. Pours brown with a small ring of white head. Aroma of sweet Belgian yeast, roasted nuts and malt, and a touch of booze. Flavor is quite sweet with some alcohol and dark fruits as well as roasted malt. Palate is a bit harsh, grainy, and boozy. Overall much too sweet for me.

Serving type: bottle

08-28-2009 18:32:31 | More by LilBeerDoctor

zeff80

Missouri

3.63/5  rDev 0%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.5

A - Poured out an opaque, dark burgundy color with a one-finger head of tan foam. It left little to no lace.

S - It smelled of raisin and malt. It also had a boozy/alcohol aroma.

T - It tasted fruity with some raisin flavors. Nice rich, biscuity malt with a touch of boozy alcohol.

M - It was soft and smooth. A medium-bodied brew with a warm alcohol presence.

D - This wasn't the best Belgian style ale. It just wasn't balanced.

Serving type: bottle

08-19-2009 01:26:26 | More by zeff80

RickKrumenacker

Pennsylvania

3.38/5  rDev -6.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

A - garnet colored...one-finger of cream colored head that dissipates quickly...leaves a thin ring around the top...sticky lacing

S - cinnamon and raisons dominate the aroma...very subtle cherry...alcohol is there, but not overpowering...swirling brings out a sugary aroma

T - hit with the alcohol right away...sweetness is brought out with a caramelized sugar flavor...some spiciness is picked up as well - mostly cinnamon, but isn't as pronounced as with the aroma

M - moderately high carbonation...somewhat smooth across the tongue...a bit of a medicinal aftertaste

D - a decent beer, but there are many others in this style that I would reach for before this one...

Serving type: bottle

08-07-2009 01:41:10 | More by RickKrumenacker

barleywinefiend

Washington

2.9/5  rDev -20.1%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 2.5

Poured a solid burgundy color with good carbonation and a big dirty white head. HeNose is malts, grain, some fruits. Taste was a little effervescent with fruits like raspberries, figs, prunes, raisins and caramel. Lots of spice and alcohol. Mouthfeel is hot and unpleasant as this beer is off balanced.

Serving type: bottle

08-03-2009 04:35:36 | More by barleywinefiend

alexgash

Connecticut

3.18/5  rDev -12.4%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3

12 oz. bottle. 2009.

Tiny sediment suspended in an amber-penny body. Small, persistent, light khaki head. Some lacing. Nose of toffee, rummy fruits, spicy chocolate (mole?), and bubblegum. Good, but kind of subdued overall. Taste starts with some graininess and slightly tart fruits. Toffee malt blends in. Yeasty bubblegum is there as well. Slightly boozy in a rummy fruit sort of way. Medium-full body. Not that bad, but a little rough around the edges.

Serving type: bottle

08-02-2009 01:41:10 | More by alexgash

sonicdescent

Pennsylvania

3.2/5  rDev -11.8%
look: 2.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 2

I have to deduct right off the head..when you are dealing with a belgian style, I want the head to be overpowering. This one disspated into a crown before I could sit down, with no hint of lacing. Liquid is fine though, looks a reasonably thick red.

Scent is sweet, bready, light clove. Good!

Taste is similar to smell but a bit strong for my tastes. Can't fault it as it pertains to style though. Clove, bread, a little heat.

Mouth is a bit thick and flat for this style.

I'm going to have a difficult time finishing this.

Serving type: bottle

07-28-2009 02:22:14 | More by sonicdescent

beerman207

Kentucky

3.7/5  rDev +1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 3

A- Dark Red color, 1 finger head.

S- Smells sweet and like alcohol which is a little alarming in the nose for that to be dominant.

T- Clove, dark fruit, perhaps some caramel.

M- Medium all around in carbonation. It has a nice warming feeling in the finish

D- Nothing outstanding but at $1.95 for a single it was worth trying.

Serving type: bottle

07-25-2009 02:47:00 | More by beerman207

atremains

Massachusetts

3.25/5  rDev -10.5%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3

A- Dark amber. A vigorous pour produces practically no head in my westmalle glass. The carbonation is enticing though.

S- Very fruity smell, raisins.

T- Taste is fruity raisins, as the beer warms I get more of a sweet red licorice? taste from it. The alcohol is there, but it is not offensive.

M- The mouthfeel is between thin and medium, dry finish. Decently carbonated.

D- I had this once from a friend a couple months back, and now again from a friend. Probably wouldn't buy this one on my own, but it's not the worst beer you could drink after a days work.

Serving type: bottle

07-16-2009 03:40:01 | More by atremains

pwoods

Ohio

3.3/5  rDev -9.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3

12oz. brown bottle, purchased at Party Source, poured into a Leffe Chalice.

A: Pours a ruby tinted woody color with tons of tiny bubbles rushing to the top. A moderate head forms and holds nicely for awhile. Decent lacing.

S: Very fruity nose. Some dark fruits mixed with Candi sugar and sugared candy fruits. Strawberries, raspberries, pineapple, tart white mango. Grape juice. Some light caramel maltiness.

T/M: The nose just does not hold up in the taste. A muddle mess of the dark fruits and candied sweetness, nothing destinct at all. Not bad, but a real disappointment after sitting on the nose for awhile. More of the light caramel mixed with a hint of spicy yeast and alcohol. Body is a bit lighter than I would have liked, around medium, and carbonation is a bit too high.

D: Not terrible for an American brewery attempting the Belgian style but I doubt I'll ever try this again.

Serving type: bottle

07-16-2009 01:20:09 | More by pwoods

Buschyfor3

Kentucky

3.9/5  rDev +7.4%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

Poured from a 12oz bottle into my Duvel tulip.

A: Burgundy red with the brightest ruby-colored highlights when held to the light. Not seeing any sediment in this Belgian-style Strong Dark Ale - pretty clean body. Pour produces a better than 1 finger thick, off-white colored head - slightly sticky/rocky at the start but quickly fades to no more than a couple cm of foam on the surface. Sheets of lacing coat the glass with every swirl and sip.

S: At the start, I can pick up notes of dark fruit - raisins and plums - and some candy sugar too, but then the alcohol hits with quite a warm, medicinal punch. I opened this bottle after letting it sit for 20 min. and warming to near room temperature and the alcohol seems pretty prominent from the start.

T: Alot going on the flavor department. First off, there is the candy sugar flavor, augmented by some dark fruitiness like raisins, plums and maybe even the slightest hint of a cherry. Then there comes a spike of a spice and heat: white-pepper, maybe some cloves, and that huge medicinal alcohol from the nose which quickly cools to reveal a grainy, powdery wheat flavor - thinking like fresh-baked whole grain bread. Finish is drying, slightly spicy and I can pick out a smattering of the Belgian yeast as it leaves a faint, doughy bread flavor on the end of the tongue.

M: The mouthfeel actually felt slightly creamy at the start of each sip before fading to a powdery finish on the swallow.

D: The alcohol is there, thats for sure. That being said, this is still quite a flavorful, complex Belgian-style dark ale. One is starting to warm me up a bit; two and you would be good to go.

A fine American-brewed Belgian. I've had pretty good luck with Clipper City's Heavy Seas lineup and this one is another great beer. Definitely one to give a shot if you cannot afford the more expensive Belgian varieties or if you don't want to have to buy a 750 and drink it all in one sitting.

Serving type: bottle

07-13-2009 04:04:19 | More by Buschyfor3