smellysell
Go Vols!!!
- Joined
- Jan 9, 2007
- Messages
- 9,915
rob300c was kind enough to help me out in acquiring a few bottles of these recently. They been on my wish list to try for a while now, and I’m so thankful for the kindness and generosity of all the brothers on this board that have helped me acquire some of these local gems. Thanks again Rob! :thumbs:
Style – Belgian Strong Dark Ale
ABV – 11% according to BA (Capt. Lawrence website says 12%)
Brewed In – Pleasantville, New York
Availability – Winter Release
Appearance
Pours a VERY dark brown, almost black. The tan head is very thin and has orange highlights. The head has no retention to speak of, and the lacing is minimal at best.
Smell
By far the dominant aroma is that of bourbon. There are however some undertones of molasses, burnt malts, and dark chocolate.
Taste
The smell gave me a hint that this might be different than what I was expecting from a BSDA. The flavor of this beer was completely unique to anything I’ve ever drank. It is almost a cross between an Imperial Stout and a BSDA, and then the aging in bourbon barrels throws in another twist. Up front is the Belgian yeast creates a nice plum flavor, along with and a sweet, tangy fruit that I couldn’t put my finger on until I read the label and then decided it must be the elderberries. There are also burnt malts and vanillas up front. The finish is HUGE bittersweet chocolate and bourbon. The flavors are amazingly complex, and at the same time very well balanced.
Feel
This is the only part of this beer that provided anything other than near perfection for me. While the consistency was very nice, leaving a residual layer and flavor in my mouth, the carbonation was too much for a sipper like this in my opinion.
Verdict
I’ve had many Imperial Stouts, Old Ales, and Barley wines that have been aged in whiskey/whisky barrels, but a Belgian aged this way is completely unique in my experience. The balance and complexity of the flavors are simply amazing. Next time I will drink it in a snifter instead of one of my goblets, which is actually what they say you should use on the Capt. Lawrence website. I can’t really explain why, maybe one of you guys could, but this just seemed to overpower the goblet, and I think the snifter would capture the aroma better. I’ve told Rob that I wish I would have had him send me a case. If you are in a part of the country that this is available, I couldn’t recommend it more.
Style – Belgian Strong Dark Ale
ABV – 11% according to BA (Capt. Lawrence website says 12%)
Brewed In – Pleasantville, New York
Availability – Winter Release
Appearance
Pours a VERY dark brown, almost black. The tan head is very thin and has orange highlights. The head has no retention to speak of, and the lacing is minimal at best.
Smell
By far the dominant aroma is that of bourbon. There are however some undertones of molasses, burnt malts, and dark chocolate.
Taste
The smell gave me a hint that this might be different than what I was expecting from a BSDA. The flavor of this beer was completely unique to anything I’ve ever drank. It is almost a cross between an Imperial Stout and a BSDA, and then the aging in bourbon barrels throws in another twist. Up front is the Belgian yeast creates a nice plum flavor, along with and a sweet, tangy fruit that I couldn’t put my finger on until I read the label and then decided it must be the elderberries. There are also burnt malts and vanillas up front. The finish is HUGE bittersweet chocolate and bourbon. The flavors are amazingly complex, and at the same time very well balanced.
Feel
This is the only part of this beer that provided anything other than near perfection for me. While the consistency was very nice, leaving a residual layer and flavor in my mouth, the carbonation was too much for a sipper like this in my opinion.
Verdict
I’ve had many Imperial Stouts, Old Ales, and Barley wines that have been aged in whiskey/whisky barrels, but a Belgian aged this way is completely unique in my experience. The balance and complexity of the flavors are simply amazing. Next time I will drink it in a snifter instead of one of my goblets, which is actually what they say you should use on the Capt. Lawrence website. I can’t really explain why, maybe one of you guys could, but this just seemed to overpower the goblet, and I think the snifter would capture the aroma better. I’ve told Rob that I wish I would have had him send me a case. If you are in a part of the country that this is available, I couldn’t recommend it more.
