Allagash Grand Cru

Brewed by Allagash Brewing Company
Style: Belgian Strong Ale
Portland, Maine USA

Deep amber brew with abig head on a fast pour.Nose is slightly spicy with some Xmas spices coming out. Mulling?? Well the flavor was a bit muddled but I did like the soft fruity notes mixed with the spices.

Pour is a cloudy orange with a tall white head. Aroma is very much a nice grassy hops with some malts and candy sugar. Flavor is very good. Some hops but the spices really show up. Malts come in next along with some yeastness. Finsih is dark fruits with a slight touch of alcohol. Very tasty and pleasing to all the sences. Easy on the wallet as well makes this one to look for.

ORIGINAL RATE (8-6-2006): Odd that I found this at the South Portland Hannaford in the middle of the summer, but it was in the remnants of the last 4-pack of them. Hazy amber body with thin light tan head. Smells spicy, with yeast and hop notes. Tastes sweet, kind of fruity and spicy with just a hint of smoke. Honestly I have never ever been disappointed by Allagash, and this has not broken their streek. Possibly the best Maine brewery, especially if you’re more a fan of the Belgians than of the British Isles beers (that most other Maine brewers focus on) Check plus! I’d definitely get this one again.

RE-RATE (2-14-2007): 750ml brown bottle from Florian’s. Murky orange-amber body with a little less than an inch of off-white head. Smells sweet, fruity, and spicy. A plethora of spices dominate the flavor with more orange peel on the finish. Very well ballanced, pleasing flavor. Light to medium in mouthfeel, with a fair bit of carbonation. The combination of flavors and lighter body make this an extremely drinkable brew for the style and ABV. I’m very impressed, and am glad I picked up a couple extra bottles to cellar.

I had to poor carefully because it was bottle conditioned, but The 12 ounce bottle poured beautiful, clear glowing orange colored beverage with a small creamy head that lasted a while but didn’t persist and because of the higher alcohol content, it didn’t leave much lacing on the glass. The aroma had medium hop citrus notes in the form of grapefruit peel. This struck a nice balance with the malt character and hints of sweet candy lurking in the background. The body was medium to full with a soft carbonation and very light, smooth texture. Sweet, fruity flavors are apparent right from the beginning and linger through to the finish. This is joined by a warming alcohol character about half way through and then a little later a light bitterness creeps in.

A pretty damn amazing beer. Strong with a very original flavor that is very tasty, but not too bitter or strong. Has a nice warming effect, but can be enjoyed in summer or in winter. Simply put, an amazing medium bodied GREAT TASTIng brew.

12 oz twistie... hazy orange pour , thin white head. Aromas of fruits and yeast .Flavor is sweet and spicy the yeast is also evident. Nice alcohol warming and a slight bitter aftertaste. Medium bodied with a dry finish .

In the bottle at the Brickskeller. Pours flocculent amber in color with a thin white head. Has a fruity percimmon aroma. Slight nutmeg and cinammon. Aroma has a honey smell. Thin in body with a medium palate. Harsh biting aftertaste with a bit of metallic flavor. The use of spices are burning to the tongue and not flavoring. Swirling the beer produces an attractive fluffy head. Has some lacing, but the head dies rather quick. Aroma is orangey and coriander-like. Smelling this beer, not drinking it, is the best part. It is not chewey enough for this much spice.

A fabulous example of what aBlegian should be. Aroma is strong floral hops with a citrus aftertone. taste is highly malty with fruit essance and a light syrupy texture. Mild Spicybut very flavorful.