De Dolle Oerbier Special Reserva

Brewed by De Dolle Brouwers
Style: Belgian Strong Ale
Diksmuide, Belgium

2006 bottle. Found this recently at Sun Devil; very excited to try it. Haven’t had much from De Dolle since I visited Esen with Cros in ’04. Frothy khaki head with thick lacing. Dark dark garnet color. Subdued nose: wood, wine, dark cherries. Equally subdued flavor. Moderate oaky sourness, citrus, wood. No alcohol at all. Unbelievable that this beer is 13% abv. Moderate mouthfeel with lingering sourness on the finish. Delicious. Cheers.

11.2 ounce 2006 bottle in Westmalle glass. Dark reddish brown with lasting flat tan head. Strong wood port earth dark fruit aroma with very mild alcohol. Wood port dark fruit sweet tart flavor with lingering woodsy smokey fruity tartness. Very-well disguised alcohol, especially for strength. Medium-full body, soft mouthfeel medium-low carbonation. Incredibly complex and delicious and too quaffable. Very woodsy. Found this one by accident at New England Beverage while passing through somewhere in CT. Go get it.

Eternal thanks to Rustychiles. Pours a murky brownish red with very little head. Firm yet uncomplicated sour aroma. Dark and citrusy fruits on the "aftertaste" of the aroma with a small oak hint. Very full mouthfeel and very reminiscent of this year’s Cuvee de Tomme, but in a somewhat muted way. Very smooth, does not taste like 13% alcohol.

33 cl bottle, obtained in trade with lithy. I really liked the regular Oerbier, so I figured this Special Reserva would just have an aged oak flavor. Alas, no. Poured dark brown with small head. Aroma was nice typical Belgian, very malty with dark fruit. Taste, however, was VERY sour. I’m not a fan of sour ales at all, so I didn’t enjoy this. Very tart, sour, and acidic. Not what I expected.

All four vintages tasted in a vertical, many thanks to ucrusty. Bright amber brown pour with red tint. ’05 was darker than the others. Yellow/tan head. Not as gushy as some other De Dolles I’ve had. ’02 showed some oxidation, but the others were great. Big oaky barnyard, leather, some cherry pits. Vinegar. Very good, though I think I prefer the regular Oerbier. Maybe I’m oaked out.

Pours a hazy brown with a small tan head. Aroma is sour, cherries, sugars, yeasts, and some earthy wood. Flavor is oak, sourness, cherry, yeasts, candi sugars. Nice carbonation, tingly mouthfeel not overly sweet and subtle yet pleasant flavors are present in this one. Good brew.

Bottle 33 cl, Brewed 2007. Pours a deep clear brown with a light off white head. Nose tippicaly Dolle....a bit vinoes though. I very sour taste with strong notes of vinigar and lemon...actually i dont like it...it tastes infected. The aftertaste is not there....disappointed

33 cl, brewed in 2007, bottled 2008. Opaque chocolate brown with a large head that settles to three-quarter inches of lasting cream, leaving nice frosty lace. Aromas of soured light fruit and cider vinegar, musty leather, and dark fruit. Flavor is dominated by vinegar and tart cherry, with almost a hint of raisin and brown sugar. Medium body is smooth and creamy, with an acetic acid tingle and dryness.