De Dolle Oerbier Special Reserva

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

2005 bottle. This one poured a deep maroon almost brown color with a meidum sized tan head that held nicely. The aroma is very complex. It smells of dark sour fruits, oak, yeast, spices, and definitely has some funk in there. The flavor is even more pronouced than the smell. The dark sour fruits like cherries and lemons start to come through first with some malts and oak in the background. This bottle has definitely picked up some funk as well. The flavors all seem to blend together perfectly and mask the alcohol beautifully. I love all the dark sour flavors and funk this one has. This is one is full bodied and perfectly carbonated on the palate that finishes dry with a slight sour aftertaste. I am really glad I found one of these. This is one of my favorites from these guys. De Dolle never seems to disappoint.

2006. Poured dark red with good size off white head. Aroma of sour fruit (apples, cherries, and grapes) and some candy hints. Great sour fruit flavor to start with a sweeter malt/candy background. Great balance.

2005 bottle courtesy of footbalm (thanks!). Poured slightly muddy dark brown with small tan head. The aroma...my oh my, very sexy. Red wine, cherries, apples, sour funk, oak. I could’ve kept my nose in there all night. Taste came up slightly short of the aroma, but I sure didn’t mind. Apples at the forefront, followed by cherries and oak. Moderately sour and ever so slightly boozy. The palate was medium to light, which I must say came as a bit of a surprise for such a big beer. Finished nice and dry though, which was a plus. Very glad I’ve got another 2 bottles. I’ll be seeing this one again in 2008...know that.

Pours a clear brown with a small brown head. Sweet and quite sour. Fruity aromas of cherries. Also quite a bit of alcohol. Hint of rye. Heavy bodied. Big thanks to bager for this rare treat.

Pours a deep brown. Massive sweet fuit on the nose. Tottally thrown off by the taste. Massive fruit, kind of sour. Oak is there but faint. Finish is tart and smooth. A little warm.

Woah....This is beer paradise. I must grab some more before you are out. This is one of the best beers I’ve had to date. Aroma of sour fruit and yeast. Pour was a delicious dark brown with a huge pillowy 3 finger white head. Taste was like a Flemish sour but with more of an alcohol kick. Strong wood, cherry and sour fruit flavor with a little alcohol burn. I was going to have one rating after this, but I have to end my October now. This is a whole ’nother level.

Bottle 2006 from Dilly Deli. Poured hazy brown color with a huge frothy light brown head that lasted with excellent lacing. Complex dark fruit and yeasty aroma. Medium body with a sticky texture. Medium dark fruity balanced flavor with a medium tart sweet finish of long duration. This is a standout beer.

2006 bottle. Poured medium reddish brown with a moderate sized tan head. Nice sour cherry aroma, with some oak, tannins, and pepper. Flavor is tart, dry and woody with some citrus and sour cherry. Some alcohol present in the finish. Low carbonation and smooth mouthfeel. 2005 bottle, sampled 3/7/09 at Teresa’s next door basement blowout- chestnut pour with a small tan head. Beautiful aroma, tart cherry at the forefront, with mild oak and vinous notes. Flavor is not as exciting as the aroma; wood, dirt, mild lactic acid, sour cherry and mild citrus. The beer is still solid, but not as exciting as I remember