De Dolle Oerbier Special Reserva

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

2005 bottle from The_Epeeist. Thanks Chris! Pours with a large 1 finger tan head that quickly dissipates to a continuously forming small bubble ring arond the edge. A cloudy super dark red-brown color. Oak and wine from barrel aging is very evident and dominating the aroma. Fun to smell. From this I want to describe the smell as vinous. Smallest amount of dark yeast sediment in bottom of bottle. Flavor is dry and a bit tart. A bit reminiscent of champagne with it’s higher carbonation, dryness, and vinous taste/aroma, but much better than most champagnes as there is no skunkiness. Lots of residual non-sweet fruity flavors of cherry. I prefer brandy and bourbon barrel aging, and I prefer more sweetness in general, which brings down the rating to me, but I think the beer is very well done otherwise. Add cheese and my rating might go up...maybe.

From a 33cL Bottle, 2005 Vintage. Purchased at O’Brien’s, 9/28/07. Pours a dark cherry wood brown color with a huge layer of light meringue-like foam. Dark red grape skins mingle with some leathery cherries and a woody dryness. A subtle dash of peppery spice and toasted mace add further complexity. Light bodied, heavily carbonated mouthfeel. This is incredibly dry and light for 13% ABV, an amazing feat in and of itself. Tons of dark cherries and black currants explode onto the palate, accompanied by a dry wine skin tannic pucker. A light spice and dark woody notes come through mid-palate, lingering with the vinous fruit notes into the final smack. Great balance; tart, mild acidity, and loads of fruit. Never a disappointment; always a pleasure.

Strong aroma of sweet flowers, malt, and alcohol. Nice fruitiness as well in the aroma, very complex. Completely opaque dark reddish brown. Head was yellow yet quickly dissipated. Wow, great taste. Hides the 13% extremely well. Very fruity, heavy in the plum, some acidiy Palate is clean and perfect. Wonderful beer,

Bottle, 2006. Dark redish brown with a medium off-white head. Sour and fruity, wood tones. Chocolate, malt and fruit. Full body with a sweetish finish.

Name: Oerbier Reserva
Date: 11/28/2003
Mode: Bottle Conditioned
Source: Whole Foods Market, DC
Vintage: 2002

dark ruby, fine beige head, sweet vinious aroma with hints of plum, strong tart fruity flavor, slight bitter oaky finish
-------- /> Name: Oerbier Reserva
Date: 08/04/2005
Vintage: 2002

ditto, nice oak

Aroma: 5/10; Appearance: 7/10; Flavor: 6/10; Palate: 5/10; Overall: 13/20
Rating: 3.1/5.0
Score: **+/4
-------- /> Name: Oerbier Reserva
Date: 01/19/2007
Mode: Bottle
Source: Green’s, Atlanta
Vintage: 2005

muddy brown, creamy beige head, drippy lace, nice oaky aroma on chocolate with tart cherry pits, creamy body, nice tart flavor, lots of wood, chocolate malt hiding under it all,

Aroma: 7/10; Appearance: 8/10; Flavor: 7/10; Palate: 7/10; Overall: 15/20
Rating: 3.7/5.0
Drinkability: 8/10
Score: **4
-------- /> Name: Oerbier Reserva
Date: 05/10/2008
Mode: Bottle
Source: Tasting, Cellar Party
Vintage: 2006

Appearance: clear dark brown, wispy dirty white head,
Aroma: sweet and tart fruity malt aroma with a nice woody character in the tartness,
Flavor: big tart woody flavor, nice fruity esters come in to balance the tartness, light spicyness,

Aroma: 7/10; Appearance: 7/10; Flavor: 7/10; Palate: 6/10; Overall: 13/20
Rating: 3.4/5.0
Drinkability: 6/10
Score: **+/4

RATING #100!! More thanks to Reklaw for his generosity. This brew pours 3 cm of white head on top of a beautiful amber body. Great lacing sticks all over the glass. My nose received hints of apple, spice, and coffee cake. The palate is bombarded with sour hay notes, raisin, grapes, more apple, roasted nuts, and a tiny amount of maple syrup. High carbonation is well-balanced with the huge body in this beer. Wonderful. A great beer for a 100th rating.

Dark, dry and oaky/sour. I really enjoyed this beer because you had no idea wha to expect from the color. Stronger & drier than Oerbier, but in a positive way. The aroma was the best, with a sourish roasted smell. Nice amount of alcohol, but very smooth. Nice, but not available that often.

Bottle 2006 version. By the smel of it you have already the idea that this is a bear with body. Splendid tast and good aftertaste. A really good beer