Flossmoor Station Ellas Reserve

Brewed by Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery
Style: Belgian Strong Ale
Flossmoor, Illinois USA

GTMW. Dramatically improved from the sample I remember having at FoBAB November of 2006. The flavors are much better blended now, and the bourbon characteristics that were so pronounced earlier have taken second seat to the strong ale. Vanilla, dried cherry, cranberry, toast, sherry, and rum on the palate. I might have guessed strong ale over Belgian ale to be honest. Sweet muscat-like finish.

Draft at FSRB, 4/28/06. Golden brown in color, with a healthy ring of foam. As Jackie Gleason would say, "Hmmmmmmmmmmm, that’s good BOOOOOOZE!" A big, fizzy sherry taste, brought on by bright malts, and I think a touch of patent malt. Very alcoholic and somewhat addictive as its goes down smoothly before it has a chance to whack you on the back of your head. The brewers say the last Friday of the month is when they check the progress of their barrel-aged, and then a quarter barrel is set out for all to try. So technically, this is still a work in progress.
Same batch, aged 8 more months, 12/11/06. Any Belgian character has been traded for a slight winy smell. Thin head. Color and taste are more like a B&B. But then, there’s a bit of sourness, the return of the winy touch, and the a fruity finish.

Sampled at the 3rd Annual Festival of Wood & Barrel-aged Beers held at Goose Island (Wrigleyville branch), Chicago, IL. Served from tap. Belgium golden stronge ale aged in a Woodford Reserve barrel. Hazy dark brown hued ale having large long-lasting off-white head with good lacing. Intense aroma of bourbon whiskey and toffee. Medium bodied that starts with slightly sweet malt with notable bourbon and toffee hints and light hop bitterness and finishes dry with light hop bitterness. Nicely balanced. A very drinkable and enjoyable beer.

I was stoked to see this offered this weekend because I missed it the last two times it came around. Poured a deep, honey-hazed amber with a huge cream-colored head that faded fast to a creamy skin. I was non-plussed by the aroma, but there was a pleasant banana liqueur character about it with caramel undertones. Just the right consistency (IMO), maybe a little too sticky for some. Flavor finds a gorgeous yeasty fruitiness supported by an intriguing malt backbone. And we have a winner... 2nd Place Strong/Imperial/Double Pale Beers!

<font size=-4>Sampled at <a href=http://www.ratebeer.com/events-detail.asp?eve IV, Nov. 4, 2006</font>

On tap: Citrusy with orange peel, caramelm and bourbon. Transparent golden-orange with a white head. Lots of citrus with peach and light orange peel. Finishes with some light citrus hops and mellow bourbon flavors.



Was not aware I had this before, but tried a second time at the Flossmoor Gathering. Really overdone with bourbon the second time. Aroma was just loaded with vanila, bourbon, and light fruit. Flavor was much the same with lots of vanilla up front with a hot bourbon finish. Bourbon is definitely overdone this time. Rated this as 9-4-6-4-13

Pours to a hazy bronze body with a thick white head. The aroma is strong. Graham crackers, sweet Woodford Reserve bourbon. The flavor is vanilla beans, nice bourbon and blondies. Peppery. At times, the bourbon is overpowering.

On tap at the brewpub on 4/28/06: Pours a clear copper orange with a well-lacing white head. Rich, sweet alcoholic brandy aroma has a touch of orange tartness. Body starts with a big, sweet alcoholic brandy character mellowing some and drying toward the finish. Seems to have been left in the barrel too long, but otherwise a good beer.

Name: Ela’s Reserve Oaked
Date: 04/28/2006
Mode: Draft
Source: Brewpub

clear dark amber with a slight haze, thin fine beige head, drippy lace, sweet vanilla aroma with a hot alcoholic edge, thin body, big sweet flavor, lots of vanilla,

Aroma: 7/10; Appearance: 7/10; Flavor: 7/10; Palate: 5/10; Overall: 15/20
Rating: 3.6/5.0
Drinkability: 7/10
Score: **4