Jolly Pumpkin Noel de Calabaza

Brewed by Jolly Pumpkin Artisan Ales
Style: Belgian Strong Ale
Dexter, Michigan USA

THOUGHTS: Reminded me a lot of Rodenbach, but with a touch of spices. The flavor and aroma changed so much as it warmed and time went by. I don’t feel I am doing it justice in this review. It took me nearly two hours to drink a bottle, because I just kept wanting to see how much it would change. TECHNICAL: Bottle. Poured a dark red that was nearly black in the glass, with a large, off-white head that kept a nice sheet and left good lacing. The aroma was light malt, some horse blanket, leather and earthy yeasts, sour fruit, cask wood, spices. It got yeastier as time went by. The flavor started lightly sweet and acidic, and finished sweet, sour and acidic with slight bitterness that lasted for an average duration. There was sour fruit, yeast, spices, malt apple, cherry, slight citrus, some wood. Then slight hops that might’ve been there just to balance things. The medium to full body was slightly syrupy then dry with fizzy carbonation and a light astringent finish.

1 pt. 9.4 fl. oz. - corked & caged (Batch 333/334), sampled Feb. 2009: dark as night in deep winter...thick, super creamy & abundant topping...amazing it is like an inverted snow covering, with the snow slightly more tan than white. Hypnotic aroma, striking brett and palpable lactic yeast...strong all around. Underlying sweetness combines with a touch of sugary grit, before smoothing out (even creamy) in the back of the throat. Tart, oaky and bitter. I am having trouble comprehending the balance of this beer: at once tart, acidic and sour...the subtle sweetness and fruity character is never far behind or completely overshadowed. Beautiful! Thanks!

After being disappointed by the Calabaza Blanca a few months back, I had little hope for this beer, despite some favorable feedback I’d heard. And I’m happy to say this low expectation was wildly exceeded by this beer. This is some powerfully sour, fruity, and malty magic in a bottle. Appearance was surprisingly dark with a ton (as in too much) head which spilled everywhere. Aroma is powerfully sour and very champagney. Flavor had a significant and surprising amount of maltiness, of course accompanied by a giant sour punch. There was also some light fruitiness, which makes sense given the sour presence...fruit was a mix of dried fruit (dates, raisins) and citrus. Mouthfeel was full and rich. This is a very good beer, and quite a unique one. I believe I bought this bottle at Discount Liquor in Milwaukee.

750ml bottle, Batch 342. Intriguing aroma, leafy, herbal, fruity and earthy, with notes of mint, cherry, oak, dark brown sugar sweetness and that trademark JP yeast funk. Dark brown-red color, head is uneven and lasting, leaving some nice lacing behind. Flavor profile features a notably vinous character throughout, along with tart fruitiness, leafy, herbal and piney hop, tobacco, faint dark malt sweetness, and finishing tangy, spicy, earthy and dry. Moderately full carbonation and body. Very nice. Cheers to csbosox for the sample.

(Bottle) Pours hazy mahogany brown with some orange hints. Medium, creamy off-white head. The aroma is brett funky and dark fruity up front with a nice medium sweet, toasted malt backdrop. Tones of barnyard, horse blanket, basement, herbal/rose floral hops, oak wood, earth, raisins, prunes, blue grapes, cherries, apples, spices, oregano, brown muscovado sugar and wet mushrooms. Quite crazy aroma blend but the balance between the ingredients is near perfect. The Flavour is medium sweet, light to medium acidic and light bitter with notes of barnyard, green apples, mild citrus, prunes, cherries, spices, oak wood, herbal hops and hints of chocolate. Good malty and sugary backdrop. The mouthfeel is round a light silky with a medium carbonation. The finish holds a tiny hop sting alongside lingering notes of brett, citrus, and light chocolate. Medium bodied. Great but not fantastic. Still, of the best breweries in the world.

(Bottled, 0.66l) Dark cola brown with a very small, fading head. Tart, slightly sugary aroma with oak and cherry hints. Tart, neutral-malty flavor with earthy oak barrel, but not much else. Medium, slightly thin body with flat carbonation. The tartness and oak are there, but flat carbonation, slightly thin body, and lack of complexity lower the score.

Bottle. Batch 342. Very malty aroma with some dark fruit and a nice amount of integrated sourness. Mahogany color with a smallish head. Rich maltiness, some pronounced sourness and funkiness, and a lingering mix of oak and red wine/red wine vinegar. Tasty, certainly a lot going on.

I’ve had a couple different versions, but this one is Blend #1 from 2007. Darker brown color with a medium head. Aroma has a nice sourness with some nuts, spices, and mild fruit. Flavor is solidly sour with some nutty/oaky/dark fruit plus some nice spiciness to tie it all together. Very good, especially since I’m not a big fan of spicy Christmas-ish beers.