 ClarkVV (3559), Allston, Massachusetts, USA
Feb 19, 2007
Draught at EBF on 2/10/07<br />Black cherry-colored body has some light crimson and violet highlights and is topped by a moderate-sized, dark beige head that fades slowly to cover, leaving moderate lacing behind. Clarity is medium to medium-high, though the liquid is quite dark.<br />At first, wine seems dominant in the nose. Wine tannin, that is. Very dry and grapeskin-like, giving off notes of deep plums, currants and light cherries, though very reserved and not juicy or overly fruity. Even though it seems dominant, as in it accounts for most of the aroma, it still is not overdone or in your face. Cautiously, some dry chocolate, light pale malts and a smooth vanilla note emerge, giving some depth to the lightly tart/acidic tannins. The figs, dates and raisins from the base beer only seem to provide softness in the nose which is underscored on the finish by peppery phenols, some scratchiness (not sure if it is from the dark malt or the barrel) and light fusels (only coming out with warming). Chocolate and caramel sweetness steadily grow with warming, but dry barrel character keeps it mostly in check. The added fruitiness, though not overdone, does lead away from the dubbel style, of course, but I really like how it has dried the beer out and the barrel notes work well with the dark notes of the base beer. Medium strength of aroma, it’s certainly not bursting forth, but some patience and persistence really unlocks a beautiful beer.<br />Dry and woody at first, with acids and sharpness hitting the palate, but smoothing out this sharpness is some strong caramel sweetness, soft vanilla cream and a fluffy yeast. Moderate amounts of dark, fruity wine flavors and even a light citrus note add complexity. Chocolate is notable, lightly, with warming while a crunchy, lightly roasted note combines with black pepper-like phenols and some light alcohol to produce a dry finish. Really liked this one, the flavors were solid, if somewhat subtle. Mouthfeel was a bit scratchy or bare at times, but I thought the barrel improved the beer, actually, though it’s tough to compare the bottle conditioned bottled version to this draught barrel-aged version. Wish they would bottle this....subtle beers are underappreciated on this site.
bhensonb (3221), Woodland, California, USA
Jan 6, 2009 Bottle from Toronado shared by Marcus. Brown quad like appearance with a creamy tan head. Aroma is darker malt and light seeded fruit. Medium body with creamy carbonation. Mildly sour, oaky, seems to have a touch of apple. Finish is dry and woody, finishing to a light sweetnesss. Continuously astringent.
marcus (1192), Sacramento, California, USA
Jan 6, 2009 This dark amber ale poured with a huge beige head that started flowing as soon as I popped the cork. There is a sour fruity aroma and a creamy and light fruit flavor with oak undertones. The malt substance seems a bit light, but certainly very tasty.
HopHeadinAZ (113), USA
Dec 31, 2008 2007 bottle: Pours a hazy brown amber with a tan head that fades to a small crown. The aroma is mostly tart with evidence of it’s wine heritage. The falvor again is tart cherry possibly black cherry with evidence of exposure to Cabernet grape juice. The palate is light to medium but well suited to the style. Overall I would call this a good beer but as someone that isn’t a fan of sours or wild ales, I would say I look the normal Lost and Found better.
SuzyGreenberg (1119), Seattle, Washington, USA
Dec 17, 2008 draft at LA Sinner/Saint party - easily the highlight of the selection for me at the party as i have long wanted to try this; deep, rich dark brown with slight tan head; low carbonation with a thick, creamy body; aromas of wood, raisins, dank fruit, sugar and touch of tartness; just silky smooth with all the components in prefect harmony; plenty of fruit, vanilla, cherries, caramel and red wine all coming out in different sips; a wonderful barrel-aged brew
TomDecapolis (2619), Skippack, Pennsylvania, USA
Nov 30, 2008 Thanks to hopdog for opening up this one. Pours a hazy brown with a large foamy off white head. Watch this one gushes. Aroma was floral, oaky, vinous, tart cherries, pie crust and just an amazing nose that is hard to put it all into words. Flavor of tart cherries, light red wine, floral, dark fruits and light citrus notes. Oaky and so smooth!
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