 ClarkVV (3547), Allston, Massachusetts, USA
Oct 17, 2005 Updated: Feb 15, 2006
I think I had about eight 4oz samples of this because Randy Thiel kept toppin off my glass. Cheers to you, Randy!
Stunning appearance that reminds me of Vervifontaine Blonde. Full and lasting is the perfectly-formed white, dense head atop the shining, sparkling, unfiltered, white-gold-meets-tangerine juice colored body. Tons of lacing. Aroma is just a pure, fantastically powerful shot of lovely, tart brett. In one word, pineapple! Reminds me of Mo Betta in that regard, though not nearly as concenrated a pineapple aroma. Spicy hops round out the edges, while some of the pale malt sugars serve as a backdrop. Juicy nectarines mingle with limes and starfruits. White pepper-like notes are probably just a result of the dry woody character, while the ginger is just faintly present. Lightly oily barnyard/leather notes present. Flavor comes right back at you with the brett. At once cleansing the palate and then delivering some light pale grains, hint of dry floral and grassy hops. More pineapple and lemon-lime notes. Very tight, expansive mouthfeel completes the experience while the brett lingers on, supported by malt that is neither too lightly done nor overly sweet. Spiciness from actual spices is very tame (which I realy appreciate). Hops play off the fruity/tart brett, adding complexity/layers to this wonder. Odd that they use cascades in the dry hopping, but who cares! This stuff is a masterpiece if I’ve ever had one. Anxiously awaiting the bottles. No alcohol present.
minch25 (195), Columbus, Ohio, USA
Oct 12, 2008 Hazy yellow/gold orange; fast stream of tiny bubbles travelling up the middle; thick frothy eggshell-white head. Totally bretty aroma. Very dry. Very Orvallish. Hides its 8% well. Dried out hop bitterness. (not overwhelming) yeast presence. To sum up, this is like Orval on a pretty good day. Totally kick ass.
thewolf (3983), Kolding, Denmark
Oct 11, 2008 Bottle. [thank you, drmatt]
Pours light hazy yellow with a great, frothy, white head with super lacing. Aroma is malty, clear brett, apples, oranges and some hops. Great, dry mouthfeel. Flavour is pleasantly hoppy, vanilla, hops and oranges. The brett is nice, and never interferes with the overall experience. Nice.
Brigadier (905), Chagrin Falls, Ohio, USA
Oct 8, 2008 750 ml bottle
I have been sitting on this for about a year now waiting for the brett to do its thing. With another bottle in the cellar I figured I would crack one open during a cool fall evening. It was actually pretty good though as far as Ommegang goes a slight disappointment. I may drink my next bottle fairly soon just to clear some cellar space for more interesting beers that need time to age.
Aroma / Appearance - A huge foam rushed from the bottle almost as soon as I opened it. Sitting in the glass it eventually settled to a blend of about half foam and half liquid. The suffocated body possessed a bronze hue. The funk had begun to take over though in a subtle way. Dry straw, wheat, and a bready base made a nice combination. Overall though it was not as sour or funky as I was hoping it could have been.
Flavor / Palate - Toasted white bread with a drizzle of honey flowed lightly over the tongue before fading in the throat. Even though this is not super bretty it has begun to make an appearance towards the middle. Tart at first it soon moistens the throat. While a very solid saison I’m not sure I want to pick up more; the price would have to be pretty low to consider it.
The_Epeeist (982), Swarthmore, Pennsylvania, USA
Oct 5, 2008 25.4 oz bottle. Batch 1, June 2007. Clear burnished gold with a creamy white haze. Nose is light yeast, honey and pine. Soft and dry with a refreshing effervescence. Taste is mild sour apple, lemon zest and vanilla yoghurt. Delightful.
jerc (3217), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
Oct 3, 2008 2008-10-02. Hazy light pastel yellow body, large fluffy white head. Lovely aroma is perfectly balanced - light funk and barnyard, muted sourness. (8+) Flavour is similar with a light funk and sourness, a mild pale malt base is reserved in its presentation. (7+) Smooth average plus palate. Really rather good. More simplistic, and less sour than I expected but its just exceptionally drinkable with just enough going on to make it interesting. Are you gettin it? Yes Ommegeddon it! (What no Def Leppard fans out there??? Well I tried.) Batch 1 Bottle, approximately a year old. From Premier Gourmet, Buffalo
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