Saint Arnold Divine Reserve #2

Formerly brewed at Saint Arnold Brewing Company
Style: Abt/Quadrupel
Houston, Texas USA

Date: 12/21/2007
Mode: Bottle
Source: Trade

cloudy burnt orange, wispy fine beige head, drippy streaks of lace, sweet fruity caramel malt aroma, rich fruity flavor, lots of caramel sweetness, earthy character comes in to keep the balance, lasting bitter finish,

Aroma: 6/10; Appearance: 7/10; Flavor: 6/10; Palate: 6/10; Overall: 12/20
Rating: 3.1/5.0
Drinkability: 7/10
Score: *4

Sampled November 2007
Somewhat lightly carbonated, a vigorous pour produces a one-finger thick, full tan colored head that sits atop a bright, concentrated red colored brew that shows a brilliantly clear, cranberry hue when held up to the light. Aged malt notes contribute a bright fruitiness reminiscent of a blend of dried fruit notes; I smell dried fruit notes of raisins, cherries, figs, blueberries and blackberries. An earthy, aromatic spiciness reminiscent of cloves, allspice and even a hint of cardamom is noticeable here in the aroma as well. If you really start to dig around in the aroma a bright cherry note begins to become noticeable. That sort of earthy, almost musty spice note is actually at the same level as the fruit aromatics and it is nice how they intermingle in the nose. Though this does seem a touch simplistic and clean for a Belgian-styled beer.

Sweet tasting, yet with a dried fruit and malt edge to it. The beer has a definite heft to it and it even sticks to the palate with a bit of syrup-like viscousness. It finishes with a sharp, earthy spiciness that seems a bit reminiscent of a wayward Chimay derived yeast strain. Muddied coriander notes take hold after some up front clove phenolics and tend to linger on in the palate with a slight, almost woody astringency. Concentrated malt and fruit flavors contribute notes of raisins, perhaps a touch of cherry (though only just so) as well as something that seems to be a mix of tamarind and prune. Caramelized, almost toffee-like malt notes play a big role here as does malt derived, toasty grain and lightly browned soda crackers notes in the finish. The long finish has a lingering mix of dry, toasted malt and subtle earthy spice notes that really sticks to the back of the mouth for quite some time.

This is definitely an experience; it has a lot of really interesting flavors and I have a feeling that some age has really added some much needed complexity to this brew. Having said all that, something does not quite work for me here; is it too clean, I don’t know, but somehow it is a bit incongruous and not well enough integrated to be great. It is a tasty brew, one which I am happy to drink and definitely worth trying.

Sample provided by mj. Hazy, light amber body with a tiny white head. The nose is malty-grainy with caramel, bread and cookie dough. The flavor is raisins, toffee, plums and cookie dough. Medium/full body is soft with light carbonation and a warm finish.

Pours a hazy copper with a light tan head,aroma of nutmeg ,doughy yeast and alcohol.Flavor is malty with harsh astringency and bitter finish that is most unwelcome.I like the commercial description and love the concept but it missed the boat as did DR no.1.I love most a St Arnolds Lineup but these Divine reserves are really missing the mark so far

good stuff, almost flat but hey its 07. pours brown, smells great. a solid texas beer here.

Bottle from Markus and served in my St. Bernardus chalice: Murky apricot hue with a fading head that left a ring of foam and some spotty lacing. The aroma has notes of spiced mull, boysenberry, anise, fennel, spearmint, candi sugar, hint of peat moss, old oak, and a touch of phenolic activity.

The taste starts moderate sweet and fruity with a layer of lush caramel covered apple. There is indeed a hop spiciness and acidity soon after which keeps the brew in modest balance. The finish is a tad oxidized by nothing to distract you from the big Belgian goodness. Some woody dryness is also to be found. The mouth feel is soft yet still dances about the palate.

Not to bad at all, Texas can make abbey beers, who knew, KNOW THAT !?! I dug this the more I drank it, not to far off of style IMO. If you find someone willing to part with a bottle then go 4 it!

Bottle, courtesy of bu11zeye. Pours a cloudy deep orange color with a ring of offwhite lace. Good aroma and flavor of fruits, spices and yeast. The body is light to medium with a creamy texture and soft carbonation. It doesn’t have the caliber of the great belgian ABTs, but it’s well-done and enjoyable.

Bottle. Thanx to rick for the trade. Pours a cloudy amber color with a small white head that dimishes quickly. The aroma is a sweet grapefruit and light malt. Good lacing on this one. The taste very fruity like biting into a peach with a light spicy finish. A very good quadrupel from Saint Arnold.