GRADE: A
I have heard a lot of hype about this brewery over the past few months. The Lost Abbey , based in San Marcos, CA, has been producing Belgian-inspired beers since 2006. Part of the reason for the hype is that for the first time ever, their beers are available on the East coast. The other part is that the beer is very highly rated. Either way, I didn't feel particularly compelled to track their beers down as I, personally, have never heard of them before. However, when I saw this on the shelf of my local store, looked up the rating on my phone, I promptly bought two bottles.
This is a blended beer. It blends their bourbon barrel aged Serpent's Stout and their bourbon barrel aged Angel's Share. Being a huge fan of barrel aged beer, I was already intrigued. It's billed as fireside sipper which, at 12.5% ABV, makes complete sense. The immediate aesthetic appeal draws me in: a 12 oz. bottle that's corked and caged, amazing artwork with foil accents, a thesis on the back label likening the beer to the battle between good and evil for the souls or mortal men.... You get the picture. Yet how many times have you seen a very attractive person only to meet them and find that they are shallow bores with nothing to talk about? Let's see how the conversation goes...
Appearance: Dark black color with slight ruby coloring around the edges. It pours with a fluffy, two-finger mocha head. Beautiful lacing (if you're into that) that clings nicely to the glass as it goes down. I like what I see...
Smell: Bourbon soaked figs splashed with vanilla extract. Hints of oaky wood smoke. Caramel syrup toffee. I'm just making stuff up as I smell it (smoked licorice, caramel brandy cake)! My mouth is officially watering!
Taste: Wow. Follows the nose like an intuitive dance partner. Bourbon up front, followed by dark fruit, finished with that smoky wood. There's a bit of alcohol burn at the end but it's not too sharp and it gives the taste a nice bite. As I sip, the licorice and toffee "high-five" on my tongue (or is it a fist bump?).
Mouthfeel: Although the carbonation is low, there's a lively prickliness on the tongue. Not as syrupy as other stouts which make it more interesting.
Overall: This is and incredibly complex beer that is very well blended! One my new favorites. I bought two bottles with the thought of drinking one and aging the other. I drank them both in the course of two weeks. Lucky for me, my local guy takes care of me and I managed to get two more and put them in the far dark recesses of my cellar. Can't wait to forget about it and discover it again next year! Obviously, you need this beer in your life. Find some and enjoy!
