Blasphemy
I've been holding onto this one for almost a year now, and I'm ready to try before it ages any longer. 22 oz. poured into a Chimay glass (I never use this glass...and I have three of them). I have never tried the Quad (non oak aged version of this brew) by the way.. A: Pours a cherry mahogany with a finger of tan head. An impressive whirl of carbonation when held up to light. Leaves a covering that looks like a lot of other big belgians. S: Powerful oak aroma as well as sweet yeasty sourdough, with notes of cinnamon and a faint alcohol presence. Very reminiscent to the aroma of aged English Barleywines I've tasted. T: Rich cherry oak flavor with a peppery bite and a noticeable alcoholic finish. Sourdough still comes through strong. I can tell that the Quad probably had noticeable fruity esters but they have been masked by the rich oak overtones. Noticeable alcohol heat, but not overpowering. M: Full bodied with an even carbonation. This is a big beer but not with an overwhelming mouthfeel. D: I finished a 22 over the course of almost 2 hours. A sipper, but its richness is in check and is inviting. Aging this longer would mask the alcohol perception, but increase the sweetness...I haven't enjoyed beers aged for long periods of time because of the sweetness. So ultimately I like aging rich belgians and english barleywines to a good medium where the alcohol meshes well with the sweetness. This beer fits that equation. Will definitely enjoy again.