As promised, here is my review of my last beer of 2007/first beer of 2008—Allagash’s excellent Jim Beam Bourbon barrel-aged tripel, Curieux. This caged, corked 750ml bottle, which can be had for just under $15 at the Allagash retail store, pours a hazy gold color with a thin, off-white head. There’s not too much lacing going on here either.
The oak bourbon barrel lends a great deal to the nose. Some yeast and hints of vanilla are present too. This brew has a medium-sweet, oaky flavor to it. Some citrus fruit, likely orange, is present on the tongue as well. The sweetness is very delicate, not overwhelming like some tripels. There is almost no hop taste here, but the finish is very dry and crisp. The 11% ABV definitely causes a noticeable warming sensation, and the bourbon flavor probably contributes to that too.
The alcohol content might be a touch too high to make this a session beer (oh, and the price, too), but this is a unique and very tasty beer. The mouthfeel is light and the drinkability is pretty high for such a high-alcohol beer. I bought two of these and am aging one until the summer, or even next winter if I can wait that long. I definitely think that this one will age very well can the vanilla and oak will come out even more. I very much look forward to having the cellared bottle later this year.
Coincidentally, Pete at Beer Locavore happened to review this beer today too. His brief tasting notes include “This is an obscenely delicious beer…the Bourbon barrel ageing comes through loud and clear. So do other flavors: it’s malty and slightly fruit in a nutty kind of way. At 11% ABV it packs a wallop.” I’m not sure I’d call it obscenely delicious, but it is quite good and definitely worth trying, especially if you’re a fan of Belgians with a unique, craft-brewed twist.
My Rating:
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