Aggh…it’s January 11, 2008, and I haven’t even finished reviewing my 2007 beers yet! To correct that oversight, I will be posting my final two reviews of 2007 beers today and tomorrow. These were both beers I had on New Year’s Eve, and technically, one of them was actually my first beer of 2008, but I’m not going to split hairs like that.
So anyway, on to the beer. For dinner on December 31, to pair with various finger foods and wraps, I chose a Southampton Abbot 12 I’d been cellaring since early November. Six weeks in the basement probably didn’t do much to change the flavor, but I was in the mood, so I grabbed it anyway. This Belgian-style Quadrupel poured a hazy orange into my Allagash chalice. It produced a huge off-white head with good lacing. The nose here is yeasty, with bread, caramel, and some raisin I think.
At first quaff I’m hit by lots of yeast and sweetness. It’s not quite candy-like, but it’s definitely a Belgian beer. The malts reveal some caramel and there is a hint of spice in here too. I don’t really taste any hops at all, and the 10.5% ABV is noticeable, certainly, but not overwhelming. The high level of carbonation yields a creamy, full mouth feel, but one that is crisp and drinks nicely. The alcohol gives you a nice warming sensation in the finish. Overall a very enjoyable brew.
My Rating:
