A
Brasseurs Illimités

 

 

Bottle: Poured a deep black color ale with a medium size foamy head with OK retention and some light lacing. Aroma of candy-like ester with some distinctive spice mix that is hard to identify but very well enjoyable. Taste is also dominated by spice mix that is never overwhelming with solid candy-like notes with a light residual candi sugar finish. Body is about average with good carbonation and no apparent alcohol. Very interesting experiment that should probably be repeated sometime.

Described as a Extra-Strong beer of Winter. On their facebook page, described as a sort of collaboration with Dépanneur Peluso on a Barleywine, that has more hops and spices in it. (my poor french translation)

A: Pours a slightly hazy, dark copper with red tints. Thick off white head, leaves a nice full film on top, long lasting, bubbles sticking to the edge of the glass.

S: Sweet, fresh red berries and fruit, a bit spicy, perhaps some cinnamon....otherwise a bit light on the nose.

T: Lots of malts, sweet, slightly roasty, hint of strawberries underneath, finishes with some hop bitterness, light spices of nutmeg, bit of cinnamon and then the typical barleywine last minute burst of alcohol. Not as complex as some other Barleywines but some interesting flavours do come out as it warms.

M: Light carbonation and light body, but fairly balanced. Not overly dry or sticky.

O: As with their other 'letter' series, this is more of a limited test beer. That said, the beer is well made as most Brasseurs Illimites beers are and has some interesting sweetness in it that sets it apart from the typical fruit flavours in a Barleywine. I wouldn't say it is the most complex, and the ABV could be a bit higher. My major complaint would be it drinks a little light for a Barleywine style, though it might be closer to a English Barleywine (if others drink this and think it is more English, please update)... It's worth a try though and a good winter warmer style for those mid April snow showers!