Five Barrel Thread
Cascade Brewing / Raccoon Lodge & Brewpub

This amazing beer, I believe, was made especially for the Anniversary event at Bailey's Taproom in Portland. According to the site, it is a "one-only blend of five amazing beers: Bourbon Barrel Aged Quad, White Port Aged Raspberry, Barrel Aged Triple, Apricot and Sour Pie Kriek." I listed it as a wild ale, but "biere de mars" probably would have made as much sense. In any event, as good as this beer is/was, I felt as if I had to add it to the data base.

The beer pours a hazy amber orange color with exellent head retention and lots of long lasting, sticky white lacing all around. I still remember taking my first sniff, and immediately letting out a "Wo-ho!!!" On the nose there is a ton of sour and funk, but that's only the beginning. I also get vanilla, orange and gin. Also, while there is a considerable sour component in this beer, it's kept in check by all the other amazing aromas in this beer. Incredibly, as good as this beer smells, it tastes even better. Along with the sour and funk (horse sweat, wet blanket, etc.), there is honey, sweet peach, more gin, orange and apricot.... along with hints of vanilla. I generally have a difficult time with sour beers, but I could drink this beauty all day and all night. Have no idea what the alcohol is in this beer (the base beers all have considerable abvs.), but whatever it is, it was barely noticeable with all the incredible flavor in this beer. The beer is actually somewhat light on the palate, which enhances drinkability all the more. This is just a fabulous beer.

Have seen quite a few glowing reviews of Cascade's wild ales and Belgian style beers, and after trying this absolute beauty, now I understand. This beer reminds me somewhat of the bon chien beers from BFM, except where the bon chien is completely still, carbonation in this beer was excellent. This beer also reminds me a bit of New Belgium's La Folie, except this beer has even more flavor and, IMHO, is simply better. Very, very impressive.