Bourbon Belgium Quad | Cascade Brewing / Raccoon Lodge & Brewpub

4/5  rDev 0%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4

12/16/10

At the barrel house, "live from the barrel." Description: This barrel is a blend of a new and old bourbon barrel aged Belgium [sic] Quad that has been aging for an average of 9 months." Belgium...I'm disappointed in you, Cascade.

A: Slightly hazy reddish amber orange with a huge frothy white head. Retention is outstanding and lacing has a commanding presence over the sides of the glass.

S: Dates, figs, candied sugar, bready malt, light alcohol....moderate lactic presence with acetic notes. Prominent apple notes. I detect wood, and bourbon is definitely noticeable, as is alcohol.

T: Moderate lactic sourness with a decided spiciness on the palate and some alcohol warming. Sweet bready malt, with prominent date and apple, and subtle plum notes. Moderate acetic presence, a failed swallow induces a fit of coughing. Bourbon is pervasive yet not dominating, alcohol is evident, and wood is drying on the palate.

M: Upper medium body. Low carbonation. Dry, slick, sticky mouthfeel with warming.

Overall: A lactic Belgian quad with slight bourbon notes. Spirit character is not as strong as I expected after reading "average of 9 months", but it's quite enjoyable and certainly unique.

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