Scarlet Vortex
Abandon Brewing Co.

 

a curious beer, bending what we know about the style pretty hard, but i like that sometimes, and in this particular brew i like it very much. this was listed as a spiced dubbel, and while the spices used are not told or readily obvious, i think its safe to say that anise and clove and even ginger are in the mix, it has that earthy autumnal vibe to it in nose and taste, and while the spices individually arent standing out, i think collectively their impact on the beer is a positive one. the base beer, as a dubbel, leaves a little bit to be desired, its not as big and bold in its malt complexion as most belgian examples, and overall is way too sweet, even for a style that allows for such things, but the spices at least make the long sweet finish interesting, and while the yeast is also on the subtle side as belgians go, it works in this beer and the entirety of the experience is a good one in that this is quite unlike anything else ive had under the dubbel moniker, and with a few tweaks could really be something special. i wish for more carbonation and a drier finish, but i always say that. cool to try some beers from a new brewery to me that is obviously having an impact in the rochester market.