25th Anniversary Grand Cru
Saint Arnold Brewing Company
Beer Geek Stats:
| Print Shelf Talker
- Style:
- Strong Ale - American
- ABV:
- 11.1%
- Score:
- 90
- Avg:
- 4.29 | pDev: 5.13%
- Reviews:
- 10
- Ratings:
- From:
- Saint Arnold Brewing Company
- Texas, United States
- Avail:
- Retired (no longer brewed)
- Wants
- 0
- Gots
- 6
SCORE
90
Outstanding
90
Outstanding
Notes:
Our 25th Anniversary Grand Cru is a blend of three bourbon barrel aged beers: Belgian-Style Quadrupel, Russian Imperial Stout, and English-Style Barleywine. It is a toast to the community we’ve worked to build through our passion for beer and represents the quality and innovation we’ve strived to provide over our first 25 years.
In the beer world, Grand Cru can have a couple of meanings depending on the origin of reference. For us, Grand Cru is a blend of some of our most cherished beers, with the hope of delivering a beer that is greater than the sum of its parts. We feel we’ve achieved exactly that. We brewed three classic Saint Arnold recipes that originally appeared in our Divine Reserve series or Bishop’s Barrel series, then laid them down to rest in bourbon barrels. After tasting every single barrel, a total of 190, we sat down to create the final blend:
50% Belgian-Style Quadrupel
25% Russian Imperial Stout
25% English-Style Barleywine
Our 25th Anniversary Grand Cru is a full bodied, complex, yet balanced barrel aged beer. The Quad presents character of plums and dried cherries, followed by bitter dark chocolate, lavender, and subtle roast bitterness from the Stout. The Barleywine provides a backbone of toffee/caramel sweetness balanced by a soft hop bitter finish. The bourbon is delicately laced throughout, uniting all the components of the blend.
25 IBU
In the beer world, Grand Cru can have a couple of meanings depending on the origin of reference. For us, Grand Cru is a blend of some of our most cherished beers, with the hope of delivering a beer that is greater than the sum of its parts. We feel we’ve achieved exactly that. We brewed three classic Saint Arnold recipes that originally appeared in our Divine Reserve series or Bishop’s Barrel series, then laid them down to rest in bourbon barrels. After tasting every single barrel, a total of 190, we sat down to create the final blend:
50% Belgian-Style Quadrupel
25% Russian Imperial Stout
25% English-Style Barleywine
Our 25th Anniversary Grand Cru is a full bodied, complex, yet balanced barrel aged beer. The Quad presents character of plums and dried cherries, followed by bitter dark chocolate, lavender, and subtle roast bitterness from the Stout. The Barleywine provides a backbone of toffee/caramel sweetness balanced by a soft hop bitter finish. The bourbon is delicately laced throughout, uniting all the components of the blend.
25 IBU
Reviews: 10
| Ratings: 37
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Reviews by champ103:
champ103 from Texas
4.34/5 rDev +1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
A: Pours a near opaque brown color. A small beige head forms that doesn't really rise but sticks throughout as a cap. No lace, but some alcohol like "legs."
S: Tons of wood and barrel up front. Vanilla, brown sugar, baked bread. Warm malts, chocolate and dark fruit aromas. This is excellent.
T: Oh that amazing wood/barrel/vanilla warmness is up front. Baked bread, toasted malts, chocolate and dark fruits. Everything is in great balance.
M/O: A big full body. Higher carbonation than you would think for such a big beer, but everything Saint Arnold does has high carbonation. Still as this breaths becomes very smooth. Of coarse there is some alcohol heat, but it is warming instead of fusel. Which makes this an incredible sipper.
An excellent anniversary beer, and an excellent balanced blend. Anybody in the Houston area that likes the Firestone Walker Anniversary blends should love this. Highly recommended, and happy one of my favorite Texas breweries continues to succeed.
Jun 09, 2019
4.34/5 rDev +1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
A: Pours a near opaque brown color. A small beige head forms that doesn't really rise but sticks throughout as a cap. No lace, but some alcohol like "legs."
S: Tons of wood and barrel up front. Vanilla, brown sugar, baked bread. Warm malts, chocolate and dark fruit aromas. This is excellent.
T: Oh that amazing wood/barrel/vanilla warmness is up front. Baked bread, toasted malts, chocolate and dark fruits. Everything is in great balance.
M/O: A big full body. Higher carbonation than you would think for such a big beer, but everything Saint Arnold does has high carbonation. Still as this breaths becomes very smooth. Of coarse there is some alcohol heat, but it is warming instead of fusel. Which makes this an incredible sipper.
An excellent anniversary beer, and an excellent balanced blend. Anybody in the Houston area that likes the Firestone Walker Anniversary blends should love this. Highly recommended, and happy one of my favorite Texas breweries continues to succeed.
Jun 09, 2019
More User Reviews:
Skabiski from Maryland
4.06/5 rDev -5.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Jun 28, 2020
4.06/5 rDev -5.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Jun 28, 2020
animal69 from Louisiana
4.45/5 rDev +3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Jun 25, 2019
4.45/5 rDev +3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Jun 25, 2019
Gagnonsux from Texas
4.41/5 rDev +2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Jun 08, 2019
4.41/5 rDev +2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Jun 08, 2019
BdM from Netherlands
4.25/5 rDev -0.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Aug 09, 2019
4.25/5 rDev -0.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Aug 09, 2019
ruzzal from Texas
4.21/5 rDev -1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Jun 22, 2019
4.21/5 rDev -1.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Jun 22, 2019
Magery from Kentucky
4.13/5 rDev -3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Feb 11, 2020
4.13/5 rDev -3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Feb 11, 2020
StArnoldFan from Texas
4.31/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Jun 09, 2019
4.31/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Jun 09, 2019
RiceOwls27 from Texas
4.25/5 rDev -0.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Apr 08, 2020
4.25/5 rDev -0.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Apr 08, 2020
BKotch from Texas
4.41/5 rDev +2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Jun 09, 2019
4.41/5 rDev +2.8%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Jun 09, 2019
greenspointexas from Texas
4.34/5 rDev +1.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Jun 08, 2019
4.34/5 rDev +1.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Jun 08, 2019
jngrizzaffi from Texas
4.05/5 rDev -5.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
Pours a very dark, murky, brown, opaque color with a small foamy head. Retention is minimal as is lacing. Very sweet candied boozy bourbon aroma. Dark fruits. Sweet plums and raisins with mild bourbon on the taste. Medium bodied with mild carbonation.
Jan 01, 2021
4.05/5 rDev -5.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
Pours a very dark, murky, brown, opaque color with a small foamy head. Retention is minimal as is lacing. Very sweet candied boozy bourbon aroma. Dark fruits. Sweet plums and raisins with mild bourbon on the taste. Medium bodied with mild carbonation.
Jan 01, 2021
hcproff36 from Texas
4.37/5 rDev +1.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Jun 07, 2019
4.37/5 rDev +1.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Jun 07, 2019
wally_world from Illinois
3.88/5 rDev -9.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
This beer fell flat for me. The notes were muddled, with light barrel bringing it up a bit. I didn't get strong notes of any of the three blended styles, and when finishing the beer, was underwhelmed overall.
Dec 26, 2020
3.88/5 rDev -9.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
This beer fell flat for me. The notes were muddled, with light barrel bringing it up a bit. I didn't get strong notes of any of the three blended styles, and when finishing the beer, was underwhelmed overall.
Dec 26, 2020
Texasfan549 from Texas
4.3/5 rDev +0.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Jun 18, 2019
4.3/5 rDev +0.2%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
Jun 18, 2019
Rimbimhoot from Illinois
4.45/5 rDev +3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Cherry, prune, roasty, brown sugar, bourbon, caramel, light vanilla, raisin, dark bitter malt, blackberry
Very complex blend with the barrel expanding the base
Oct 15, 2019
4.45/5 rDev +3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Cherry, prune, roasty, brown sugar, bourbon, caramel, light vanilla, raisin, dark bitter malt, blackberry
Very complex blend with the barrel expanding the base
Oct 15, 2019
Metalsnota from Minnesota
4.31/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Aug 18, 2020
4.31/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Aug 18, 2020
NolaHopHead from Louisiana
4.03/5 rDev -6.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Jun 06, 2019
4.03/5 rDev -6.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Jun 06, 2019
10Crumra from Texas
4.52/5 rDev +5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Bottled 05/13/19 Reviewed 10/25/20
A: Dark, almost black. Minimal light tan head.
S: Molasses, currants, plum, wood
T: More of the plum, chocolate, alcohol is apparent but not overpowering, caramel, very sweet
F: Pretty thick, solid carbonation, lingers for a while
O: This was a tasty brew, definitely a dessert/after-dinner drink. Would recommend as a special treat if you can still find it.
Oct 26, 2020
4.52/5 rDev +5.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Bottled 05/13/19 Reviewed 10/25/20
A: Dark, almost black. Minimal light tan head.
S: Molasses, currants, plum, wood
T: More of the plum, chocolate, alcohol is apparent but not overpowering, caramel, very sweet
F: Pretty thick, solid carbonation, lingers for a while
O: This was a tasty brew, definitely a dessert/after-dinner drink. Would recommend as a special treat if you can still find it.
Oct 26, 2020
sd123 from Texas
4.27/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Jul 11, 2019
4.27/5 rDev -0.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Jul 11, 2019
Chilmer from Iowa
4.29/5 rDev 0%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Oct 26, 2019
4.29/5 rDev 0%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Oct 26, 2019
MattDecker from Texas
5/5 rDev +16.6%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Look: dark molasses
Smell: very complex and rich. Dark toffee, rich barley - smells amazing
Taste: rich, dark cherry/blackberry, I think get the lavender right at the end, very smooth, love it
Feel: ful body, but not weighty, very rich but not heavy
Overall: very rich, complex and smooth. I don't think if change a thing. 4th perfect "5" I've ever given.
Jun 16, 2019
5/5 rDev +16.6%
look: 5 | smell: 5 | taste: 5 | feel: 5 | overall: 5
Look: dark molasses
Smell: very complex and rich. Dark toffee, rich barley - smells amazing
Taste: rich, dark cherry/blackberry, I think get the lavender right at the end, very smooth, love it
Feel: ful body, but not weighty, very rich but not heavy
Overall: very rich, complex and smooth. I don't think if change a thing. 4th perfect "5" I've ever given.
Jun 16, 2019
alexsergio from New York
4.44/5 rDev +3.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Sep 14, 2019
4.44/5 rDev +3.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Sep 14, 2019
tobelerone from New Jersey
4.52/5 rDev +5.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Nov 01, 2019
4.52/5 rDev +5.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Nov 01, 2019
25th Anniversary Grand Cru from Saint Arnold Brewing Company
Beer rating:
90 out of
100 with
37 ratings
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