Crescendo
North Jetty Brewing

i loved this one, a belgian dubbel rested briefly in oak whiskey barrels, done in collaboration with obelisk, who i also visited on this same trip to the coast and was very impressed with. we dont see this style in barrels all that often, and its just a kiss here, but it really makes this for me, rich all the way through but accentuated beautifully by oak and vanilla nuance through the back half, especially as it warms, makes this really dynamic and way more interesting than most american made beers in this style, although the base beer is quite well done. between light brown and deep red on it, mahogany edges and a shorter head than i generally look for on belgian styles. it smells like raisins, rum, dried red apples, maple syrup, belgian candy sugar, and light clove spice, autumnal and perfect for a windy rainy afternoon on the coast. i like the mid palate sweetness but the drier finish, hints of chestnut, birch, and toffee, the belgian yeast is subtle but adds light anise, clove, and white pepper spiciness, and the oak brings it all together. a little whiskey breath on the swallow in a nice touch, fig and date, mild smoke even, and the malt complexity i want in a dubbel. really intelligent brew, smooth and regal sipper, this is quality.