St. Dekkera Reserve: Excommunié Deux
DESTIHL Brewery

A sour belgian dubbel, great idea, great execution. The cherry, dried cranberry and raisin elements really lead the taste in a fund way, with sour oak, plum and bready malt finishing. Belgian yeast with light funk present through out. Smell is more sour forward. The feel is a little thin, but not to the point of detriment.

 

 

 

 

 

Poured a cloudy rich brown cloudy body with amber highlights around the edges when held to light and a thin ring of white lacing. Overall impression of appearance is of a nice Dubbel. Scents of sour funk, lactic and earthy with some tart cider vinegar at low levels, dark fruit esters at moderate levels, malty notes of caramel, and some vinous red wine aromas. Overall impression of aroma is of a very nice sour Dubbel, the spontaneous fermentation used by the brewer allows a nice local terroir to emerge rather than just being a Belgian clone making it a bit more unique. Flavor begins sour with lactic funk and cider vinegar mingling with caramel and some bready malt and spicy, peppery Belgian yeast. Middle gains in sourness and dark fruit esters, dried and fresh black cherry mostly. Finish is dry and sour, dark fruit with the same profile as before and and spicy, peppery Belgian yeast derived phenols at medium-low levels. Overall impression of flavor is of a very nice sour Dubbel with a lot going on which allows it to be more than just sour and have a nice degree of depth. Mouthfeel is medium bodied with high carbonation, and a tart, puckering feel. Overall impression of mouthfeel is of a nice Dubbel that feels lighter than it's base body suggests due to the lively carbonation and puckering feel. Overall this is a fantastic sour Dubbel. It showcases the lovely character of yeast and spontaneous fermentation in aroma and flavor being wild, funky, phenolic and ester filled with a lovely malt presence. Very nice.