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Evora
Allagash Brewing Company
- From:
- Allagash Brewing Company
- Maine, United States
- Style:
- Belgian Pale Strong Ale
Ranked #33 - ABV:
- 9%
- Score:
- 90
Ranked #9,830 - Avg:
- 4.02 | pDev: 9.2%
- Reviews:
- 48
- Ratings:
- Status:
- Active
- Rated:
- Mar 02, 2023
- Added:
- Jun 14, 2014
- Wants:
- 8
- Gots:
- 38
Golden Ale aged in Brandy Barrels with Brettanomyces.
Recent ratings and reviews. | Log in to view more ratings + sorting options.
Ratings by bubseymour:
Rated by bubseymour from Maryland
4.5/5 rDev +11.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Jan 19, 2017
4.5/5 rDev +11.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Jan 19, 2017
More User Ratings:
Reviewed by Rug from Massachusetts
4.06/5 rDev +1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
4.06/5 rDev +1%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Bottled 12/4/19
Alright, time to start cracking into my bottles from my latest trip to Allagash and the tour of their cellars. I picked up quite a few bottles so hopefully they last for a while. Starting off, we have a Belgian Strong Pale Ale aged in Portuguese Brandy barrels, an interesting combination. Let’s get into it
Pours a cloudy yellow gold with a finger of white head that quickly fades to a ring and leaves decent lacing
It isn’t overly funky in the nose, with the brett bringing more of any earthy character than anything else. I’m picking up aromas of peach pit, petrichor, tannic white wine, lemon yogurt, earthy wheat, lemon zest, pear skin, and a touch of sweet golden raisin
The earthiness remains in taste, but takes on more of a tartness as well that is much appreciated. On the front end of the sip I’m tasting lemon juice, bready malt, earthy wheat, pear skin, wet hay, apricot, light honey, and sharp oak. The swallow brings notes of earthy wheat, pear skin, lemon yogurt, petrichor, brown sugar, white wine vinegar, and peach pit
A medium body pairs with moderate tingling carbonation, resulting in a slick beer. Finishes slightly sticky and tart
This isn’t anything amazing, and I’m not getting much Brandy off of it, but it’s definitely solid stuff
Jan 02, 2023Alright, time to start cracking into my bottles from my latest trip to Allagash and the tour of their cellars. I picked up quite a few bottles so hopefully they last for a while. Starting off, we have a Belgian Strong Pale Ale aged in Portuguese Brandy barrels, an interesting combination. Let’s get into it
Pours a cloudy yellow gold with a finger of white head that quickly fades to a ring and leaves decent lacing
It isn’t overly funky in the nose, with the brett bringing more of any earthy character than anything else. I’m picking up aromas of peach pit, petrichor, tannic white wine, lemon yogurt, earthy wheat, lemon zest, pear skin, and a touch of sweet golden raisin
The earthiness remains in taste, but takes on more of a tartness as well that is much appreciated. On the front end of the sip I’m tasting lemon juice, bready malt, earthy wheat, pear skin, wet hay, apricot, light honey, and sharp oak. The swallow brings notes of earthy wheat, pear skin, lemon yogurt, petrichor, brown sugar, white wine vinegar, and peach pit
A medium body pairs with moderate tingling carbonation, resulting in a slick beer. Finishes slightly sticky and tart
This isn’t anything amazing, and I’m not getting much Brandy off of it, but it’s definitely solid stuff
Reviewed by SierraNevallagash from Maine
4.16/5 rDev +3.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
4.16/5 rDev +3.5%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
Draught pour at Allagash during the Wild Winter Weekend event. Poured into an Allagash chalice at tap temp (40°ish).
Pours a cloudy lemony yellow-gold colour, topped with a finger of loose, soapy whixh head that quickly reduces to a small collar. Some slow effervescence can be seen.
Nose: There is an initial lacto sharpness which lends plenty of lemon. Beneath the lemony lacto zing, there are notes of green apple, pear, white grape, and unripe stone fruit. A hint of acetic white vinegar opens up, but it doesn't take center stage. Fairly muted when cold, with no brandy or Brett detectable, but when it does warm and open up, there is a subtle, yet absolutely incredible brandy note that comes out with sweet warm leather, brown sugar, oak, candied dark fruit, brandy/cognac, caramel, bourbon, vanilla, and even some wine-like character, along with some funky bretty barnyard notes.
Palate: Like the nose, the ale greets the palate with a moderate tartness - not puckering, but tart with notes of sour green apple, white grape, concord grape, pear, lemon, unripe nectarine and apricot, oak, and TONS of brett. The brett lends that signature musty, dusty, and ever-so-slightly bitter overripe peach pit thing, along with way overripe fruit salad, and a touch of damp earth. A subtle fusel note id also present - not quite acetone, but something in that direction. Into the finish, it is ultra drying - tannic, with (dry) brown sugar, vanilla, and tons of oak. Super tannic finish with more bitter dusty brett, dusty old farmhouse, a hint of dry brandy essence, and just more dry, dusty, tannic oak.
Mouthfeel/Body: Light-medium in body, very effervescent, with a touch weight from that 9% ABV. Very dry, ultra drying, and quite tannic. Mild to moderate acidity. There is a strange coating sensation after finish, which isn't bothersome, but it's unique. Almost waxy, but not quite oily. A tannic oaky, bretty dryness lingers. Scrubbing.
Overall: A very interesting offering from Allagash. Some of the less complex offerings of theirs can be a little one-dimensional, either leaning predominantly lacto tart, or predominantly acetic tart. This one has the brett on full display, really allowing those other tart microflora to play balanced, well-integrated supporting roles. If nothing else, it is a brilliant display of oak and brettanomyces. The brandy is a wonderful touch, and while it isn't like a snifter of the stuff, the flavour it contributes is unmistakable, and the (especially) the aroma is just bursting with it. There are some really great elements coming together here, and it puts this up with some of the more unique Allagash offerings there are. Absolutely worth trying, and while it isn't a Coolship, it definitely has some nice character, and a great brett influence.
Mar 19, 2020Pours a cloudy lemony yellow-gold colour, topped with a finger of loose, soapy whixh head that quickly reduces to a small collar. Some slow effervescence can be seen.
Nose: There is an initial lacto sharpness which lends plenty of lemon. Beneath the lemony lacto zing, there are notes of green apple, pear, white grape, and unripe stone fruit. A hint of acetic white vinegar opens up, but it doesn't take center stage. Fairly muted when cold, with no brandy or Brett detectable, but when it does warm and open up, there is a subtle, yet absolutely incredible brandy note that comes out with sweet warm leather, brown sugar, oak, candied dark fruit, brandy/cognac, caramel, bourbon, vanilla, and even some wine-like character, along with some funky bretty barnyard notes.
Palate: Like the nose, the ale greets the palate with a moderate tartness - not puckering, but tart with notes of sour green apple, white grape, concord grape, pear, lemon, unripe nectarine and apricot, oak, and TONS of brett. The brett lends that signature musty, dusty, and ever-so-slightly bitter overripe peach pit thing, along with way overripe fruit salad, and a touch of damp earth. A subtle fusel note id also present - not quite acetone, but something in that direction. Into the finish, it is ultra drying - tannic, with (dry) brown sugar, vanilla, and tons of oak. Super tannic finish with more bitter dusty brett, dusty old farmhouse, a hint of dry brandy essence, and just more dry, dusty, tannic oak.
Mouthfeel/Body: Light-medium in body, very effervescent, with a touch weight from that 9% ABV. Very dry, ultra drying, and quite tannic. Mild to moderate acidity. There is a strange coating sensation after finish, which isn't bothersome, but it's unique. Almost waxy, but not quite oily. A tannic oaky, bretty dryness lingers. Scrubbing.
Overall: A very interesting offering from Allagash. Some of the less complex offerings of theirs can be a little one-dimensional, either leaning predominantly lacto tart, or predominantly acetic tart. This one has the brett on full display, really allowing those other tart microflora to play balanced, well-integrated supporting roles. If nothing else, it is a brilliant display of oak and brettanomyces. The brandy is a wonderful touch, and while it isn't like a snifter of the stuff, the flavour it contributes is unmistakable, and the (especially) the aroma is just bursting with it. There are some really great elements coming together here, and it puts this up with some of the more unique Allagash offerings there are. Absolutely worth trying, and while it isn't a Coolship, it definitely has some nice character, and a great brett influence.
Reviewed by EMV from Pennsylvania
4.24/5 rDev +5.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.24/5 rDev +5.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
2015 vintage. Poured from a cork'n'cage 12.7 ounce bottle into a Dogfish Head tulip
L: Cloudy golden pour with a finger of fizzy white head. Modest ring of lacing.
S: Funk and fruit.... apple cider vinegar.
T.F: Tart fruit up front. Green apple, pear, and vinegar. Some fruit sweetness... funky and acidic. A bit of the brandy comes through but getting more oak than booze. Brett, pear, and unripened peaches. Medium to light bodied... sticky and astringent on the tongue.
O: A complex and delicious beer. Very well done... super drinkable. Allagash nailed this one.
Jul 20, 2019L: Cloudy golden pour with a finger of fizzy white head. Modest ring of lacing.
S: Funk and fruit.... apple cider vinegar.
T.F: Tart fruit up front. Green apple, pear, and vinegar. Some fruit sweetness... funky and acidic. A bit of the brandy comes through but getting more oak than booze. Brett, pear, and unripened peaches. Medium to light bodied... sticky and astringent on the tongue.
O: A complex and delicious beer. Very well done... super drinkable. Allagash nailed this one.
Reviewed by GuyFawkes from Illinois
4.34/5 rDev +8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
4.34/5 rDev +8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Bottled 11/5/15; drank 3/25/16 @ the Yarchives.
Cloudy orange/yellow appearance; champagne bubbles throughout.
Huge bright white head; a curtain of frothy lace.
Strong peach & pear notes in the nose.
Medium mouthfeel.
Peach & prickly pear flavors up front; mildly tart finish. Fruit punch notes emerged as this warmed; the brandy barrel asserting itself perhaps?
A dream Belgian for me; fruity but not too sour or yeasty. Dangerously drinkable.
Mar 17, 2019Cloudy orange/yellow appearance; champagne bubbles throughout.
Huge bright white head; a curtain of frothy lace.
Strong peach & pear notes in the nose.
Medium mouthfeel.
Peach & prickly pear flavors up front; mildly tart finish. Fruit punch notes emerged as this warmed; the brandy barrel asserting itself perhaps?
A dream Belgian for me; fruity but not too sour or yeasty. Dangerously drinkable.
Reviewed by SHODriver from North Carolina
4.25/5 rDev +5.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.25/5 rDev +5.7%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
A: Poured into a tulip glass to a light golden orange that's a little hazed. The beer is topped by a dnese finger of white head which fades quickly to a collar around the edge of the glass
S: Smells of light sourness with some intense stone fruits and a touch of oak.
T: Taste is lightly sour up front with some nice stone fruit notes, a little funk and some nice oak. On the swallow there's more funk, some slight stone fruit and some lingering sourness.
M: This beer is on the lighter side of medium in body. Carbonation is effervescent but not prickly and the beer has a drying finish.
O: Overall this is a really nice beer. The flavors are great and it has some really solid complexity. Just like the other sour beers I've grabbed from them this one is very well executed with no faults. It's definitely worth a try if you can find it.
Oct 13, 2018S: Smells of light sourness with some intense stone fruits and a touch of oak.
T: Taste is lightly sour up front with some nice stone fruit notes, a little funk and some nice oak. On the swallow there's more funk, some slight stone fruit and some lingering sourness.
M: This beer is on the lighter side of medium in body. Carbonation is effervescent but not prickly and the beer has a drying finish.
O: Overall this is a really nice beer. The flavors are great and it has some really solid complexity. Just like the other sour beers I've grabbed from them this one is very well executed with no faults. It's definitely worth a try if you can find it.
Reviewed by angrybabboon from Massachusetts
3.87/5 rDev -3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
3.87/5 rDev -3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Consumed 3/22/18
Note: 2015 bottle
A: Medium to deep gold - clear - pours with a medium sized white head, fades to virtually nothing, retains a small collar, leaves a few spots of lacing
S: Potent brandy and wood pretty much center stage - chewy, damp, vaguely musty barrel - brandy - lots of funk, in general, with some musty Brett and old basement - damp cherry skin - Belgian funk as well, with some notes of clove and banana - some grainy pale malt at the base with some honey sweetness - notes of pear and apple - booze
T: Almost like a mixed drink, but definitely a beer - perhaps less wood than in the aroma, but still some potent, lightly musty barrel - some boozy sweetness - fruit, including sharp apple and some pear - banana esters from the Belgian yeast, as well as some funk and some clove - honey - some Brett funk and musty cherry skin - notes of wine - some woody booze
M: Medium body, low carbonation, sharp
O: I'm not even going to pretend I know what Portuguese brandy tastes like
I've had enough of these Allagash special releases that I have lost track. Evora is interesting but not one of my favorites, probably because I'm under-educated in brandy. If the base of this was a Belgian Pale Ale, it's mostly obliterated by the barrel. Interesting, but not ideal.
Mar 23, 2018Note: 2015 bottle
A: Medium to deep gold - clear - pours with a medium sized white head, fades to virtually nothing, retains a small collar, leaves a few spots of lacing
S: Potent brandy and wood pretty much center stage - chewy, damp, vaguely musty barrel - brandy - lots of funk, in general, with some musty Brett and old basement - damp cherry skin - Belgian funk as well, with some notes of clove and banana - some grainy pale malt at the base with some honey sweetness - notes of pear and apple - booze
T: Almost like a mixed drink, but definitely a beer - perhaps less wood than in the aroma, but still some potent, lightly musty barrel - some boozy sweetness - fruit, including sharp apple and some pear - banana esters from the Belgian yeast, as well as some funk and some clove - honey - some Brett funk and musty cherry skin - notes of wine - some woody booze
M: Medium body, low carbonation, sharp
O: I'm not even going to pretend I know what Portuguese brandy tastes like
I've had enough of these Allagash special releases that I have lost track. Evora is interesting but not one of my favorites, probably because I'm under-educated in brandy. If the base of this was a Belgian Pale Ale, it's mostly obliterated by the barrel. Interesting, but not ideal.
Evora from Allagash Brewing Company
Beer rating:
90 out of
100 with
235 ratings
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