Allagash St. Klippenstein | Allagash Brewing Company
Brewed by:
Allagash Brewing Company
Maine, United States
allagash.com
Style: Belgian Strong Dark Ale
Alcohol by volume (ABV): 11.00%
Availability: Rotating
Notes / Commercial Description:
At the brewery, we celebrate St. Klippenstein day to commemorate our love of free ham, pot lucks, and strong stouts. In honor, we brewed this Belgian-style strong stout aged in bourbon barrels. Rich cocoa brown in color, the first sip of this beer opens with a complex chocolate and roasted aroma. Notes of vanilla, coconut and oak infuse the palate and lead to a smooth, warm finish.
This full bodied beer is brewed with an array of dark roasted malts: dark chocolate malt, roasted barley, chocolate malt, and brown malt. After being hopped with Chinook and Northern Brewer, and fermented with a trappist-style yeast for a month in stainless, the beer spends three months aging in bourbon barrels.
Added by ThatsThatDude on 10-13-2015
View: Beers | Place Reviews | Events
Ratings: 249 | Reviews: 69
4.23/5 rDev +1%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
4.09/5 rDev -2.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours dark cola brown with a fair amount of light khaki carbonation that quickly dissipates. The nose is fruity with just the slightest hint of bourbon and barrel. A little bit of roasted notes as well. Taste is very chocolate forward with a sweet middle and finish that brings about vanilla notes. The after taste is more Belgian tripel than stout but it works. Feel is medium with moderate carbonation. Overall this beer is really good and has decent barrel notes considering the short amount of time it was in the barrel. Solid beer and the yeast definitely adds some uniqueness to what would otherwise be a run of the mill stout.
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look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Pours dark cola brown with a fair amount of light khaki carbonation that quickly dissipates. The nose is fruity with just the slightest hint of bourbon and barrel. A little bit of roasted notes as well. Taste is very chocolate forward with a sweet middle and finish that brings about vanilla notes. The after taste is more Belgian tripel than stout but it works. Feel is medium with moderate carbonation. Overall this beer is really good and has decent barrel notes considering the short amount of time it was in the barrel. Solid beer and the yeast definitely adds some uniqueness to what would otherwise be a run of the mill stout.
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3.96/5 rDev -5.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Look - pours dark brown with light tan foam head that quickly dissipates to a thin white foam around the glass.
Smell - smells of sweet dark fruits, light bourbon scent, caramel, touch of molasses.
Taste - A little too sweet for my taste, significant carbonation, which I expected. Dark roasts follow, some cocoa, bitter espresso, I touch of licorice and anise on the finish.
Feel - medium to full bodied, creamy texture, good amount of carbonation – lots of small bubbles like it's a champagne yeast, which the brewery is known for.
Overall - very nice barrel aged stout, a little too sweet for my taste. Probably could've used a little more time in the barrels, but a really great offering from this brewery.
8/23/17
Bomber from Adam - thanks!
4 rating
772 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Look - pours dark brown with light tan foam head that quickly dissipates to a thin white foam around the glass.
Smell - smells of sweet dark fruits, light bourbon scent, caramel, touch of molasses.
Taste - A little too sweet for my taste, significant carbonation, which I expected. Dark roasts follow, some cocoa, bitter espresso, I touch of licorice and anise on the finish.
Feel - medium to full bodied, creamy texture, good amount of carbonation – lots of small bubbles like it's a champagne yeast, which the brewery is known for.
Overall - very nice barrel aged stout, a little too sweet for my taste. Probably could've used a little more time in the barrels, but a really great offering from this brewery.
8/23/17
Bomber from Adam - thanks!
4 rating
772 characters
3.89/5 rDev -7.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 3.75
4.09/5 rDev -2.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4
4.15/5 rDev -1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.24/5 rDev +1.2%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
4.75/5 rDev +13.4%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
4.11/5 rDev -1.9%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
4.24/5 rDev +1.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.34/5 rDev +3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
On tap at Blackback Pub. This was poured into a tulip. The appearance was a black color with a thin white foamy head that dissipated nicely. Wispy lacing clung and then slid into the beer. The smell takes on gentle roasty chocolate, light coffee, light caramel, dark fruits, a little bit of earthiness, and combines nicely. The taste copies the smell nicely. Light Belgian sugar sweetness slides into the earthy part. Light woodiness. Semi-dry earthy to woody and cocoa aftertaste. Gentle semi-dry finish. On the palate, this one sat about a medium on the body. More of a sipper. Low carbonation. Overall, really nice imperial stout, Allagash style. I’d have this again.
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look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
On tap at Blackback Pub. This was poured into a tulip. The appearance was a black color with a thin white foamy head that dissipated nicely. Wispy lacing clung and then slid into the beer. The smell takes on gentle roasty chocolate, light coffee, light caramel, dark fruits, a little bit of earthiness, and combines nicely. The taste copies the smell nicely. Light Belgian sugar sweetness slides into the earthy part. Light woodiness. Semi-dry earthy to woody and cocoa aftertaste. Gentle semi-dry finish. On the palate, this one sat about a medium on the body. More of a sipper. Low carbonation. Overall, really nice imperial stout, Allagash style. I’d have this again.
672 characters
4.21/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
4.18/5 rDev -0.2%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
750ml cork and cage bottle poured into a snifter
A- pours deep black color with a small creamy khaki head that reduces to a ring around the edge
S- plenty of roasted malt up front with an emphasis on smoked meat. Also aromas of dark chocolate, woody oak, bourbon barrel and some spicy Belgian yeast
T- roasted up front with some smoky elements, giving a flavor of smoked meat. Mid-palate gives lots of dark chocolate and oak, along with plenty of bourbon. The finish gives some candied Belgian yeast favors, and lingers of coffee and bourbon
M- medium-heavy body with moderate carbonation leads to a creamy mouthfeel that continues into a slightly warming finish
O- robust throughout with plenty of roast and barrel, the yeast adds a nice sweeter earthy element
769 characters
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
750ml cork and cage bottle poured into a snifter
A- pours deep black color with a small creamy khaki head that reduces to a ring around the edge
S- plenty of roasted malt up front with an emphasis on smoked meat. Also aromas of dark chocolate, woody oak, bourbon barrel and some spicy Belgian yeast
T- roasted up front with some smoky elements, giving a flavor of smoked meat. Mid-palate gives lots of dark chocolate and oak, along with plenty of bourbon. The finish gives some candied Belgian yeast favors, and lingers of coffee and bourbon
M- medium-heavy body with moderate carbonation leads to a creamy mouthfeel that continues into a slightly warming finish
O- robust throughout with plenty of roast and barrel, the yeast adds a nice sweeter earthy element
769 characters
4.19/5 rDev 0%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Type: 0.25L draft
Glass: Clear snifter
From: Blind Lady Ale House in Normal Heights (San Diego), Calif.
Price: $8.50
Purchased: May 7, 2017
Consumed: May 7, 2017
Reviewed as: American Double / Imperial Stout
Misc.: N/A
Went back and forth as I was smell and tasting this one and decided to review it as an imperial stout as opposed to a Belgian Strong Dark Ale. I still stand by that. Picked it over a J.W. Lees barleywine. Surprised I had never tried it. It had been a long time since I had a beer from Allagash (actually only since Feb., a big boozy beer, but those were the only two check-ins on Untappd (so since at least 2012)). A quick look on Untappd and apparently I’d only reviewed two beers from Allagash - White on Aug. 31, 2011 (4.05) and Victor Ale on Oct. 15, 2011 (4.20). Really shocking actually. I’ll have to change that. Anyway, onto the review.
Poured a black color with 2-to-3 fingers of frothy khaki head when I got it. Light bubbles coming up from the bottom. Excellent uneven lacing. Outstanding retention. Awesome. (Sight - 4.50)
Smelled dark milk chocolate, smooth bourbon, roasted barley, coconut flakes, oak, cocoa, chocolate syrup, toasted toffee, hints of char wood, black licorice and woody anise. (Smell - 4.25)
Taste followed the nose, maybe not quite as good. Got earthy oak first, feeling that booze. Also smooth bourbon, bitter dark chocolate, cocoa nibs, roasted barley, coconut, vanilla, molasses, earthy tobacco, black licorice and anise. (Taste - 4.00)
Full body. Creamy-to-sticky texture. Average carbonation. Long, warming finish. (Feel - 4.50)
Really dug this. Very complex. (Overall - 4.25)
4.19 | 93 | A-
1,660 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
Type: 0.25L draft
Glass: Clear snifter
From: Blind Lady Ale House in Normal Heights (San Diego), Calif.
Price: $8.50
Purchased: May 7, 2017
Consumed: May 7, 2017
Reviewed as: American Double / Imperial Stout
Misc.: N/A
Went back and forth as I was smell and tasting this one and decided to review it as an imperial stout as opposed to a Belgian Strong Dark Ale. I still stand by that. Picked it over a J.W. Lees barleywine. Surprised I had never tried it. It had been a long time since I had a beer from Allagash (actually only since Feb., a big boozy beer, but those were the only two check-ins on Untappd (so since at least 2012)). A quick look on Untappd and apparently I’d only reviewed two beers from Allagash - White on Aug. 31, 2011 (4.05) and Victor Ale on Oct. 15, 2011 (4.20). Really shocking actually. I’ll have to change that. Anyway, onto the review.
Poured a black color with 2-to-3 fingers of frothy khaki head when I got it. Light bubbles coming up from the bottom. Excellent uneven lacing. Outstanding retention. Awesome. (Sight - 4.50)
Smelled dark milk chocolate, smooth bourbon, roasted barley, coconut flakes, oak, cocoa, chocolate syrup, toasted toffee, hints of char wood, black licorice and woody anise. (Smell - 4.25)
Taste followed the nose, maybe not quite as good. Got earthy oak first, feeling that booze. Also smooth bourbon, bitter dark chocolate, cocoa nibs, roasted barley, coconut, vanilla, molasses, earthy tobacco, black licorice and anise. (Taste - 4.00)
Full body. Creamy-to-sticky texture. Average carbonation. Long, warming finish. (Feel - 4.50)
Really dug this. Very complex. (Overall - 4.25)
4.19 | 93 | A-
1,660 characters
4.42/5 rDev +5.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
-jet black tap pour with 1cm tan foam cap. Cocoa and some espresso in the nose. Flavor is sweet up front, but a rich malt base and bitter chocolate combine for a really complete strong stout. There is a bourbon note The ABV is largely hidden. The finish is slick and full. This is very good.
292 characters
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
-jet black tap pour with 1cm tan foam cap. Cocoa and some espresso in the nose. Flavor is sweet up front, but a rich malt base and bitter chocolate combine for a really complete strong stout. There is a bourbon note The ABV is largely hidden. The finish is slick and full. This is very good.
292 characters
4.42/5 rDev +5.5%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
P- Poured from a 22 oz corked bomber,into a large Funky Buddha snifter.Bottled on 12/07/16.
L- Thick creamy khaki colored head that stands 1 finger width tall,with very good retention and super sticky lacing.Deep black colored body with dark brown hues,low clarity and minimal light showing through the glass.Heavy heavy heavy amounts of carbonation rising to the top,to maintain the head.
S- On the nose I get smokey bourbon,dark chocolate,coconut,dark roasted malt,and vanilla notes.Very pleasant on the nose.
T- The plate follows the nose with sweet and dark chocolate up front.Vanilla,coconut,and dark roasted malts in the middle,coupled with a nice hop bite.The Smokey bourbon comes on the back end,but is very smooth and enjoyable.
F- The mouth feel is thick and heavy,with a sticky texture.Moderate amount of oxidation on the tongue,to pair with the hop bite.Nice and smooth on the finish.
O- I liked this one alot.Since moving to Massachusetts I have yet to taste a bad beer by Allagash.If you love bourbon ages stouts like me,give this one a try.I would love to have this again,on a cold snowy day.
1,112 characters
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
P- Poured from a 22 oz corked bomber,into a large Funky Buddha snifter.Bottled on 12/07/16.
L- Thick creamy khaki colored head that stands 1 finger width tall,with very good retention and super sticky lacing.Deep black colored body with dark brown hues,low clarity and minimal light showing through the glass.Heavy heavy heavy amounts of carbonation rising to the top,to maintain the head.
S- On the nose I get smokey bourbon,dark chocolate,coconut,dark roasted malt,and vanilla notes.Very pleasant on the nose.
T- The plate follows the nose with sweet and dark chocolate up front.Vanilla,coconut,and dark roasted malts in the middle,coupled with a nice hop bite.The Smokey bourbon comes on the back end,but is very smooth and enjoyable.
F- The mouth feel is thick and heavy,with a sticky texture.Moderate amount of oxidation on the tongue,to pair with the hop bite.Nice and smooth on the finish.
O- I liked this one alot.Since moving to Massachusetts I have yet to taste a bad beer by Allagash.If you love bourbon ages stouts like me,give this one a try.I would love to have this again,on a cold snowy day.
1,112 characters
3.6/5 rDev -14.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
On tap at Bonds Tavern in West Orange. Pours a jet black ebony hue with moderate frothing. Strong aroma replete with hints of chocolate and cocoa. Thick mouthfeel. Similar overall flavor profile.
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3 | overall: 3.5
On tap at Bonds Tavern in West Orange. Pours a jet black ebony hue with moderate frothing. Strong aroma replete with hints of chocolate and cocoa. Thick mouthfeel. Similar overall flavor profile.
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4.25/5 rDev +1.4%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
4.34/5 rDev +3.6%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Allagash St. Klippenstein from Allagash Brewing Company
Beer rating:
94.8% out of
100 with
249 ratings
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
Tap pour at Orchid Restaurant. This is a classic stout that will not disappoint. The nose is sweet chocolate coffee. The mouth feel is dedcribed as hanging on the tongue long enough to savoir the flavors without feeling heavy in the stomach, very well balanced.
Nice bourbon background with vanilla, chocolate and coffee notes. So good you will forget that its 11%!
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