Coolship Charente
Allagash Brewing Company

Golden yellow and gem clear, with a perfusion of carbonation throughout (SRM 3-5). A tall white pillar reaches above the rim of a Simpli Stange before slowly settling and eventually holding at about 1/2". Spots and patches of lace leave a record of the head as a thin viscous film persistently tries to dissolve all evidence. Adding the last few oz beings an opalescent fog.

Tart vinegar joins a strong dose of oak and funk to assail the olfactory. Apple and cinnamon get their kicks before sweet white wine applies a suave. Warmth mellows the assault without losing the distinctions. Yeast bring celery, pepper and earthy notes.

The acidity is quite high, with tartness in tow. Sweetness is subdued with honey and lemon, then white wine. Oak is by no means subtle. I found none of the promised apricot or cognac. The long tart finish keeps the pucker alive. Warmth adds maraschino cherry. The late yeast addition has a mellowing impact on the tart acidity.

A medium body, with a slick, almost oily texture. Alcohol is above expectations, while the carbonation is sharp and explosive with each sip. Yeast softens the texture.

This is almost two beers in one bottle: That is how impactful the yeast addition is here. Both versions are excellent, and one may choose a preference based on a moment's whim. I'm wishing there was some gorgonzola here, as it would likely be a decent pairing, helping to mellow the acidity while contrasting the oak and cherry.

 

 

 

Pours a golden clear with some nice effervescence but minimal head retention. Lots of that classic Allagash Coolship aroma, tartness, some aged cheddar that's developed some of funk, and red grapes. Maybe a bit of brettiness as well. The barrel is much more present once you sip it. There's currant, fig, some really nice dark fruit character to compliment that tartness. It's kinda got the goodness of a gueuze with a kiss of Flanders red. This might be the best of the Coolship series.

Sent to me by Roguer as part of NBW BIF #15 shenanigans.
Poured orange amber with a three finger manilla colored head and very active carbonation.
Aroma was muted for my damaged nose but vinegar was detected. Curious.
Okay, the first sip had me expecting cognac but I got none. Tart, almost vinegar like but not. Pears and honey nuances playing along and plenty of funk. Tart is what drives this train though.
Feel was perfectly appropriate for the flavors, not viscous but not thin either. It has presence.
Really enjoyed this, thanks Roguer!

Excited to try another coolship from Allagash
Pours a fizzy small head with moderate retention at least, very clear light orange to slight tan color

Nose good funk, sour but not too sour, tart acidic funk, a bit grassy hay, lots of buttery oak, fruity wine and cognac like characters, a hint of lemony funk, lemongrass, bready notes, a bit of stone fruit character

Taste brings some tart funk but not a lot, fair sour acidity but not a ton, well rounded in general, lots of buttery oak, like a ton of oak, some sweet wine cognac characters but not a lot, mostly the oak, some bready malt notes with some golden sweet malt notes, bready dry finish, lots more oak late, a little flemmy

Mouth is med bod, tons of carb, mild flemmy finish

Overall pretty good, base lambic like sour beer is good, not too funky and well rounded, tons and tons of oak for days but not a lot of cognac, but still a nice beer

 

Very little head to speak of - appropriate for the style. Very little yeast particulate in the bottle. Body is a beautiful golden color, just the tiniest bit hazy, but clear enough to read through up close.

Wonderful, complex nose: pear, apple, cider, oak, vinegar, liqueur, and a bit of cheesy/earthy funk. Absolutely delightful.

Tart and strongly sour up front - as expected. Oak, vinegar, must, lemon, and honey up front. Pear, apricot, and a touch of caramel on the second half. Just the barest hint of orange and liqueur on the finish.

The effect of the Cognac barrels is shockingly understated and subtle, and is a magical pairing here by Allagash. With two years in the barrel, and a base beer that some might consider delicate, I half expected the Cognac to be a bit overpowering - and I was fully wrong. If I have a criticism, it's that less of the earthy and cheesy funk from the nose makes it onto the palate. It's quite a strong sour; not among the most sour, and far less sour than other offerings by Allagash, but still not for the novice.