Cuvee De Phillipe
Pelican Brewing Company

Served at Pelican Pub & Brewery in Pacific City, OR. Pretty new I presume, it was served in a small snifter; probably a 10oz pour. Was described as a pale ale that sat in a sherry barrel for 6 months. After drinking, I'd say it was an amber or pale ale barrel aged and brewed in a Belgian style. Tough one to really categorize. Don't know the exact ABV, but after this drink, I could feel a buzz, so I presume it was pretty high. Reviewed from my notes.

Glowing orange in color, similar to a good DIPA. Much rising carbonation. Little retention, good lacing.

Aromas of the sherry wine, oak, floral hops, caramel malt and some Belgian yeast. Good balance, unique and vinous aroma.

Medium body with lively carbonation. Mild astringency, with a dry, vinous finish.

All in all, quite a unique and enjoyable experience. Its high ABV makes this one a sipper. I would gladly get it again if I happened to be back in the area.

Strong Belgian amber aged in Oregon Syrah barrels. Served at the brewpub in a cervoise, Cuvee De Phillipe is a brightish copper with a white head that leaves scattered lace.

Smell is fairly muted at first, with some phenols, malty caramel and a hint of wine. However, it opens up very nicely, with really nice candied tropical fruit esters developing.

Taste is very vinous, which plays nicely with the clean malt. Not getting much from the esters though, it's fairly hoppy, herbal nobles, with a firm bitterness.

Mouthfeel is dry and sharp, with a medium body and moderate carbonation.

Drinkability is good, a nice, interesting beer, a bit mishy-mashy though. I'd rather see a greater emphasis on the esters and less bitterness, or NW hop flavor maybe if they wanted to go big with the hops.