It's interesting how we seem to have powerful preconceived notions about what we "expect" in a bottle of beer. And we stick to them, sometimes to the insult of another. Arrogance maybe? If anything, Human Nature. Add to that the occasional griping we do when we realize we just burned a good chunk of change for a bottle of this or that. And for those who aren't sure if they liked it or not should consider the reality that the Angel's Share fits right in to the ranks of Older Viscosity. In a great deal of ways.In this case for me, I wish I could take it all back. After hitting a plateau in my beering experience, I thought I knew everything I needed to "get along". But since then I have learned a good deal about certain beers, not just certain types. The ironic thing is essentially everything this beer *is* has been crafted for the most part "as intended"!To Tomme: Apologies from someone who didn't know what he was talking about, but thought he did. I now have a new perspective on this beer, and although my first one actually might have been contaminated, the others I had well after this posting.were simply enjoyed to the extreme -as a fine brandy or cognac.
Now, go pour yourself another one and give it a second chance.
~Previous~
What a letdown. We're in a bad economy right now as it is, so dropping $30 on a bottle of beer (granted it's a 750ml), one would expect fireworks. I've had a better glass of prune juice than calling this a "beer". And prune juice is essentially not far off from what this stuff drinks like. Calling this a beer or "ale" is an insult considering it's rich history and pedigree. Just a bad batch? Definitely. But also a very large bad batch considering the distribution and extremely poor reviews this beer has had lately. There's just no excuse for this.
So I took a chance with great anticipation when I first heard it was released (before the bad reviews started coming in). I purchased at least 3- 750ml bottles and have several 350ml bottles as well. That's a nice chunk of change -and NOT well spent mind you in hindsight. Bad investment? Definitely.
The first bottle I opened (after about 6 months in the cellar) after bragging about how great it was going to be to some people at a party, just pissed me off. It takes a long time to remove the cork, and as it finally opens without a single sound, the reason is obvious - no inside pressure to help remove the cork. Pours into a snifter "muddy brown", and I do mean "muddy". As in mud puddle water. Of course despite this disappointment I HAD to have a taste. Essentially it tastes like prune juice with a mild shot of alcohol. I expected it to be somewhat "hot" due to the advertised 12.5% ABV as the label describes. But nothing but more letdown. And a drainpour.
There is just no excuse for this. I know people say "you live and you learn". Learn what exactly?! That shit happens? That sometimes you "waste" $30 on a gamble? Lost Abbey is too big of a brewer, and Tomme Arthur should never have brewed something like this. Where's the quality control in regards to allowing this to be bottled and more importantly, released in the first place? Maybe he had nothing to do with it. Maybe...He wanted it to be released like this? That's an interesting thought, but I admit I was stunned upon my first experience.
Final words on this one: I give it a one bottle rating if only for the fact that Lost Abbey made the attempt. Too bad it's a dismal failure. I want my money back or an exchange with a guarantee!
