#309: Allagash » Curieux (Bourbon Barrel-Aged Tripel)

Allagash » Curieux (Bourbon Barrel-Aged Tripel) | ABV: 11/0% 
I picked a bottle of Curieux up after enjoying a draft glass at Northstar earlier in the winter, its understated and deceptively drinkable character would be enjoyable on a blustery night in.

A blend of Allagash's Tripel Ale aged in Jim Beam barrels and fresh Tripel Ale, Curieux enters with aromas of soft peach & apricot and faint, sweet bourbon.

Lively carbonation and smooth, rummy flavors cross the palate without the expected ethanol, boozy notes. Firm notes of apricot, caramel, coconut and a touch of earthiness follow. Further through, there's a touch more raisin on the palate, but never dipping into the sticky realm. On the final glass, apricot skin aromas are much more defined.

Overall, another subtly potent ale from those fine folks from Maine, prompting enjoyable evenings and good conversation.

#277: Allagash Brewing » Fluxus 2014 (Bier de Miel)

Allagash Brewing » Tribute Series: Fluxus 2014 (Bier de Miel)
ABV: 8.8% | Rating: 8.6/10

After a fun, productive day, which included picnicking, a walk along Cayuga lake, a stellar tasting at Myer Farm Distillers, was temporarily derailed by a slew of since resolved phone issues, it was time to get things back on track with a home cooked meal, finally watching Barton Fink, and cracking into this anniversary brew from Allagash.

Each year, Allagash, whom recently returned to Upstate NY distribution, brews a different, limited recipe under the Fluxus moniker, in celebration of the first beer they sold in 1995. This year, Fluxus is brewed with a blend of 2-row and vienna malts, spruce tips and honey.

Fluxus '14 starts off with an aptly honey colored body topped with lacy white head. A beautiful, soft nose of honey, mild spice, and almond follows with just a touch of sweet earthiness.

The taste is elegant, as par for many of Allagash's limited releases, held up by lovely, soft yet lively carbonation. Firm malts create the backdrop for the subtle sweetness from the honey and mild floral notes of the spruce tips to peak through. The nearly 9% ABV is expertly masked throughout.

For you honey buffs out there, the honey is less at the forefront than say, a Braggott, but still present.

Overall, Fluxus '14 may be a bit subtle for some in regards to the price tag, but for those looking for an elegant beer to slowly enjoy and relax into, this might be just your ticket.

#267: Allagash Brewing » Victor (Belgian Strong Ale)

Allagash Brewing » Victor (Belgian Strong Ale brewed with Cabernet Franc grapes)
ABV: 9.0% | Rating: 8.9

Allagash was one of those beers that I started getting into when I first was getting into craft beer... but then they dropped out of distributing in Upstate NY. Over the last few years, I've always grabbed a bottle of White or Black when I can find them, even scoring a bottle of 2012 Interlude that I'll be cracking into shortly. Luckily enough, some friends from NYC gifted me this bottle of Victor, for my birthday. Low and behold, two weeks later Allagash is back in Upstate and the fridge is filling up.

Victor, the Cabernet Franc counterpart to their Chardonnay-brewed Victoria, pours up with a copper, bubbly body, crowned with a thick, lacy ivory head. A highly aromatic nose, blooming red grape, pepper, and yeast notes.

On to the palate, this beer is quite elegant. Sweet, soft grape and grape skin flavors are abundant, flirting with notes of caramel and even white pepper. Incredibly easy drinking for a 9% - honestly drinks like a session beer, but with far more complexity of course.

Victor inspires thoughts of a more demure cousin to Dogfish Head's hybrid gallery - mildy yeasty, that's tastefully tart and spicy.

In addition to this being a solid brew, it benefits the St. Lawrence Arts Center, through the not-for-profit group which is renovating the granite and slate church the center calls home.

Good beer with a good cause. What's not to like?

#077: Allagash Black (Belgian Style Stout)

Allagash Brewing Company: Allagash Black (Belgian Style Stout) | 7.5% | 9.2/10

The Story? After finishing up in Waterbury at Prohibition Pig and The Reservoir we headed back to our friend Lidia's, but first a stop at the beverage center in Winooski where I just about lost my mind on their beer selection. My partner, Mel grabbed a four-pack of Allagash Black to share.

The Beer? A wonderfully dark, dry brew. Perfect for a relaxing evening, sipping with friends. Well carbonated and jet black. Brewed with barley, wheat, oats, both roasted and chocolate malt, and dark caramelized candi sugar, this is one heck of a beer. A plethora of flavors all across the roasted and chocolate spectrum with a mild sweetness and dry finish. Excellent.