98 Anniversary 17, Unibroue (Canada). 10% ABV (4/09)
Deep cloudy copper mahogany color. Aromas of candle wax, toffee, apple caramel tart, dried meat and polished wood follow through on a rich, supple entry to a dry-yet-fruity full body with tangy molasses, coffee and brown spice notes. Finishes with a long, chewy singed nut, earthy hop and burnt sugar-accented fade. A powerful, full throttled Belgian to enjoy in small doses with cigars.
93 Bon Secours Raspberry, Brasserie Caulier (Belgium). 7% ABV (5/07)
Hazy copper color. Raspberry tart and buttered nut aromas. A round soft entry leads to a dry, tangy medium-full body of crushed raspberries and sourdough bread flavors. Finishes with a long, tangy raspberry pulp fade. Vibrant, balanced acidity and dry fruit flavors are the calling cards of this seamless integration of fruit and beer. Try with salads.
91 Local 2, The Brooklyn Brewery (NY). 8.2% ABV (4/09)
Deep reddish mahogany color with a tan head. Aromas of caramel on buttered dark toast, honey and orange peel follow through on a round, foamy entry to a fruity-yet-dry medium-to-full body with tangy apple skin, dried citrus and toffee notes. Finishes with a nice, grassy hop and pepper-accented fade. A rock-solid food beer.
90 Malheur Bière Brut Reserve, De Landtsheer (Belgium). 11% ABV (5/07)
Slightly hazy golden color. Spicy candied ginger and baked golden raisin compote aromas. A supple entry leads to fruity, off dry full body of candied stone fruits, ginger, bread dough and spices. Finishes with a tangy, sweet orange marmalade, rye toast and pecan fade and a nice touch of mineral-accented hops. A big, sweet malty beer with a lingering toasty finish.
89 Juliet, Goose Island Brewing Co. (IL). 6.7% ABV (5/08)
Deep amber red color. Spicy blackberry-cherry butter on sourdough, bourbon barrel and honey aromas. A bold sour entry leads to a tart yeasty and fruity medium-full body of sour cherry skin, yeast dough and cherry cider vinegar flavors. Finishes with crisp blackberry and citrus skin fade. A brilliant and rosé-like oak aged beer that screams for food: duck, sausages.
89 Concentrated Evil, Lucky Bucket Brewing Co. (NE). 10% ABV (4/09)
Deep reddish mahogany color. Aromas of waxy apple, coriander, chocolate-covered raisins and nuts have a tangy yeasty edge and follow through on a creamy soft entry to a fruity-yet-dry medium-full body with toasty fruit cake, molasses and crabapple accents. Finishes with a lash of coriander, pepper and turned earth on the mouth-coating finish A bit heavy on the coriander but very nice.
88 Bokbier, Jopen (Holland). 6.5% ABV (5/08)
Deep amber copper color with a taupe blanket of mousse. Smoked almond, peach skin, cocoa powdered and orange blossom honey aromas. A lively, silky entry leads to a fruity medium body peach-pear cider and creamy almond custard flavors. Finishes with bubblegum and praline fade. A fun, refreshing beer.
88 Black Wittow, Bastone Brewery (MI). 6% ABV (4/09) %{Brewpub}
Opaque mahogany brown with a lacy head. Aromas of dried cherry, banana peel, horse blanket and cocoa-dusted nuts follow through on a soft, supple entry to a dry-yet-fruity medium body with good integration and depth. Finishes with a tangy brown apple, bubblegum and mild earthy hop-accented fade.
86 Yakima Bière, Grizzly Peak Brewing Co. (MI). 5.1% ABV (4/09) %{Brewpub}
Hazy copper orange color with a lacy head. Buttery peanut brittle, dried peach, grapefruit and dark toast aromas follow through on a soft entry to a dryish medium-to-full body with somewhat angular bread dough, grapefruit peel, hazelnut and pepper notes on the piquant, toasty, mouthwatering finish.
85 Bon Secours Blueberry, Brasserie Caulier (Belgium). 7% ABV (5/07)
Deep reddish-copper color. Potpourri and perfumed blueberry aromas jump from the glass. A buoyant entry leads to a tangy medium-full body of blueberry, sour cherry, strawberry and citrus marmalade flavors. Finishes with a long, tart blueberry and wheat toast fade.