Review - Allagash Brewing Company's Grand Cru
"Allagash Grand Cru is deep golden in color, and has a firm yet refined malty palate. Taste and aroma have suggestions of smoke and licorice, with subtle hints of fruit and spice. An excellent beer to enjoy during the cooler seasons." -- Allagash Brewing Company
Pours a medium yellow color with a large healthy off-white frothy head with nice sticky lacing. Settled a medium amber color with a slowly diminishing head and brilliant clarity. Aroma is of dominant spices and some more subtle banana and clove notes. Initial taste has some very active carbonation delivering some tangy sweetness throughout the mouth, finishing with a bit more sweetness of a syrupy texture. Lively, active carbonation with a dominant spice backbone with a warm alcohol presence. Slightly harsh mouthfeel leaving a very dry texture, and has moderate malt chewiness.
The mouth is left superbly dry with some moderately harsh spices. This beer is well-suited for smaller portions.
Reviewed on January 11th, 2009.
