2007 Southampton Grand Cru - Aging and Tasting Notes
By jason on Feb 13, 2008 in Belgian Styles, Reviews
Name: Grand Cru
Brewer: Southampton Publick House
Style: Belgian Strong Pale Ale
Vintage: 2007
Cellared On: January 11th, 2008
Original Tasting: February 8th, 2008
With a couple of good (and beer-loving) friends visiting over the weekend, I knew I needed to break out something good. Luckily I had an ace in the hole - Southampton’s fantastic Grand Cru.
Pouring a slightly murky light orangish brown, I was immediately struck by the heady smells coming up from the glasses. You’ll never smell a more powerful orange presence in a beer, I can almost guarantee that. Adding to the aroma’s complexity were background smells of sweet malts, vanilla, clove, and anise. Incredible.
Certainly not stopping there, this brew’s taste was just as complex as the smell. A sweet candy sugar flavor hits you right away, but quickly blends into a big and spicy fruit combo. Fruits including orange and peach combined with spicy clove and cardamon flavors into one big flavor blast. A slightly creamy mouthfeel really compliments the flavors well. A slight warming alcohol starts off the dry and fruity finish. Another big triumph from Southampton.
Cellar Outlook: Strong and bottle conditioned, this should hold up well in the cellar. Whether or not there’s any room for improvement - I don’t know. This is one great beer as it is!
Next Tasting: July 2008
Jason
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