Name: Grand Cru

Brewer: Allagsh Brewing Co.

Style: Belgian Abbey Ale / Holiday

Cellared On: August 3rd, 2007

Original Tasting: August 11th, 2007

OK, so I probably shouldn’t purchase a winter seasonal brew in August. Bad idea. The label on this beer also mentions how it’s best enjoyed in front on a roaring winter fire. So I probably shouldn’t be trying this on a hot summer afternoon. Another bad idea.

Ahhh screw it. Throwing caution to the wind, and I went ahead and did both. I’m glad I did, because I enjoyed the hell out of this beer.

It pours to a bright orange, with a crisp bubbly white head. Typical fruity Belgian smells coming from the glass, along with a whiff of spice. Cinnamon maybe?

The first thing you notice with this brew is the explosion of spice in your mouth, it gets your attention really damn quick! Definitely some cinnamon in there along with a whole host of other things that just work great together. As I swallow the spiciness fades into a very strong fruity banana-flavored finish. Fantastic!

Six Month Tasting Notes: Not much change to the flavor here, spices are still very prevalent in the smell and taste, cinnamon is particularly noticeable. Outstanding fruity flavor, with banana and sweet cherry flavors dominating. I believe that the mouthfeel for this brew is slightly creamier then I remember.

One Year Tasting Notes: This beer took a complete dive over the past six months. The esters have diminished tremendously and the spice is pretty much completely gone. Very disappointing.

Cellar Outlook: Six months on the store shelf don’t seem to have harmed this brew, and I don’t think a few years in the cellar will hurt it much either. It may loose some of the spiciness I loved, but perhaps some changing fruit flavors will make up for it.

Six Month Outlook: I’m still expecting some of the spiciness to start to dissipate in this brew. I’ll be paying particular attention to the body of this brew next time I try it, will it be even creamier?

One Year Cellar Outlook: I’m pretty much giving up hope. I think this is a lost cause….

Next Tasting: August 2009