Captain Lawrence Cuvee de Castleton - Tasting and Cellaring Notes
By jason on Aug 12, 2008 in Belgian Styles, Reviews
Name: Cuvee de Castleton
Brewer: Captain Lawrence Brewing Company
Style: American Sour Ale
Vintage: 2008
Cellared On: July 26th, 2008
Original Tasting: July 29th, 2008
After my big trip downstate to pick up some of this brew I knew it wasn’t going to be very long before I had to try it. I lasted three whole days before I caved.
While waiting in line inside the brewery to pick up my Cuvee ration I heard Captain Lawrence head brewer Scott Vaccaro mention to someone ahead of me to be careful because the Cuvee will pour like champagne. He wasn’t lieing. This brew bubbled right up in my glass as I poured and faded away pretty quickly after that. It was a hazy yellow with hints of orange, and looked pretty cool.
I had a feeling this beer would be worth the five-hour round trip, and I knew I was right with just one smell. There were all sorts of different aromas. Smells of fruits were the strongest; it was easy to pick out the grape, lemon, and sour apple notes. There was also a underlying earthy presence which I think was due to the Brettanomyces yeast that this beer was refermented with.
The taste of the Cuvee was even more complex then the smell. Once again, fruit dominated - tart grapes and lemon with hints of apple and honey (not a fruit, I know). It was extremely light, tart, with a very light semi-sweet malt touch. The esters were INTENSE. I could also just make out a slight grassy hop bitterness in the background. As the flavor progressed towards the finish, the earthy and grassy tones started to come more to the forefront with a touch of oak joining the party on the finish.
This was one had beer to describe, and I’m not sure I’m doing it justice with my description. Needless to say, it was awesome.
Cellar Outlook: Here’s what the beer label says: “From our cellar to yours, this beer will age with the best of them”. I would expect the sweetness of the brew to fade away over the next few years as the Brett yeast gobbles up what sugar is left in here. We’ll probably see even more funkiness as time goes by.
Next Tasting: July 2009
Jason
When I had my first bottle last week I was overwhelmed by the French Oak smell. I definitely had the same tasting notes as you mentioned above, but after the initial sniff (fruit/citrus), all future smells were dominated by French Oak.
Chris | Aug 14, 2008 | Reply
Just discovered your cool blog.
I too was at the Cuvee de Castleton release and have already enjoyed two great bottles of it.
Keep up the good work!
Aaron
http://www.theviceblog.com
Aaron | Sep 8, 2008 | Reply
had one scheduled for my bday tomorrow but these are reading as if i should wait until next years bday?
TBird | Dec 29, 2008 | Reply