[wine] Sipping Brews (NYT)

January 7, 2009 Tasting Report: Sip, Don.t Quaff Brasserie des Franches-Montagnes 2006 ... ½ Abbaye de Saint Bon-Chien, Switzerland 11% alcohol (25.4 oz., $34.95) Bracing and complex, with bright, refreshing, tart flavors of citrus, spice and sour fruits. (B. United International, Redding, Conn.) Pennichuck 2008 (33.8 oz., $17.95) ... Pozharnik Espresso Russian Imperial Stout, Milford, N.H. 10% Rich, smooth and full bodied, with balanced flavors of bitter chocolate, coffee and toffee. BEST VALUE Bavik Petrus Aged Pale (11.2 oz., $3.50) ... Belgium 7.3% Golden, complex and refreshing with flavors of tart citrus and earth. (Win-It-Too, Santa Barbara, Calif.) Jolly Pumpkin (25.4 oz., $9.50) ... La Roja Amber Ale, Dexter, Mich. 7.2% Rich, robust and spicy with full, creamy carbonation and funky, earthy flavors. Dogfish Head (12 oz., $4.60) ... Burton Baton Imperial India Pale Ale, Milton, Del. 10% Brown and cloudy, with well-balanced, lingering flavors of sweet malt and piney hops. Allagash Odyssey (25 oz., $22.95) .. ½ Portland, Me. 10.3% Aromas of coffee and smoke, with bright, lingering fruit flavors. Harviestoun (11.2 oz., $11.95) .. ½ Ola Dubh Special 16 Reserve, Scotland 8% Stoutlike with aromas of roasted malt, smoke, figs and tobacco. (B. United International) De Dolle Oerbier (11.2 oz., $12.95) .. ½ Special Reserva 2007, Belgium 13% Complex and refreshing with aromas of tart citrus and apricots. (B. United International) Great Divide (22 oz., $12.95) .. ½ Yeti Imperial Stout, Denver 9.5% Roasted malt aromas, creamy texture with complex flavors of fruit, brandy and licorice. Captain Lawrence (25 oz., $21.95) .. ½ Smoke From the Oak Bourbon Barrels, Pleasantville, N.Y. 7% Black with bright, fruity aromas balanced by flavors of roasted malt. -- ------------------------------ * Dr. James Ellingson, jellings(a)me.umn.edu * * University of Minnesota, mobile : 651/645-0753 * * Great Lakes Brewing News, 1569 Laurel Ave., St. Paul, MN 55104 *