Spring Break
Ale caters to sweet tooth
Mike Partel
Issue date: 6/5/09 Section: Arts & Entertainment
Sliding the bomber out of its box, I am met with a metallic purple, but otherwise nondescript label. A small picture next to the Surgeon General's Warning suggests the use of a snifter - and when it comes to the ideal vessel, the brewers can't be wrong. Taking mine from the shelf, I pop the crown at last and let Cuvée Two loose. Hence forth, there flowed a ruby red river capped with a small, but dense, off-white head. In the nose, I can find a somewhat candied apple aroma with accents of oak, vanilla and mild raisin. This is definitely a far-reaching beer whose aromas are reminiscent of a Belgian ale aged in, appropriately, American oak barrels.
As far as flavor, this definitely follows that train of thought: a sweet caramel overtone at the front, a mild bitterness that follows closely, an almost hidden crème essence as you swallow, with a slight espresso finish to clean off the palate. The aging has paid off in this respect as the oaky vanilla does not overpower the brew and in fact, inter-laces itself, as if to be masked by the its fellow flavors. It does, however, jump to the fore at precisely the correct moment in my mind, leaving the others their own chances to shine.
I have to say, this was definitely a pleasant beer. When I saw it on the counter, I knew it would be a good call, but now, I am positively sure in that regard. As of late, I have swayed more to the "dark side" of beers, heavily enjoying stouts and porters as I had with my IPAs. They tend to have the nice aged character, being some of the more popular styles to age in American bourbon or Scotch whiskey barrels. Although Southern Tier has not taken that step to reusing the barrels for aging, I find it a welcome choice nonetheless. I would absolutely recommend this special edition for anyone with a bit of a beer sweet tooth or those that prefer all-around flavorful beers that don't favor either malty or bitter to the other.
As far as flavor, this definitely follows that train of thought: a sweet caramel overtone at the front, a mild bitterness that follows closely, an almost hidden crème essence as you swallow, with a slight espresso finish to clean off the palate. The aging has paid off in this respect as the oaky vanilla does not overpower the brew and in fact, inter-laces itself, as if to be masked by the its fellow flavors. It does, however, jump to the fore at precisely the correct moment in my mind, leaving the others their own chances to shine.
I have to say, this was definitely a pleasant beer. When I saw it on the counter, I knew it would be a good call, but now, I am positively sure in that regard. As of late, I have swayed more to the "dark side" of beers, heavily enjoying stouts and porters as I had with my IPAs. They tend to have the nice aged character, being some of the more popular styles to age in American bourbon or Scotch whiskey barrels. Although Southern Tier has not taken that step to reusing the barrels for aging, I find it a welcome choice nonetheless. I would absolutely recommend this special edition for anyone with a bit of a beer sweet tooth or those that prefer all-around flavorful beers that don't favor either malty or bitter to the other.
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