Saint Arnold Divine Reserve #2

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 7 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 7 | Overall: 6

Sampled November 2007
Somewhat lightly carbonated, a vigorous pour produces a one-finger thick, full tan colored head that sits atop a bright, concentrated red colored brew that shows a brilliantly clear, cranberry hue when held up to the light. Aged malt notes contribute a bright fruitiness reminiscent of a blend of dried fruit notes; I smell dried fruit notes of raisins, cherries, figs, blueberries and blackberries. An earthy, aromatic spiciness reminiscent of cloves, allspice and even a hint of cardamom is noticeable here in the aroma as well. If you really start to dig around in the aroma a bright cherry note begins to become noticeable. That sort of earthy, almost musty spice note is actually at the same level as the fruit aromatics and it is nice how they intermingle in the nose. Though this does seem a touch simplistic and clean for a Belgian-styled beer.

Sweet tasting, yet with a dried fruit and malt edge to it. The beer has a definite heft to it and it even sticks to the palate with a bit of syrup-like viscousness. It finishes with a sharp, earthy spiciness that seems a bit reminiscent of a wayward Chimay derived yeast strain. Muddied coriander notes take hold after some up front clove phenolics and tend to linger on in the palate with a slight, almost woody astringency. Concentrated malt and fruit flavors contribute notes of raisins, perhaps a touch of cherry (though only just so) as well as something that seems to be a mix of tamarind and prune. Caramelized, almost toffee-like malt notes play a big role here as does malt derived, toasty grain and lightly browned soda crackers notes in the finish. The long finish has a lingering mix of dry, toasted malt and subtle earthy spice notes that really sticks to the back of the mouth for quite some time.

This is definitely an experience; it has a lot of really interesting flavors and I have a feeling that some age has really added some much needed complexity to this brew. Having said all that, something does not quite work for me here; is it too clean, I don’t know, but somehow it is a bit incongruous and not well enough integrated to be great. It is a tasty brew, one which I am happy to drink and definitely worth trying.

Aroma: 7 | Appearance: 7 | Mouthfeel: 9 | Flavor: 9 | Overall: 8

Deep caramel color, thin head. Decent aroma of caramel apples and cherries and sweet alcohol. Very warming, noticeable, but pleasant alcohol under lighter fruits, notably cherries and apple. Smooth mouthfeel with noticeable carbonation, slightly dry. This was similar in nature to Weyerbacher Blasphemy, with no barrel character.

Aroma: 7 | Appearance: 9 | Mouthfeel: 9 | Flavor: 9 | Overall: 7

The last of a six-pack gifted to me just prior to the insane three days centered around the Stone 10th Anniversary celebration...! Saving the best for last? You betcha!

A wee bit lacking in carbonation and head retention -- kinda reminds me of some of my homebrewed experimental *big* beers, where I messed up the carbonaton and priming levels, err'ing on the side of caution, as it were. But unlike many of my aforementioned homebrewed experimental *big* beers, this one actually tastes good! ;^)

If I did my homework, and looked up this beer priot to cracking it open, I would have used a more appropriate Belgian-style glass, vice my "catch-all" Fordham Brewing Company mini-pilsener glass. But regardless, the aroma of this beer is not lost on me, not one bit. Many of the same aromas I like to find in well-made *big* Belgians are in evidence here, with maybe even a hint of bourbon or whiskey to the mix....

Ditto for the flavor profile. A nice homage to big-and-brawny Belgian-style beers that have preceeded it, but not going so far as to make a mindless Quad clone.

Some dryness in the mouthfeel, as well some slight "dusty" elements too. Not distracting, but still kinda odd, since this was not bottle-conditioned (as far as I can tell).

Picks up lots of spunky personality as it warms up -- and as I further wam up to it. Quite drinkable -- perhaps almost dangerously so! ;^)

Have never had a bad beer from Saint Arnold -- bottled or draught -- and this beer only reinforces my opinion that the Saint Arnold Brewing Company is one are one of Texas' best kept secrets. Recommended.

Music: Lethargy's "Discography '93-'99"
//TB

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 7 | Mouthfeel: 8 | Flavor: 8 | Overall: 7

This Abbey quad pours a slightly hazy deep amber color from a 12oz bottle. Small sized white foamy head. Aroma is fruity and spicy, with a touch of yeast. A medium to full bodied quad. Malts are fruity and sweet, candi and brown sugar. Bunch of the typical spices as well. There is also a fairly substantial alcohol bite. Slightly spicy hops. Interesting mix of sweet, sour and spicy flavors. There are a lots f them and they are all fairly well balanced. Fairly smooth tasting for all that alcohol. Well age well I think. Mouthfeel is full. Finish is clean an smooth. Aftertaste is slightly sweet.

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 7 | Mouthfeel: 7 | Flavor: 7 | Overall: 7

A peach and caramel aroma. An amber appearance. The flavor is semi cloying with some molasses, caramel, raisins, and other dark fruit. A complex and sweet beer. Arnold seems like a generic name for a saint though?

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 8 | Mouthfeel: 6 | Flavor: 6 | Overall: 7

Poured a hazy, orange amber color with a small, off white head that left light lacing on the glass. Aroma of banana, caramel, nuts, light yeast, some toasted dough, and alcohol as well. Taste of more caramel, with nuts, and citrus fruits, fair amount of alcohol in the finish as well. Seemed quite sweet, with a bunch of alcohol in the end. Perhaps some age will dry this out.

Aroma: 8 | Appearance: 9 | Mouthfeel: 10 | Flavor: 9 | Overall: 9

and again, the rush and madness of the divine reserves!...well, i tracked down a case, yes a case, and it put me back $70..ya, but is it worth it?......well, yes and yes and yes! Smooth as silk..has a beutiful bitterness in there too, does this actually have 9.3 in it, very well balanced and tasty...good as hell now, will try my hardest to age some...i honestly think this may be my most favourite abbey beer ever! ..well, if i can afford some roch, la trappe+ reverand for a head2head, then we'll see, but this stuff is GOLD!