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Virgil's Reserve

Colorado
United States
Virgil's Reserve by Grist Brewing Co.
Judges Ratings 
1 Review
94
Aroma:
22 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Appearance:
6 / 6
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Description 

Virgil's Reserve is a barrel aged version of our 3rd Ring Belgian Strong Ale that we release in limited supply in May of each year. We age the 3rd Ring in Cabernet barrels for ~1 year. This imparts a slight red wine aroma and acidity to the beer with minimal oak flavor, although some oak flavor can be noticed.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
10.5%
IBUs: 
21
Judges Review 
Michael Heniff's picture
Judges Rating:
94
Aroma:
22 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
10 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

This beer is a barrel aged version of their Third Ring Belgian Strong Ale that is aged in Cabernet Sauvignon wine barrels for a year.  The aroma is an abundance of cherry, red grape, and prune fruit paired with vanilla and toasted oak; a light bready malt compliments the fruit and wood while a light sourness adds complexity.  The sourness becomes more prominent accenting the deep, fruity sherry-like flavors.  The bready malt, toasted oak, and vanilla complement each other well.   The bitterness is appropriately low allowing the rich and complex flavors with flavors of dark cherries and vanilla with a light sourness lingering long on the palate.  This is a very interesting wine barrel-aged Belgian ale with a multitude of complex characters that interplay well.  The sourness is light and complimenting instead of being on the forefront like many wild beers.  I expect that this beer will age well and possibly develop even more complexity over time.  Buy one to drink now and many to cellar for years to come.