Better From The Barrel: Extreme De Struise Edition

We have a real treat for this edition of “Better from the Barrel.” De Struise, a well respected Belgian brewery, does some crazy things with their stouts. Stemming from the base of Black Albert, a 13% ABV Russian Imperial Stout, De Struise offers Cuvee Delphine and Black Damnation V: Double Black. Cuvee Delphine is step two in this process and is Black Albert aged in Four Roses bourbon barrels for a few months. Double Black V takes it to the next level: freeze distilling Cuvee Delphine much like an eisbock. The result is a 26% ABV monster of a beer that is not to be taken lightly. Luckily, Churchkey offered all three at the same time a little while ago, and I couldn’t think of a better event to write up.

De Struise Black Albert

Appearance The head on this is huge. You really have to be careful when pouring to avoid a Duvel-type 6 inch brown head. The beer is black in color and has a very brown head. It looks almost exactly the same as Cuvee Delphine. Aroma The aroma is distinctly Belgian, with a very sweet chocolate base. A bit of roastiness is mixed in as well giving it that stout feeling. It does smell more like a Quad than a RIS though, with dark fruits playing a big part. Taste The Belgian yeast and funky taste is there, along with a bit of dark fruits, but it also has a nice roasty character. It starts off with a big chocolate hit, which gives way to the roast. Dark fruits are next, followed by booze. The finish is just outstanding. The Belgian tastes seem to start the beer, and stout characteristics end it. Mouthfeel/Drinkability Black Albert has a medium body for the style and is well carbonated. The booze, while noted, is integrated well with the other flavors. The balance makes it very drinkable. Value At $7 for 4oz, this beer is right on the edge of too expensive. It helps that it's very good, but I'd still appreciate a lower price. Overall This is a really good Belgian stout. I'd say it will be tough for the bourbon barrels to improve this monster, but I'm excited to try. The bottle I had of this was infected, so I was quite excited to find out what the beer is supposed to taste like.

Beer Stats Style: Russian Imperial Stout Serving: On-tap Size: 4oz ABV: 13.00% BA Score: 94 RB Score: 100

De Struise Cuvee Delphine

Appearance As I said before, the appearance is basically exactly the same. The head on Cuvee Delphine isn't as large as Black Albert, but that isn't necessarily a bad thing. Aroma The booze is more assertive than Black Albert, but it's not because of a large bourbon taste. Vanilla and dark fruits come through, but the aroma is not as balanced. Taste I'm getting some slight bourbon and vanilla on the backend, but it isn't nearly as noticeable as I anticipated it would be. There is some booziness as well as some dark fruits that were characteristic of Black Albert. This is more sweet, but not as balanced...reminiscent of the aroma. Mouthfeel/Drinkability A bit creamy with a full and heavy body. Seems to have the correct amount of carbonation and a very dry finish. The increased amount of booze hurts the drinkability. Value This one set me back $7.50 for 4oz, which is way too high. I would drink this beer again, but not at that price. Overall The bourbon is so subtle that I can't say I prefer this to the base beer. I like my barrel aged beers to be full of bourbon, but this only pulled in booze and sweetness. It killed the balance between chocolate and roastiness that I so appreciated in Black Albert. Can't say this one is better from the barrel. That said, this is still a great beer that closely resembles its younger brother.

Beer Stats Style: Bourbon Barrel Aged Russian Imperial Stout Serving: On-tap Size: 4oz ABV: 13.00% BA Score: 93 RB Score: 100

De Struise Black Damnation V: Double Black

Appearance Black Damnation has a similar black pour with a minimal amount of brown head. It's the darkest of the three and the head coats the side of the glass very well. Aroma It smells like straight alcohol. Basically a combination of vanilla and rum. All of the aromas from Black Albert and Cuvee Delphine are completely gone. Taste The flavor cuts off at the end, which I've experienced with eisbocks in the past. There is a slight chocolate base there and it actually isn't the booziest beer I've come across, despite the crazy high ABV. There is a slight amount of vanilla, but it's really all about the rum. The flavors attack the palate...and then disappears. Mouthfeel/Drinkability The beer is deceptively drinkable, but very thin. The booziness does not accurately represent the ABV. Value At $12 for 4oz, I definitely won't be picking this one up again. Overall It's amazing that its this good after all this beer has gone through. I definitely felt the after-effects of this beer once I stood up. I am impressed, but still believe Black Albert is the best in this series.

Beer Stats Style: Bourbon Barrel Aged Freeze Distilled Russian Imperial Stout Serving: On-tap Size: 4oz ABV: 26.00% BA Score: 98 RB Score: 100