Karl Strauss Brewing Co. is a San Diego institution, and this ale is the culmination of 21 years of great craft beer here in America's Finest City. Weighing in at over 10% alcohol, this Belgian strong ale is brewed with juice from old vine Zinfandel grapes. I had a hard time picking out the aroma and flavor at first. I got notes of prune, raisin, and even currants. On my second session with the brew I got hints of bourbon, and a large alcohol presence. It was only after my tasting that I found out it was brewed with Zinfandel grapes, and then what I had tasted finally made sense to me. It had a rich mahogany color, light carbonation, and a resinous, oaky finish. I liked it quite a bit, but it's richness prohibited me from drinking more than a glass or two at a sitting. I doubt this will be available for long, so I recommend getting to your local Karl Strauss soon to try it for yourself. If you make it in by Sunday you can pick up a growler of it for only $9.95, a steal for a beer of this caliber. Take it home, pour a glass, let it sit for a bit, sip it at close to room temperature, and let me know what you think. Whatever you conclude about this one, you have to respect the legendary brewing of Karl Strauss!
Saturday, February 6, 2010
Karl Strauss 21st Anniversary Ale
Karl Strauss Brewing Co. is a San Diego institution, and this ale is the culmination of 21 years of great craft beer here in America's Finest City. Weighing in at over 10% alcohol, this Belgian strong ale is brewed with juice from old vine Zinfandel grapes. I had a hard time picking out the aroma and flavor at first. I got notes of prune, raisin, and even currants. On my second session with the brew I got hints of bourbon, and a large alcohol presence. It was only after my tasting that I found out it was brewed with Zinfandel grapes, and then what I had tasted finally made sense to me. It had a rich mahogany color, light carbonation, and a resinous, oaky finish. I liked it quite a bit, but it's richness prohibited me from drinking more than a glass or two at a sitting. I doubt this will be available for long, so I recommend getting to your local Karl Strauss soon to try it for yourself. If you make it in by Sunday you can pick up a growler of it for only $9.95, a steal for a beer of this caliber. Take it home, pour a glass, let it sit for a bit, sip it at close to room temperature, and let me know what you think. Whatever you conclude about this one, you have to respect the legendary brewing of Karl Strauss!
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I work in the marketing department at Karl Strauss--thanks for the great review of the 21st Anniversary Ale! I'd love to add you to our PR list, can you send me your email? My email is Melody [at] karlstrauss.com
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