These are most of the beer I recently tasted - that is, those beers I wrote a
short comment about and/or a rating. Just a few beer, without neither rating nor comment, are missing in this file.
Of course you can find all the beers in the Database in all its formats.
The comments are the ones I wrote at the time of the tasting; the rating is instead the updated one.
Sometimes I don't rate a beer at my first taste, and sometimes I
just give a "+"; and for the moment I don't give the Lambics any score.
See Notes in the main database page.
20/02/2004 ST. MONON AU MIEL (ST. MONON); SPECIAL; HONEY (MIELE); BEL; 8.0 alcvol%; voto:8.50;
Honey is evident (but moderatly) both in aroma and in the mouth. A touch of vinous and some bitterness balance the switness. Complex and enjoyable.
10/03/2004 AFFLIGEM DUBBEL (AFFLIGEM); ALE, BELGIAN STYLE etc; DUBBEL; BEL; 6.5 alcvol%;
Pleasant enough but not so remarkable, also because I tasted without much attention, thinking it was already in my database! Rating must wait.
13/03/2004 BLUEBIRD BITTER (CONISTON); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; BITTER/PALE; ENG; 4.2 alcvol%; voto:8.00;
Hoppy (with Challenger) most for the aroma (with floreal notes). The bitterness in the taste is up there, but not aggressive; the beer is dry but with the right malt to balance.
15/03/2004 PEDAVENA (HEINEKEN); LAGER,PALE (CHIARA); ITA; 5.0 alcvol%;
Clean and refreshing but not so different form heineken itself
29/03/2004 EL FIGOUN (AMARCORD - SPRING); LAGER,PALE (CHIARA); ITA; 5.2 alcvol%;
02/02/2003 LA MI DONA (AMARCORD - SPRING); STRONG LAGER, PALE (CHIARA); ITA; 6.5 alcvol%;
02/02/2003 PUTENA (AMARCORD - SPRING); LAGER, AMBER (ROSSA); ITA; 7.5 alcvol%;
02/02/2003 TABACHERA (AMARCORD - SPRING); LAGER, AMBER (ROSSA); EXTRASTRONG; ITA; 10.0 alcvol%;
Tasted all together in two tastings a year apart, but inserted later in the database; in the most recent tasting, they were all a bit past their BBE date and were all infected. To be sampled fesh! All that I can remember of the previous tasting, is that Tabachera was maybe bit cloying; more interesting were the two mid-strength beers.
30/03/2004 CALIFFA (CENTRALE DELLA BIRRA); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; ITA; 5.7 alcvol%; 16.0P; voto:7.25;
Amber Ale, though more "lager-style" in showing more the malt than the fruitiness. Caramel is evident inthe taste. Pleasant and interesting enough.
01/04/2004 BIONDA (OFFICINA DELLA BIRRA - BRESSO); LAGER,PALE (CHIARA); ITA; 5.2 alcvol%;
Tasted at a fair, maybe it was not on full shape
01/04/2004 SPECIALE (OFFICINA DELLA BIRRA - BRESSO); WHEAT (GRANO); WEIZENBOCK; ITA; 7.0 alcvol%;
Unusual dark strong weizenbock. Some banana in the aroma, but above all much phenolics in aroma and taste, so much to make me think the beer had gone a bit off. Impossible to rate.
08/04/2004 ZHONG HUA (ZHEJIANG QIANJIANG); LAGER,PALE (CHIARA); CINA; 5.0 alcvol%; voto:6.50;
Sweetish as many chinese beers are; not bad anyway
11/04/2004 BOSKEUN (DE DOLLE BROUWERS); ALE, BELGIAN STYLE etc; GOLDEN; BEL; 8.9 alcvol%; 20.0P; voto:8.75;
Golden; great head, it soon shows a richness and complexity that puts the beer above most blond and golden ales. Aroma is a bit spicy, in the mouth it is almost piquant; honeyish but with remarkable bitter notes, and silky as some dark ales are. Not "extreme" like othere De Dolle's, but very good.
14/04/2004 DULLE TEVE (DE DOLLE BROUWERS); ALE, BELGIAN STYLE etc; TRIPLE; BEL; 10.0 alcvol%; voto:8.75;
Another very good beer by the "mad brewers". If I am just a bit unsatisfied is only because oh my great expectations, and because I was expecting a "madder" beer. It is an excellent triple, perfect in its great head, in its delicate aroma, in the balanced taste, with the tongue tickled by carnonation, alcohol and a bit of spiciness.
14/04/2004 SAISIS (ELLEZELLOISE); WHEAT (GRANO); BLANCHE-WIT; BEL; 6.2 alcvol%; voto:8.25;
Unspiced blanche, unusual starting from its clean uncloudy golden appearance under the exhuberant head. Honeyish, almost liquor-like, with the typical (and pleasant) wheat texture
14/04/2004 MONTAGNARDE BLONDE (ABBAYE DE ROCS); ALE, BELGIAN STYLE etc; BLONDE; BEL; 7.5 alcvol%; voto:7.50;
Good and full-bodied blond ale. Nothing very special to remark that I remember (but I sampled it after to complex beers like Saisis and Dulle Teve)
18/04/2004 GIRARDIN LAMBIC (GIRARDIN); LAMBIC; LAMBIC; BEL; 5.0 alcvol%;
Flat lambic, drinkable and not rough. As usual I don't venture myself in detailed review of a lambic, but just say I had more than a glass of it.
18/04/2004 HELLEKETERBIER (DE BIE); ALE, BELGIAN STYLE etc; BEL; 7.0 alcvol%; voto:8.50;
Fresh aroma, good body, perfect balance of light spiciness, smoothness, sweet and bitter... what can you ask more from a beer?
09/05/2004 DEEP SHAFT STOUT (FREEMINER); STOUT & PORTER; DRY; ENG; 6.2 alcvol%; voto:8.50;
The bottle was old and the beer could have been past its best. Nevertheless, apart lacking in the head and carbonation, an excellent Stout. Rich in the roasted flavours, form coffee to chocolate, along with a robust hop bitterness; very "stout" but not harsh; almost as rich as an imperial but drier.
16/05/2004 LOU PEPE KRIEK (CANTILLON); LAMBIC; KRIEK; BEL; 5.0 alcvol%;
Sour, "pure" and complex as the other Cantillon I tasted, in some ways is smoother and more drinkable, but without compromises. Excellent
20/03/2004 OLD GUARDIAN (STONE); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; BARLEY WINE; USA; 9.9 alcvol%; voto:9.50;
Dark amber. A classic barleywine, very big, caramel, malt, dark fruit manage to balance the strong bitterness, that does not prevaildespite the huge hopping. Great!
29/05/2004 RICCIOLA (CENTRALE DELLA BIRRA); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; BITTER/PALE; ITA; voto:7.50;
Good hop aroma, balanced, no defects. Good
29/05/2004 FLEURETTE (BIRRIFICIO ITALIANO); SPECIAL; FIORI (FLOWERS); ITA; 3.8 alcvol%; voto:8.00;
Very nice flowery aroma, full flavour despite the low strength, balanced
29/05/2004 SVEVA (GRADO PLATO); LAGER,PALE (CHIARA); ITA; 5.0 alcvol%; voto:7.00;
Malty, slightly disarmonic hops, not too much sulphur, body OK, short finish
29/05/2004 STELVIO (STELVIO); LAGER,PALE (CHIARA); ITA; 4.8 alcvol%; voto:7.00;
Bread crust aroma, balanced, light-bodied
29/05/2004 TALCO (BEBA); WHEAT (GRANO); ITA; 4.2 alcvol%; voto:7.75;
Dry, smooth low fermented wheat beer.
29/05/2004 SPOON RIVER (GRADO PLATO); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; ITA; 6.0 alcvol%; voto:7.75;
Amber ale, big caramel, bitter cherries flavour
29/05/2004 709 (BIRRIFICIO LODIGIANO); STRONG LAGER, PALE (CHIARA); BOCK; ITA; 6.2 alcvol%; voto:7.75;
Atypical amber bock with english hops. Sweet caramel balanced by some bitterness.
29/05/2004 VIA LATTEA (BIRRIFICIO LODIGIANO); STOUT & PORTER; SWEET; ITA; 4.0 alcvol%; voto:8.50;
A real milk stout, like a caffelatte (milk&coffe) in aroma and flavour. Aroma is excellent, in the mouth is good, smooth, sligthly on the sweet side
29/05/2004 ELIXIR (BALADIN); ALE, BELGIAN STYLE etc; ITA; 10.0 alcvol%; voto:9.00;
Strong ale fermeted by whisly yeasts. Fruity-spicy aroma (but no spiced are used), intense, smooth, almost sensual, with a dry finish
30/05/2004 CORNIOLA (OFFICINA DELLA BIRRA - BOGGIO); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; ITA; 5.0 alcvol%; voto:7.75;
Amber ale, golden head, with unexpected coffe tones.
02/07/2004 AMBAR ESPECIAL (LA ZARAGOZANA); LAGER, AMBER (ROSSA); SPA; 7.0 alcvol%; 17.0P; voto:7.25;
Tasted old, anyway still good malt but a bit unbalanced
07/07/2004 ANTILLANA (TINIMA CAMAGUEY); LAGER,PALE (CHIARA); CUBA; 4.8 alcvol%;
Tasted old, not rated
11/07/2004 MAELSTORM (STARBESS - ROME); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; BARLEY WINE; ITA; 16.0 alcvol%; 32.0P; voto:9.50;
Great barleywine, hugely powerful but not cloying, balanced by a long bitter and pleasant hop finish
18/07/2004 TOURMENTE BLANCHE (GRANDS COLS); WHEAT (GRANO); BLANCHE-WIT; FRA; 5.0 alcvol%; voto:7.00;
(Rated when tasted, but no tasting notes taken)
23/07/2004 ABT ANDREAS (HOSL); WHEAT (GRANO); WEIZE; GER; 4.9 alcvol%; voto:7.50;
Classic weizen a bit sweetish, pleasant
26/07/2004 PRESIDENT (CERV. NATIONAL DOMINICANA); LAGER,PALE (CHIARA); DOM; voto:7.00;
(Rated when tasted, but no tasting notes taken)
01/08/2004 ALPHAND BLONDE (ALPHAND); ALE, BELGIAN STYLE etc; BLONDE; FRA; 5.0 alcvol%; voto:7.00;
Sweet and fruiity, as other Alphand is a sincere beer, not perfect nor outstanding
10/08/2004 LA MANDRAGORE (BR. FRANCHES-MONTAGNES); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; OLD/WINTER; SUI; 8.0 alcvol%; voto:8.50;
Dark, roasted (coffee), bittersweet with a pleasant sour touch: Sort of a cross between old ale, sweet stout and oud bruin…
14/08/2004 LA SALAMANDRE (BR. FRANCHES-MONTAGNES); WHEAT (GRANO); BLANCHE-WIT; SUI; 5.5 alcvol%; voto:8.00;
Complex blanche, with good body and quite tart
10/08/2004 BARBARA (EICHOF); LAGER,PALE (CHIARA); SUI; 5.9 alcvol%; voto:6.75;
11/08/2004 KLOSTERBRAU (EICHOF); LAGER,PALE (CHIARA); ZWICKEL; SUI; 4.8 alcvol%; voto:7.25;
12/08/2004 COOP BIO BIER (LOCHER); LAGER,PALE (CHIARA); SUI; 5.2 alcvol%; voto:7.00;
14/08/2004 BIERA ENGIADINAISA (BIERARIA TSCHLIN); LAGER,PALE (CHIARA); SUI; 5.0 alcvol%; voto:7.00;
14/08/2004 QUOLLFRISCH (LOCHER); LAGER,PALE (CHIARA); SUI; 5.0 alcvol%; voto:7.00;
15/08/2004 CALANDA ZWICKEL (CALANDA); LAGER,PALE (CHIARA); ZWICKEL; SUI; 4.9 alcvol%; voto:7.00;
19/08/2004 APPENZELLER WEIZEN (LOCHER); WHEAT (GRANO); WEIZE; SUI; 5.2 alcvol%;
20/08/2004 CASTEGNA (LOCHER); SPECIAL; CHESTNUT (CASTAGNA); SUI; 5.0 alcvol%; voto:7.00;
A bunch of Swiss lagers and weizen, none bad but none outstanding. Even Castegba has no defects but is a bit bland, chestnut is unnoticeable. Rating 7 is almost too much
15/09/2004 TACABANDA (BIRRIFICIO ITALIANO); SPECIAL; RYE (SEGALE); ITA; voto:8.75;
Brewed only a few times, has some pleasant sour and bitter notes due also to the use of rye. Very interesting and very good
19/09/2004 WISBY PILS (SPENDRUPS); LAGER,PALE (CHIARA); PILSEN; SWE; 5.0 alcvol%; voto:7.25;
Industrial pilsen, light bodied but with good hopping
15/10/2004 AMBAR NEGRA (LA ZARAGOZANA); LAGER, DARK (SCURA); SPA; 4.8 alcvol%; voto:7.25;
Not full bodied, roasted and caramel notes, not bad
20/10/2004 JENLAIN BLONDE GINGEMBRE (DUYCK); SPECIAL; SPICED/HERBS; FRA; 5.0 alcvol%; voto:7.00;
Unbalanced, thin-bodied and much ginger
24/10/2004 FUSCA (BABB); LAGER, DARK (SCURA); ITA; 6.6 alcvol%; voto:8.25;
Roasted flavour, full bodied, smooth. Enjoyable
24/10/2004 SCARAMPOLA IPA (SCARAMPOLA); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; INDIA/AMERICAN PALE; ITA; 6.2 alcvol%; voto:8.00;
Crisp, hoppy, sligthly citric, the grapefruit used blends weel with the ameircan hops
24/10/2004 PANIL BLONDE (TORRECHIARA); ALE, BELGIAN STYLE etc; BLONDE; ITA; voto:7.50;
Brewed only sometimes
24/10/2004 MAGNOLIA SAISON (MAGNOLIA); ALE, BELGIAN STYLE etc; SAISON; USA; 6.4 alcvol%; voto:8.50;
(Rated when tasted, but no tasting notes taken)
24/10/2004 BLACK HORSE (VECCHIO BIRRAIO); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; OLD/WINTER; ITA; 6.5 alcvol%; voto:7.50;
24/10/2004 RED MOON (VECCHIO BIRRAIO); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; ITA; 6.2 alcvol%; voto:7.50;
(Rated when tasted, but no tasting notes taken)
24/10/2004 UNCLE DUDLEY'S PERCOLATOR (GENERAL LAFAYETTE); STOUT & PORTER; PORTER; USA; 5.9 alcvol%; voto:7.75;
Rich roasted aroma and flavour, drinkable, a bit watery
24/10/2004 OMNIA (BABB); LAGER,PALE (CHIARA); ITA; 5.5 alcvol%; voto:7.50;
(Rated when tasted, but no tasting notes taken)
24/10/2004 ROXANNE (BIRRIFICIO DI COMO); LAGER, AMBER (ROSSA); ITA; 5.8 alcvol%; voto:7.00;
24/10/2004 ALL BLACK (BIRRIFICIO DI COMO); LAGER, DARK (SCURA); ITA; 6.4 alcvol%; voto:7.00;
Both Roxanne and All Black seemed to me promising but still to be tuned, a bit cloying and not easy drinkable. I thnk later they have been improved-
24/10/2004 WEIZEN HEIMER (GENERAL LAFAYETTE); WHEAT (GRANO); WEIZENBOCK; USA; 9.2 alcvol%; voto:8.50;
Very good and original, intense malty sweetness balanced by spices and a touch of hop bitterness.
25/10/2004 BELGIAN ABBEY DUBBEL (FLYING FISH); ALE, BELGIAN STYLE etc; DUBBEL; USA; 7.3 alcvol%;
25/10/2004 WOLAVERS OATMEAL STOUT (OTTER CREEK); STOUT & PORTER; OATMEAL; USA;
25/10/2004 SURFERS SUMMER ALE (PELICAN); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; BLONDE; USA; 4.8 alcvol%;
25/10/2004 WUNDERBAR PILS (GENERAL LAFAYETTE); LAGER,PALE (CHIARA); PILSEN; USA; 4.9 alcvol%;
25/10/2004 TORREY PINES IPA (OGGI'S PIZZA); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; INDIA/AMERICAN PALE; USA; 6.9 alcvol%;
Quite good as the other 4 beers tasted at IS stand at Salone del Gusto in Torino, but tried too much in a hurry to rate them
25/10/2004 RUBINIA (BABB); LAGER, AMBER (ROSSA); ITA; 7.0 alcvol%; voto:7.50;
Good, rich, just a bit sweetish/cloyng… a drier finish would help
14/11/2004 QUEUE DE CHARRUE (VERHAEGHE); ALE, BELGIAN STYLE etc; BRUIN; BEL; 5.4 alcvol%; voto:8.00;
Caramel, sweet-sour ale, drinkable but also fit to match some meat food
14/11/2004 CUVEE DE NOEL (DU BOCQ); ALE, BELGIAN STYLE etc; BELGIAN STRONG; BEL; 8.5 alcvol%; voto:8.75;
Chocolate in flavour and aroma, it is very smooth, round and mouth filling, with a good persistence
15/11/2004 NOEL CHOCOLATE (BALADIN); ALE, BELGIAN STYLE etc; BELGIAN STRONG; ITA; 9.0 alcvol%; voto:9.00;
Similar to the classic version, with the chocolate quite discernible but not excessive. Rich in flavour and aroma, almost like a port or cognac but with a relative light body
20/11/2004 PANIL BRUNE (TORRECHIARA); ALE, BELGIAN STYLE etc; DUBBEL; ITA; 7.5 alcvol%; voto:8.25;
Rich dark roasted and chocolate notes balanced by a toush of sourness
10/12/2004 8.6 (BAVARIA); STRONG LAGER, PALE (CHIARA); EXTRASTRONG; NED; 7.9 alcvol%; voto:6.75;
Maybe less unbalanced than other get-drunk beer, still with no much other to show than a (relative) strength
18/12/2004 HARVEYS XMAS (HARVEYS); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; OLD/WINTER; ENG; 8.3 alcvol%; voto:8.25;
Low carbonation, nice but not aggressive fruiti and hop nose, has abover all a silky texture and an intense malty fruitness (dried and scirupy fruit, figues).
15/01/2005 ULTRABRUNE (ECAUSSINNES); ALE, BELGIAN STYLE etc; QUADRUPEL; BEL; 10.0 alcvol%; voto:8.25;
Dark, fruity, chocolate… not very original and a bit too much on the sweet side, quite good quality anyway
03/02/2005 LICHTERVELDS BLONDE (DE DOLLE BROUWERS); ALE, BELGIAN STYLE etc; TRIPLE; BEL; 9.0 alcvol%; voto:9.00;
Excellent ale, something like a very hopped triple, spicy; complex thoughmaybe less then other Dolle's brew.
05/02/2005 VAL-DIEU AMBREE (VAL-DIEU); ALE, BELGIAN STYLE etc; BEL; 7.0 alcvol%;
Some funky aroma… maybe not OK?
05/02/2005 VAL-DIEU BRUNE (VAL-DIEU); ALE, BELGIAN STYLE etc; BELGIAN STRONG; BEL; 8.0 alcvol%; voto:8.00;
Dark, malty yeasy, almost "bready"
05/02/2005 KRIEK DE RANKE (DE RANKE); SPECIAL; CILIEGE; BEL; 7.0 alcvol%; voto:8.75;
Sour - less than a 100% lambic but not much - compez fruity and woody aroma, cherries are quite present; balanced between sourness and a restrained sweetness
05/02/2005 GOLDBOCK (WIENINGER); STRONG LAGER, PALE (CHIARA); BOCK; GER; 7.1 alcvol%; voto:8.00;
05/02/2005 MARZENBBOCK (WIENINGER); LAGER, AMBER (ROSSA); BOCK; GER; 7.2 alcvol%; voto:7.00;
05/02/2005 FIDDLER'S ELBOW (WYCHWOOD); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; STRONG BITTER/PALE; ENG; 5.2 alcvol%; voto:7.75;
(Rated when tasted, but no tasting notes taken)
05/02/2005 COLLEGE ALE ((EX-MORREL'S)); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; OLD/WINTER; ENG; 7.4 alcvol%; voto:7.75;
05/02/2005 MUST ((EX-MORREL'S)); STRONG LAGER, PALE (CHIARA); ENG; 8.2 alcvol%; voto:7.50;
Morrel's brewery closed several years ago, but some btands survive, though it is difficult to trace who actually is brewing the beers. I suspect they are (Must beer in particular) brewed for the italian market. I don't know the original College Ale, this one is strong, malty, sweet but not so unbalanced. Must is a strong lager which I think was never available in UK; it less unbalanced than other similar brews.
06/02/2005 BALUBA (BIRRIFICIO DI COMO); SPECIAL; SPICED/HERBS; ITA; 8.5 alcvol%; voto:8.50;
Spiced with dried fruit. Amber ale, roasted aroma and fruity flavour
06/02/2005 WALLONIE ARTISANS BRASSEURS (DU BOCQ); ALE, BELGIAN STYLE etc; BLONDE; BEL; 6.5 alcvol%; voto:7.50;
Another beer than the other of the same name I previously tasted. This is sweet, a bit honeyish and spicy, with some orange in the taste and a bit of liquorice in the finish
06/02/2005 RADER BLONDE (RADERMACHER); ALE, BELGIAN STYLE etc; BLONDE; BEL; 6.5 alcvol%; voto:7.75;
Rather dry, clean nose, the juniper used for spice is clear in the taste.
06/02/2005 ST. FEUILLEN TRIPLE (FRIART); ALE, BELGIAN STYLE etc; TRIPLE; BEL; 8.5 alcvol%; voto:8.50;
Clean nose, honey,sligthly fruity. In the mouth is dry but not overly bitter, with some scirupy fruitness
06/02/2005 GRIBOUSINE MALONNE BLONDE (LA BINCHOISE); ALE, BELGIAN STYLE etc; BLONDE; BEL; 9.0 alcvol%; voto:8.00;
Honeyish, fruity, sweet, not too dry, finish is a bit short and not bitter
06/02/2005 QUEUE DE CHARRUE BLONDE (BIOS - VAN STEENBERGE); ALE, BELGIAN STYLE etc; TRIPLE; BEL; 9.0 alcvol%; voto:7.75;
Also called Ploegsteert; brewed for Vanuxeem. Rather similar to the 1514 tasted just before.
06/02/2005 ABBAYE D'AULNE TRIPLE BRUNE (VAL DE SAMBRE); ALE, BELGIAN STYLE etc; BELGIAN STRONG; BEL; 9.0 alcvol%; voto:7.75;
(Rated when tasted, but no tasting notes taken)
06/02/2005 DOUBLE HOP (ROBINSON'S); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; BITTER/PALE; ENG; 5.0 alcvol%; voto:8.25;
Nice hop in the aroma and even more in the flavour
06/02/2005 ORGANIC BEST BITTER (ST. PETER'S); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; BITTER/PALE; ENG; 5.0 alcvol%;
Strange smoked flavour, maybe the beer was not OK
06/02/2005 OLD TOM (ROBINSON'S); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; OLD/WINTER; ENG; 8.5 alcvol%; voto:7.75;
Malt, not much hops, caramel flavour
06/02/2005 UNERTL WEISSBIER (UNERTL); WHEAT (GRANO); WEIZE; GER; 4.7 alcvol%; voto:8.00;
Classic weize with the right phenolic and banana
06/02/2005 VAL DIEU TRIPLE (VAL-DIEU); ALE, BELGIAN STYLE etc; TRIPLE; BEL; 9.0 alcvol%; voto:7.50;
A bit under expectation, tasted on draught like the other beers of the brewery. Malty, scents of bread
06/02/2005 GERARDUS KLOOSTERBIER DUBBEL (GULPENER); ALE, BELGIAN STYLE etc; DUBBEL; BEL; 7.0 alcvol%; voto:7.75;
Classic dubbel, round malty and a bit yeasty
06/02/2005 ROTHAUS PILS (ROTHAUS); LAGER,PALE (CHIARA); PILSEN; GER; 5.0 alcvol%; voto:8.00;
06/02/2005 RIVA ABBEY TRIPLE (RIVA); ALE, BELGIAN STYLE etc; TRIPLE; BEL; 7.5 alcvol%; voto:7.25;
(Rated when tasted, but no tasting notes taken)
19/02/2005 VALLEY BEER MILD (VALLEY BEER); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; MILD; ITA; 5.8 alcvol%; voto:6.50;
Some good roasted and caramel aroma, but you can feel it's an extract beer. Tasted after BBE
16/03/2005 HARVIESTOUN BELGIAN WHITE (HARVIESTOUN); WHEAT (GRANO); BLANCHE-WIT; SCO; 4.3 alcvol%; voto:8.00;
Unusual cask conditioned blanche, actually it is not much opaque and also inflavour it is more like an english golden ale; quite pleasant anyway
17/03/2005 HONEY PORTER (GRAND UNION); STOUT & PORTER; PORTER; ENG; 4.9 alcvol%; voto:8.00;
Smooth, honey not much detectable, a lot of coffe
17/03/2005 BROADSHIELD BITTER (WJ KING); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; BITTER/PALE; ENG; 4.0 alcvol%; voto:7.75;
Round, a bit like Broadside, with a touch of coffe (or more exacty cappuccino) a bit unusual for a bitter ale
17/03/2005 BRAIN'S DARK (BRAIN'S); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; MILD; WAL; 3.5 alcvol%; voto:7.50;
Tasty for its low strength, but maybe less rich than other mild I tasted
17/03/2005 AECHT SCHLENKERLA URBOCK (HELLER); SPECIAL; SMOKED (AFFUMICATA); GER; 6.5 alcvol%; voto:8.50;
The smoking is at least as intense as in the normal version, and is here balanced by a full body. Very good
17/03/2005 1837 IPA (PITFIELD); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; INDIA/AMERICAN PALE; ENG; 7.0 alcvol%; voto:8.00;
Strong hop aroma, in the mouth it is bitter but you feel also the malt and the good body
17/03/2005 YOUNG'S BURTON ALE (YOUNG'S); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; OLD/WINTER; ENG; 6.0 alcvol%; voto:8.00;
New ale by Young's, probably brewed just once. Dark amber, rounded, balanced, I would have liked more hops
17/03/2005 NELSON'S REVENGE (WOODFORDES); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; BITTER/PALE; ENG; 4.5 alcvol%; voto:8.00;
Richer and fuller than you could expect fot its strength. Amber colour, malt honey and caramel, but not too sweetish and with a bitter hop finish
18/03/2005 JACK FROST (FULLER'S); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; OLD/WINTER; ENG; 4.5 alcvol%; voto:7.25;
Good but maybe a bit too bland for a winter ale…
19/03/2005 RADGIE GADGIE (MORDUE); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; BITTER/PALE; ENG; 4.8 alcvol%; voto:8.25;
Well hopped on a malty background and with a long finish
19/03/2005 HOOK NORTON BITTER (HOOK NORTON); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; BITTER/PALE; ENG; 3.4 alcvol%; voto:7.50;
20/03/2005 MORLAND TANNER'S JACK (GREENE KING); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; BITTER/PALE; ENG; 4.4 alcvol%; voto:7.50;
20/03/2005 GINGER TOM (BARNSLEY); SPECIAL; SPICED/HERBS; ENG; 3.9 alcvol%; voto:8.00;
(Rated when tasted, but no tasting notes taken)
24/03/2005 MONGOZO PALMNUT (HUYGHE - ARTEVELDE); SPECIAL; PALM; BEL; 7.0 alcvol%; voto:7.50;
Quite decent, of good belgian standard, like an amber triple, not too unusual flavours
24/03/2005 MONGOZO QUINOA (HUYGHE - ARTEVELDE); SPECIAL; QUINOA; BEL; 5.9 alcvol%; voto:7.50;
Less enjoyable but more original than palmnut (1541), has a peculiar bitter flavour that is not from hops and that you may like or not…
15/04/2005 FESTBIER (IRLBACHER); LAGER,PALE (CHIARA); GER; 5.6 alcvol%; 13.5P; voto:7.00;
(Rated when tasted, but no tasting notes taken)
05/05/2005 ST. GEORGE (YOUNG'S); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; STRONG BITTER/PALE; ENG; 5.2 alcvol%; voto:8.00;
A good hop aroma (almost spicy) and flavour balanced with a good mody and some malts.
05/05/2005 PANIL ENHANCED (TORRECHIARA); ALE, BELGIAN STYLE etc; ITA; 9.5 alcvol%; voto:8.75;
Brewed with wine yeast and local hops, with a long maturation. Extremely fruity, strong but smooth, quite yeasty (maybe just a bit too much). Quite remarkable
05/05/2005 TRAQUAIR 100TH BREW 1978 (TRAQUAIR HOUSE); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; STRONG SCOTCH; SCO; voto:9.00;
Still in great shape after 27 years. Dark mohogany but clear, Still has some condition (bubbles)! Aroma of old cellar just at the beginning, then fruity, chocolat and coffeem that you find also in the mouth with plums and bitter cherry tones. Only very slightly tart. Wow!
28/05/2005 XIAOYU (BALADIN); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; BARLEY WINE; ITA; 13.0 alcvol%; voto:++;
Extraordinary beer, requires more tastings to put down an evaluation with the attention its complexity deserves!
28/05/2005 IMPOSSIBLE (CITTAVECCHIA); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; BITTER/PALE; ITA; 2.6 alcvol%; voto:7.75;
"Impossible" refers to the task of giving interesting flavours to such a low strength beer. The task is mostly achieved: the aroma is interesting, sligthly spicy with some caramel and coffe; in the mousth is dry and bitter, with a good finish. The balance is still a bit to be found
28/05/2005 FIOR DI LUPPOLO (BARCHESSA DI VILLA POLA); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; ITA; 3.8 alcvol%; voto:7.75;
The hoppy aroma and faor long finish are true to the name of the beer, while in the mouth it is quite thin
28/05/2005 VILLA POLA (BARCHESSA DI VILLA POLA); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; ITA; 3.8 alcvol%; voto:7.50;
Soft and aromatic as the For di Luppolo, with a shorter finish
28/05/2005 MICA (GRADO PLATO); WHEAT (GRANO); WEIZE; ITA; 4.5 alcvol%; voto:7.50;
Correct weizen, but very restrained in the aroma (e.g. banana)
28/05/2005 ALBA (BABB); WHEAT (GRANO); WEIZE; ITA; 4.5 alcvol%; voto:8.00;
Weizen extremely rich in the aroma, banana and phenolics, almost too much
28/05/2005 ESTASI (BARCHESSA DI VILLA POLA); ALE, BELGIAN STYLE etc; ITA; 6.0 alcvol%; voto:8.00;
Sweet and aromatic strong ale, quite fruity (ananas)
28/05/2005 SAISON DU BI-DU (BI-DU); ALE, BELGIAN STYLE etc; SAISON; ITA; voto:8.50;
Very good saison, spicy aroma, dry and with long finish
28/05/2005 SHANGRI-LA (TROLL); ALE, BELGIAN STYLE etc; SAISON; ITA; 8.5 alcvol%; voto:8.00;
Saison, flavoured with spices and also local herbs. Very spicy, a bit tart. Good and quite interesting
28/05/2005 PANADA (TROLL); WHEAT (GRANO); BLANCHE-WIT; ITA; 4.5 alcvol%; voto:8.00;
(Rated when tasted, but no tasting notes taken)
28/05/2005 FEBBRE ALTA (TROLL); SPECIAL; SPICED/HERBS; ITA; 7.8 alcvol%; voto:8.50;
Ale flavoured with many local medicinal herbs. Complex aroma, in the mouth the bitterness and the flavours of the herbs are quite in the forefront but the good structure of the beer tries to balance them. Quite original.
28/05/2005 BARRIQUEE MILD (TORRECHIARA); ALE, BELGIAN STYLE etc; FLEMISH SOUR; ITA; 8.0 alcvol%; voto:8.50;
A version of barriquee without the lactic fermentation. It is sweeter, and not extraordinary as the "sister", still a very good beer, with complex aromas (fruit, wood, cellar) and with still some cidity to balance the sweetness
28/05/2005 RE ALE (BIRRIFICIO DEL BORGO); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; INDIA/AMERICAN PALE; ITA; 6.0 alcvol%; voto:8.75;
Deep amber colour with small beige head. Nice, slightly citric hop aroma. In the mouth the strong bitterness is balanced by athe good body and the malt background. Low carbonation. Long finish. Very good, it had the bitterness and strength of an american IPA but a very english character (handpump version). The keg version (though good) is not at the same level, the higher carbonation decreased the body and the perception of the malt, losing some balance and the "english feel".
28/05/2005 OATMEAL STOUT (MONTEGIOCO); STOUT & PORTER; OATMEAL; ITA;
Tasted before the official opening of the brewery. Rich and complex but too strong on "old" and almost cheesy flavours. Still to tune.
29/05/2005 ARTIGIAN ALE (BI-DU); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; STRONG BITTER/PALE; ITA; 6.2 alcvol%; voto:8.75;
Full and tasty, pleasant bitterness and a long finish. The best of the lot among the taps at Artebirra 2005 Festival
29/05/2005 DUCHESSA (BIRRIFICIO DEL BORGO); SPECIAL; FARRO; ITA; 5.5 alcvol%; voto:7.75;
Rich, complex and pleasant aroma, maybe less interesting in the mouth, good anyway
29/05/2005 704 (BIRRIFICIO LODIGIANO); LAGER,PALE (CHIARA); PILSEN; ITA; 5.2 alcvol%; voto:7.75;
Very good aspect and head, balanced in aroma and flavour
29/05/2005 STELVIO WEISS (STELVIO); WHEAT (GRANO); WEIZE; ITA; 4.5 alcvol%; voto:7.50;
(Rated when tasted, but no tasting notes taken)
29/05/2005 ST. MAFFEO (BI-DU); LAGER, DARK (SCURA); DUNKEL; ITA; voto:8.00;
Only bottom fermenting beer by BI-DU, brewed just by chance (wrong buying of malts, recipe changes) yet quite good!
03/06/2005 EXPORT STOUT (DE DOLLE BROUWERS); STOUT & PORTER; IMPERIAL; BEL; 9.0 alcvol%; voto:8.50;
03/06/2005 GOUDEN CAROLUS AMBRIO (HET ANKER); ALE, BELGIAN STYLE etc; BEL; 6.5 alcvol%; voto:8.25;
03/06/2005 PETRUS WINTERBIER (BAVIK); ALE, BELGIAN STYLE etc; BEL; 6.5 alcvol%; voto:8.00;
03/06/2005 BUFFALO (VAN DE BOSSCHE); STOUT & PORTER; SWEET; BEL; 6.5 alcvol%; voto:8.25;
07/06/2005 SERAFIJN TRIPLE (ACHILLES); ALE, BELGIAN STYLE etc; TRIPLE; BEL; 8.0 alcvol%; voto:8.00;
12/06/2005 CERVOGIA (BIRRIFICIO ARTIGIANO); SPECIAL; FARRO; ITA; 7.5 alcvol%; voto:7.75;
18/06/2005 MARTESANA (BIRRIFICIO ARTIGIANO); ALE, BELGIAN STYLE etc; ITA; 4.2 alcvol%; 9.8P; voto:7.25;
18/06/2005 VALDERA (BIRRIFICIO ARTIGIANO); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; BITTER/PALE; ITA; 5.2 alcvol%; 12.2P; voto:7.00;
12/06/2005 GORGONA (BIRRIFICIO ARTIGIANO); ALE, BELGIAN STYLE etc; BLONDE; ITA; 7.1 alcvol%; 16.4P; voto:7.25;
The beers by this micro form Pisa are interesting and of a good standard, but maybe still to tune in order to find their right balance. It can be a matter of my own taste, but despite having some interesting qualities (the caramel of Valdera, the hops of Martesana, the malt of Gorgona) the beers are tasty but a bit cloying and they would benefit by a drier finish. Cervogia is their most interesting and balanced beer.
19/06/2005 1698 (SHEPHERD NEAME); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; STRONG BITTER/PALE; ENG; 6.5 alcvol%; voto:8.00;
(Rated when tasted, but no tasting notes taken)
21/06/2005 WAASE WOLF (BOELENS); ALE, BELGIAN STYLE etc; BEL; 6.5 alcvol%; voto:8.25;
Spicy aroma, in the mouth the caramel sweetness is balanced by some sourness. Sort of a "Oerbier Light"
25/06/2005 KAISERDOM PILS (KAISERDOM); LAGER,PALE (CHIARA); PILSEN; GER; 4.5 alcvol%; voto:6.50;
(Rated when tasted, but no tasting notes taken)
28/06/2005 CERVESIA (DUPONT); ALE, BELGIAN STYLE etc; SAISON; BEL; 8.5 alcvol%; voto:8.75;
Mooolto bevibile per la gradazione! Amber-orange, a bit hazy. Lightly spiced aroma. In the mouth it is sweet, but also dry and bitter enough, and the herbs and spices are not overwhelming but do thei job of balancing all. Veeery drinkable for the strength.
28/06/2005 1417 (HACKER-PSCHORR); LAGER,PALE (CHIARA); ZWICKEL; GER; 5.5 alcvol%; voto:7.75;
(Rated when tasted, but no tasting notes taken)
28/06/2005 BLOEMENBIER (DE PROEF); SPECIAL; FIORI (FLOWERS); BEL; 7.0 alcvol%; voto:7.75;
The flowery aroma is marvellous, but the beer is (purposely) extremely sweet. Just for some occasions…
01/07/2005 1830 AMBER (PITFIELD); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; STRONG BITTER/PALE; ENG; 6.5 alcvol%; voto:8.00;
Dark amber. Hops are more in the bitterness than in the aroma. Fair body, caramel with a bitter finish. Not subtle, but interesting and pleasant for me.
10/07/2005 BRAIN'S EXTRA SMOOTH (BRAIN'S); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; BITTER/PALE; WAL; 3.7 alcvol%; voto:7.00;
(Rated when tasted, but no tasting notes taken)
11/07/2005 BUTCOMBE GOLD (BUTCOMBE); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; BITTER/PALE; ENG; 4.7 alcvol%; 11.8P; voto:8.50;
Nice colour, actually more orange than gold. Good but not agressive hop aroma. Bitter, balanced by a good body. Very very long bitter hoppy finish. Excellent!
11/07/2005 EXMOOR ALE (EXMOOR); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; BITTER/PALE; ENG; 3.8 alcvol%; 9.9P; voto:7.25;
11/07/2005 EXMOOR GOLD (EXMOOR); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; BITTER/PALE; ENG; 4.5 alcvol%; 11.3P; voto:7.25;
11/07/2005 COTLEIGH 25 (COTLEIGH); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; BITTER/PALE; ENG; 4.2 alcvol%; voto:7.25;
12/07/2005 EXMOOR FOX (EXMOOR); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; BITTER/PALE; ENG; 4.2 alcvol%; 10.8P; voto:7.50;
(Rated when tasted, but no tasting notes taken)
12/07/2005 SHARP'S SPECIAL (SHARP); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; STRONG BITTER/PALE; ENG; 5.2 alcvol%; 13.0P; voto:8.25;
My favourite Shasp's ale, and the richest in flavours. Bittersweet, some fuitness, maly but not at all cloying (quite drinkable); long bitter finish.
12/07/2005 EDEN ALE (SHARP); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; BITTER/PALE; ENG; 4.4 alcvol%; 10.8P; voto:7.50;
13/07/2005 DOOM BAR (SHARP); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; BITTER/PALE; ENG; 4.0 alcvol%; 10.1P; voto:7.25;
13/07/2005 BETTY STODGE (SKINNERS); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; BITTER/PALE; ENG; 4.0 alcvol%; voto:8.00;
13/07/2005 BATEMANS XB (BATEMANS); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; BITTER/PALE; ENG; 3.7 alcvol%; 9.4P; voto:7.25;
13/07/2005 TINNERS (ST. AUSTELL); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; BITTER/PALE; ENG; 3.7 alcvol%; 9.6P; voto:7.25;
(Rated when tasted, but no tasting notes taken)
14/07/2005 STINGO MIDDLE (BLUE ANCHOR); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; BITTER/PALE; ENG; 5.0 alcvol%; 12.5P; voto:7.50;
Sligthly sulphury aroma, maybe the beer was not perfectly OK. Fair body with some bitterness to balance.
14/07/2005 STINGO SPECIAL (BLUE ANCHOR); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; STRONG BITTER/PALE; ENG; 6.6 alcvol%; 16.3P; voto:8.00;
Dark amber, almost brown. Cleaner aroma than the Middle. Medium body, malt balanced by bitterness; more fruity-scirupy than roasted.
14/07/2005 BATEMANS XXXB (BATEMANS); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; BITTER/PALE; ENG; 4.8 alcvol%; 12.0P; voto:7.75;
14/07/2005 SHARP'S WILLI (SHARP); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; BITTER/PALE; ENG; 4.6 alcvol%; 11.6P; voto:7.50;
15/07/2005 OTTER BITTER (OTTER CREEK); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; BITTER/PALE; ENG; 3.6 alcvol%; 9.1P; voto:7.50;
15/07/2005 STRAWBERRY & CREAM (TEIGNWORTHY); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; BITTER/PALE; ENG; 4.6 alcvol%; voto:7.50;
(Rated when tasted, but no tasting notes taken)
15/07/2005 BUTCOMBE BLOND BITTER (BUTCOMBE); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; BITTER/PALE; ENG; 4.0 alcvol%; voto:7.75;
Light colour, clear; fresh hop aroma. In the mouth it is dry and bitter, malt is subdued but not absent. Brewed with continental malts and hops. Interesting and pleasant.
16/07/2005 PRIORY MILD (NETHERGATE); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; MILD; ENG; 3.5 alcvol%; 9.1P; voto:7.50;
16/07/2005 FLOWERS IPA (EX-WITHBREAD); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; BITTER/PALE; ENG; 3.6 alcvol%; 8.9P; voto:7.50;
(Rated when tasted, but no tasting notes taken)
04/08/2005 ZAHRE AFFUMICATA (ZAHRE SAURIS); SPECIAL; SMOKED (AFFUMICATA); ITA; 6.5 alcvol%; voto:8.00;
Smoke is evident but not overwhelming, good body, smooth, quite drinkable.
07/08/2005 BRINKHOFF N.1 (BRINKHOFF); LAGER,PALE (CHIARA); PILSEN; GER; 4.9 alcvol%; voto:6.50;
Thin aroma and body, but thanks to a good bitterness it is more interesting than many other similar mega-brews
13/08/2005 SCHWARZE WEISSE (HOFBRAUHAUS); WHEAT (GRANO); DUNKELWEIZE; GER; 5.1 alcvol%; voto:7.25;
Sligthly phenolici aroma, much banana flavour, dark tones are very restrained
19/08/2005 STAROPRAMEN GRANAT (STAROPRAMEN); LAGER, AMBER (ROSSA); CEC; 4.8 alcvol%; voto:7.75;
Restrained hop aroma. Caramel taste but dry enough
26/07/2005 LA TORPILLE (BR. FRANCHES-MONTAGNES); ALE, BELGIAN STYLE etc; SUI; 7.5 alcvol%; voto:7.75;
Dark brown, huge head with fair persistence. Aroma "a la Orval"; in the mouth is a bit sour (lactic and also slightly acetic). The high carbonation enhances the acidity but lowers the perception of the body and other flavours, but later it becomes smoother and some coffee tones comes up.
27/08/2005 HEN'S TOOTH (GREENE KING); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; STRONG BITTER/PALE; ENG; 6.2 alcvol%;
Clear, amber. Big foam. Aroma of hops and Brett Orval-like. In the mouth it is bitter, hoppy, with a thin body; also in the taste it reminds me of Orval... but is it on purpose? Anyway interesting and drinkable, but I will try it again before deciding a rating.
04/09/2005 LONGBOARD LAGER (KONA); LAGER,PALE (CHIARA); USA; 5.5 alcvol%; voto:7.50;
Honey aroma, sweet, good body, not much hops
04/09/2005 CHASING TAIL (SQUATTERS); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; BITTER/PALE; USA; 4.0 alcvol%; voto:7.75;
Citric aroma, a bit bitter, english style
04/09/2005 MIRROR POND PALE ALE (DESCHUTES); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; BITTER/PALE; USA; 5.0 alcvol%; voto:8.00;
Good hop aroma, small body, quite drinkable
04/09/2005 HOP JUICE (LEFT COAST); ALE, ENGLISH STYLE etc; INDIA/AMERICAN PALE; USA; 8.0 alcvol%; voto:9.50;
Hoppy and almost herbaceous aroma, in the mouth the hops are enormous but also quite smooth, the intense bitterness becomes fruity and even almost sweet.
04/09/2005 2004 SYMPOSIUM ALE (STONE); ALE, BELGIAN STYLE etc; GOLDEN; USA; 7.5 alcvol%; voto:9.00;
Duvel-style, dry, elegant and balanced, a bit more bodied and bitter than the belgian classic.
04/09/2005 ROAD DOG (FLYING DOG); STOUT & PORTER; PORTER; USA; 5.4 alcvol%; voto:8.25;
Roasted; aroma is coffe chocolate. Dry, thin body, drinkable.
04/09/2005 SARANAC BLACK AND TAN (MATT); STOUT & PORTER; DRY; USA; 5.1 alcvol%; voto:8.50;
Coffee aroma and flavour, adequate body.
04/09/2005 PANGAEA (DOGFISH HEAD); SPECIAL; SPICED/HERBS; USA; 7.0 alcvol%; voto:9.00;
Spicy in the aroma and even more in the flavour; ginger, coriander, honey, Complex and drinkable.
04/09/2005 LEFT HAND IMPERIAL STOUT (LEFT HAND); STOUT & PORTER; IMPERIAL; USA; 10.4 alcvol%; voto:8.75;
Aroma is chocolate, coffee, a bit of smoke. Full body, balanced, bittersweet.
04/09/2005 WORLD WIDE STOUT (DOGFISH HEAD); STOUT & PORTER; IMPERIAL; USA; 18.0 alcvol%; voto:9.25;
Despite the enormous strength it is still recognizable as a beer. Yes, it is amost a liquor, creamy, with a huge body… unique.
04/09/2005 LA FOLIE (NEW BELGIUM); ALE, BELGIAN STYLE etc; FLEMISH SOUR; USA; 6.0 alcvol%; voto:8.50;
Complex and fruity aroma, in the mouth it is uncompromisely acid (lactic and acetic): Very good in its way, though not at the top of my personal preferences.
04/09/2005 RULLES BLONDE (RULLES); ALE, BELGIAN STYLE etc; BLONDE; BEL; 7.0 alcvol%; voto:8.50;
Tasted after other 18 beers in the evening, difficult to judge precisely! Anyway very good, a drinkable blonde but with a good body, slightly spicy aroma, everything enhanced by good hopping.
05/09/2005 MARILYN (BIRRIFICIO DI COMO); LAGER,PALE (CHIARA); ITA; 4.9 alcvol%; 12.0P; voto:7.50;
Light lager with some body and just right bitter hops to balance. Enjoyable.
07/09/2005 BIERE SPECIALE SUPER FORTE (EICHBAUM); STRONG LAGER, PALE (CHIARA); EXTRASTRONG; GER; 7.9 alcvol%; voto:7.25;
The not so original name made me fear for worse, it is not terribly unbalanced on alcool, but it is quite too sweet.