Allagash Victoria Ale

Top tastings 2008. A shorter version was first published on facebook January 2009.
Beer sellers: Bierkraft

ABV: 9%
Origin: Portland, Maine, USA
Website: www.allagash.com

Allagash Victoria Ale

Victoria is a very special golden ale brewed with Chardonnay grapes, part of the brewery’s “tribute” series, with $1 from each bottle going towards restoration of Portland’s historic Victoria mansion. Allagash, established in 1995, is one of the US craft brewers particularly focused on Belgian inspired brewing, with a range of fine bottle conditioned specialities in 750ml bottles that includes Victoria’s brother, Victor.

Cloudy golden with a low but decent white head, the beer exudes a refined grape aroma with ripe light malts. A subtle, slightly sweet crisp malt palate that’s not overpoweringly grapey has hints of rose, coloured malt and liquorice, leading to a chewy finish with restrained vegetable hops, staying very elegant despite the alcoholic kick. My bottle was sourced at Bierkraft in New York City.

Read more about this beer at ratebeer.com: http://www.ratebeer.com/beer/allagash-victoria-ale/58234/