Microbrasserie Les Trois Mousquetaires Grande Cuvée Réserve De Noël (2017) Spiced Red Lager at 10.5% ABV | 33 IBU (C$11.18 at NLC Stavanger, 750 ml, packaged on 22-Nov-2017, acquired 30-Dec-2017, reviewed 31-Dec-2017)
Appearance: clear deep amber with one finger of light tan head diminishing gradually to a thin ring, no lacing. (3/5) Aroma: spicy ginger, nutmeg, cinnamon, vanilla, cloves, medicinal hops. (7/10) Taste: moderately strong sweet, moderate bitter, mild spice. (8/10) Palate: medium body, moderate carbonation, mildly bitter warming finish. (4/5)
My third vintage of this, and it seems like they’ve settled on a recipe: it appears identical to the 2015 I last had, which was actually somewhat different than the 2014. The brew is characterized by emphatic but not overwhelming seasonal spices, and a very well-integrated ABV. Not something I’d want to drink frequently, but I think I’ll continue to make this an annual tradition of the season. (15/20)
7.5/10 #ryansbooze ryansbooze.com
