Lost Abbey Judgment Day

Lost Abbey Judgment Day - Ale Brewed with Raisins (2012)

Year Round Beer.

25.4 fl. oz. / $8.59 USD / 10.5% ABV

About: "A massive beer in every sense of the word. A stronger and more contemplative version of our Lost and Found Ale. Judgment Day is the base beer for our Cuvee de Tomme. Many of the Trappist Breweries produce a version of beer which ages incredibly well for many years to come. And, since none of us knows when the end of the world is coming, we suggest you stock up with lots of Lost Abbey beers so that when the end of the world magically appears from no where, you’ll have a beer or two on hand for even the stingiest of angels.

Malts - Two Row, Wheat, Medium and Dark English Crystal, Special B and Chocolate Malt. / Hops - Challenger and East Kent Golding / Yeast - Proprietary Belgian Ale Strain / Adjuncts - Dextrose and Raisins."

Thoughts: JD poured a very dark amber shade that formed into an extremely deep purple that was near pitch black in the goblet, and was topped with a light and creamy multicolored, semi-foamy head.

I'm pondering why they named this one Judgment Day. It smells deceptive. Very fruity, yet dark Very powerful, yet constrained. I'm absolutely loving the raisins here. If the actual Judgment smell like this then I'd be happier than hell to welcome it even more than I do so now.

I got hit with some Belgian type yeast at first sip. There are strong and forceful dark fruit notes that come pummeling through, immediately followed by a beautiful and long lasting high-alcohol raisin smothering. The taste is similar to the smell, only it's a heightened version of it. It's not blindingly strong, but it's damn close. It's heavy handed, chewy and delightful. The fruity notes are all over the place and travel in circles throughout the mouth, ranging from black cherry to plum to raisin, all with burnt sugary spikes in between. There's a little molasses in the background, but I'm not focusing on that or the bready malts, as I can't help but enjoy the absurdly flavorful brazenness.

Feel is tingling, very bubbly and it leaves a slightly orgasmic burning haze after each gulp.

This is an awesome tasting and worthwhile ale. I'm really into these heavy raisin brews for some reason... which is weird because I haven't ever really enjoyed raisins as much as this and even somewhat disliked them as a kid. So what the fuck is going on with these ales brewed with a shitload of raisins that I love so much!? I haven't had many, but every single one I've tried I've loved. I guess it just comes down to... I want that purple stuff!

"That's the ingredients. Sugar. Water. And of course, Purple."

The Lost Abbey Witch's Wit

The Lost Abbey Witch's Wit (2011)

Brewed and Bottled by Port Brewing Co., in San Marcos, California. USA.

Summer Seasonal (Limited Release)

25.4 fl. oz. / $8.99 USD / 4.8% ABV

About: "Malt Beverage brewed with Honey and Spices. This beer has also been spiced with Grapefruit Zest, Orange Peel and Coriander."

Thoughts: I just had to buy this, admittedly, based solely on the artwork! This is my first brew from The Lost Abbey series. It seems as if they've recently come under fire from Goddess Groups around the country, due to their controversial artwork depicting a burning witch on the stake. Nice!

Witch's Wit poured a super light pale-yellow, almost white grape juice color with the whitest small bubbly head I've ever seen. Decent haze for being so light (I can only see the shadow of my hand) and a serious amount of carbonation bubbles rising up.

Smells fruity, and a little bit strange... are those Saaz hops? I sure think so. Getting some citrus tones, a little bit of orange zest, not really grapefruit or lemony and well... I just can't get past those hops. Clove? Every time I try to get some notes they're clouded by moldy flowers.

Taste is pretty much the same as the smell. Pity. It's still got that lingering funk about it. Despite the righteous artwork, this obviously isn't a beer that appeals to me. It's pretty sour and acidic. Watered down and just not fun at all. It's got a nice hint of wheat and straw, but I'm just not into it. On the second pour I got a lot more of that yeast and honey, basically the essence of this brew was laying at the bottom of the bottle. The taste improves well enough, but not considerably. When I read "brewed with honey and spices", I was honestly expecting a something a lot sweeter and more enjoyable than this.

It's a little thin, but very bubbly and frothy once you splash it around. I wouldn't suggest doing that though as it brings out that murky flavor and scent more.

Aftertaste is pretty grassy. Doesn't taste of burnt witch flesh at all. My mouth is totally dried out and not filled with the coagulated blood of the innocent. I'm going to have to experiment with a few more beers of this type before I can so harshly persecute Witch's Wit though. After all, it's only fair that trials be held.