Allagash Musette

From Allagash Brewing – Musette is Allagash’s newest release in our Barrel Aged Series. The beer, inspired by the Scotch ale style, is a traditional and popular style in Belgium. Typically known as a dark and sweet, strong ale, Scotch ales are rarely brewed in Scotland anymore but still remain popular in Belgium, where they were originally thought to have been brewed for servicemen during World War I.  Our interpretation of a Belgian-inspired Scotch ale, Musette undergoes a caramelization process in the kettle, where the first runnings are condensed and caramelized, imparting a unique and subtle caramel character and amber color to the beer. Following fermentation with a Belgian strain of yeast, a portion of it is aged in oak bourbon barrels for an additional three months. Musette offers up raisin, ripened banana, and hints of licorice aromas. Its taste is malty and caramel with a hint of roast, and its warm finish strikes a balance between dry and caramel characters with a hint of smoke.

Allagash Brewing – Musette – Purchased from Dawson’s Liquors in Severna Park, MD. Poured from a 750 ml bottle into a tulip glass. 10% ABV.

Appearance: A murky, muddy reddish brown with a 1″ cream colored, clingy head.

Aroma: Butterscotch, raisins and sweet breads.

Taste: A delicate sweetness with hints of maple syrup and malt. A touch of smoke shows up about a minute after you’ve swallowed.

Mouthfeel: Syrupy and, somehow, a bit numbing. I think it may have been a bit colder than the recommended 55°.

Overall: This is quite the fantastic beer. As compared to other Scotch Ale-style beers, this very well may top the list of all that I’ve had.