Townsite Barrel Aged Cardena Belgian Quad 2016

Brewer: Townsite Brewery, Powell River, BC
Style: Quadruple Ale
ABV: 10.5%
IBUs: 30

Description: The third installment in their “Hulk Series” – named for the decommissioned vessels that make up the floating breakwater in Powell River – Cardena is a Belgian-style Quadrupel ale. And since 2015, they have be re-releasing this ale as part of the breweries new barrel-aged lineup, where established brews are aged in whiskey barrels.

Tasting Notes: I loved Cardena when I first tried it. In fact, it would be fair to say that it was one of the best beers I had in 2014. So I was a little intrigued and surprised by the addition of the barrel-aging process, which I’ve had mixed experiences with. In this case, the end resuilt was interesting, but a bit perplexing. On the one hand, you have all that was great about the Cardena. A strong Abbey-style ale rich with notes of brown sugar, dates, raisins, and figgy pudding.

But add to that the bite of whiskey and the end result was (and I’m not bullshitting here) a bit like blue cheese! It was the oddest thing, getting a taste I immediately recognized but couldn’t quite place. And then I remembered the last time i had hot wings or a spinach salad! Ordinarily, I love blue cheese, but not so much in my beer. So I had to give this one a slightly mixed review. Great to be branching out, but 2016’s Barrel aged Cardena is not quite what I was hoping for.

Appearance: Deep brown, clear, good foam retention and carbonation
Nose: Strong malt, brown sugar, whiskey, dark fruits, spices, alcohol, yeast
Taste: Rich malt, immediate whiskey bite, blue cheese, sugar, dark fruits, alcoholic bite
Aftertaste: Lingering whiskey, malt, cheesy flavor, alcoholic warmth
Overall: 7.2/10

Townsite Charleston Belgian Triple

Brewer: Townsite Brewing, Powell River, BC
Style: Belgian Triple
Alc/Vol: 9%
IBUs: 34

Description: A reboot of the breweries original Charleston, one of several beers in the Hulk series, this beer is another bottle-conditioned Belgian Triple that honors Cédric the brewmaster’s Belgian heritage. Due to popular demand, the beer has been brought back, with some minor alterations – including increased alcohol content and a slightly different flavor.

Tasting Notes: In addition to being a faithful example of a Belgian Triple, with plenty of malt flavor and yeasty notes, this beer has a smooth profile and some nice honey overtones. While it what was not as pleasing to me as their YOGN 82, it is still a delight and I am glad I got a chance to sample it. The original Charleston escaped me; and with the exception of the Timewarp and the new Cardena, it was the only beer in their lineup I had yet to try.

Appearance: Deep orange, slightly cloudy, good foam retention and carbonation
Nose: Belgian pale malt, yeast, honey, alcohol
Taste: Smooth malt flavor, good tang, yeast, sugars, honey sweetness
Aftertaste: Lingering malt bitterness, alcohol, mild hops and yeasts
Overall: 9/10