Billed as "the world's strongest fruit beer" at roughly 18% alcohol by volume, Dogfish Head's Fort is one of the most off-centered beers in existence. It is also very, very rare. In the State of Ohio, it's alcohol level renders it illegal for sale. When the off-centered Brewski Brothers were presented with an opportunity to try it, we jumped at it. Needless to say, drinking it is quite the adventure. And quite the challenge.
Dogfish Head brewed this strong ale with over one ton of a combination of Oregon and Delaware raspberries per batch. It is released once a year only in 750ml bottles in December. It pours a cloudy amber color. In fact, it looked like unfiltered apple cider. There was no head to it whatsoever. It had an overwhelming raspberry/alcohol nose to it. On the palate, I found it had a slight apple quality to go with its yeasty raspberry liqueur flavor. There were also notes of ripe cherries and slightly tart strawberries. I assumed that Dogfish Head used some wheat malt, as there was a distinct wheat bread body to it as well. My thoughts during the long, very warming finish: "Holy cow, this is the Barry Bonds of lambics. A raspberry wheat barleywine on steroids." It isn't super sweet (mostly due to the alcohol) even with a ton of raspberries in each batch.
Fort is so powerful and incredibly massive, it literally takes your breath away momentarily. A punch in the gut, of sorts. It imposes its will upon you. Lewdly stated, it is a felonious palate rape. My advice to you is to keep away from any open flame while drinking this intimidating nectar. Also, plan on in sleeping in the next day. Kudos to the fine people at Dogfish Head, who once again make something massive and totally unique. The have raised the bar in the world of extreme brewing and the Brewski Brothers cannot wait to see what's next.
No comments:
Post a Comment