Mark
The Conflux Series No. 1 Collage, the second craft beer in the Conflux Series, is a collaboration between Deschutes Brewery in Bend, Oregon & Hair of the Dog Brewing in Portland, Oregon. This beer is a blend of The Dissident, The Stoic, Fred and Adam that is one hundred percent aged for two years in oak barrels (Rye Whiskey, Cognac, Sherry, Pinot Noir, Bourbon, used American Oak, New American oak & Oregon Oak). Less than 200 barrels were produced.
Collage pours out a mahogany brown in color with some cloud and is topped with a one finger head that slowly reduces down. Heavily perfumed nose with aromas of bourbon, vanilla, pinot, a decent amount of caramel sweetness and a whiff of alcohol. In the mouth this is as complex in flavor as the nose was in aroma. Wonderful layers of flavor cascade across the tongue. Bourbon, almost a sherry like component, vanilla, cherry and some definite pinot like flavors. A little bramble in there too. Sweet then slightly sour then sweet again. Medium bodied. Low carbonation. Some lacing on the glass. Slight syrup to the mouthfeel with some tannins thrown in. The finish is very long and doesn't seem to want to end.
What a wonderful beer that will age well. The bottle says, "Best After: 4/30/13" but I wanted to try one now to gain a reference point. When you try yours let it warm up a little. I say 55F-60F would be a good range but take sips as it warms and find out where you like it best. You can't go wrong buying a few of these. Highly recommended.
12 ounce bottle, 11.6% ABV
Beer 111 of 366 for 2012
