St Ambroise Millésimée

by Andrew Miller
(Beer Delegate, NB, Canada)

St Ambroise Millésimée: brewed on the brewer's birthday, but measly in size

McAuslan has been brewing since 1989 and is best known for its signature St-Ambroise Oatmeal Stout and Griffon Extra Pale Ale. St Ambroise Millésimée ale is brewed each January on founder Peter McAuslan’s birthday (in this case his 61st).

My fellow beer delegate D’Arcy P. Gray was kind enough to give me a bottle of this wonderful 2007 vintage which sells in special single bottles in a fancy cardboard tube.

Style

The label simply states the style as “strong ale”. I would say it is almost a “pale barely wine” if there is such a thing. I tasted it at about 15 degrees C, which seems apropos for a beer of this style.

Colour

The clarity of this liquid is very satisfying to see in the glass, with a hint of cloudiness. There is a bright honey colour with lots of lazy gentle bubbles.

Nose

There isn’t a huge nose, rather a gentle, musty malty aroma.

Taste

The first impression is a rich and viscous texture. There is a gentle but solid carbonation with notes of grape-must and caraway seeds and a substantial long hop finish.

Overall

This is a fine beer! My only complaint: for a celebratory and seasonal ale, the bottle size could be bigger than a measly 341ml.