Allagash Fluxus 2013
Each year, in celebration of their Anniversary, Allagash Brewing releases the ever-changing Fluxus — a beer is never same as the previous version, though it does echo some traits. For 2013, the Maine brewery has opted to take an American porter, toss in some blood orange pulp/zest and then ferment it with a Belgian Abbey yeast strain.
The result is a beer that is world’s apart from last years offering. This year, we have a rich and roasty beer with a distant orange influence lingering in the background. Fluxus 2013 is certainly one of the more unique interpretations of a porter that I’ve had in recent memory.
Appearance
A rich, dense stack of light brown foam sits firmly atop the opaque, black brew.
Aroma
Deep orange notes, cocoa, coffee and a medium roast fill the nose smoothly as a peppery yeast presence tingles the senses.
Taste
As much as the orange was present in the aroma, it takes a step back here as a peppery Belgian yeast arrives, leading the way for roast coffee, subtle citrus notes and dry dark chocolate. The beer is full bodied with a surprising amount of late forming warmth (the beer is only 6.4% ABV). There’s a touch of bitterness on the back end that fades smoothly.
Overall
I loved last years Fluxus release. This year’s was good, but didn’t quite match it in terms of flavor and overall appeal. I dig the porter characteristics of this beer (the roast and chocolate), but not sure entirely how I feel about the yeast and orange influences. Perhaps I’ll have to pick up another bottle and see how things go.
Rating: 3.75/5
