Abita Turbodog
By John on August 2, 2007 @ 7 PM (1 Comment)
Turbodog is a dark brown ale brewed and bottled by Abita Brewing Company in Abita Springs, LA. The bottle reads that it:
- Is brewed with a combination of pale, crystal and chocolate malts
- Is dry-hopped with the finest Williamete hops
- Is fermented using a unique German alt yeast
- Uses pristine Artesian water of Abita Springs
- Has a sweet chocolate-toffee like flavor
- Is cold-filtered and brewed in small batches
I would say just transcribing what’s on the bottle would stand as a review, but you know as well as I do that that’s not what The BeerFathers are about.
It pours a dark brown – almost black – with a good two finger head that fades slowly leaving a thin layer that remains on the surface throughout the entire drinking session. It’s a got a chocolate and coffee smell to it, with a hint of nuttiness – I’m serving mine in a pint glass and it’s a little harder to smell out of this than the tulip glass.
The initial taste is complex – it has a sharp nuttiness to it with the chocolate predominantly jumping out. It also has a coffee undertone and a slightly toast-like taste. The aftertaste has a bit of toffee to it. The mouthfeel is rich and bold – it coats the tongue well and has some solid carbonation to it.
The malts prevail in this and it may edge a little too malty. It has a sharpness to it that could be more balanced. However, it is still wonderful and is ideal for a strong meal – think red beans and rice with a good Andouille sausage, preferably from Mulate’s. Despite the maltiness it is easy to drink even in hot weather, which is surprising considering it’s a dark ale. Maybe that’s a result of the good water they put in it.
Personally I love it – it tastes a lot like home. Sentimental? Yes, but rightfully so. You won’t want to drink it every day, but you will want a 6 pack.
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This is a very good drink. I agree with wanting a six-pack in the pantry. A little too complex for everyday but once every week or two is perfect.