The Lost Abbey Angel's Share
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Tasting Notes
Angel's Share pours from a place of deep barrel influence — bourbon and oak lead the aroma, layered with dried fruit, vanilla, and a whisper of caramel. On the palate, rich toffee and dark stone fruit unfold alongside a warming alcohol presence that, at 12.5%, is assertive but not harsh. The body is full and almost syrupy, with a long finish that drifts between toasted wood, dark cherry, and a gentle boozy heat. This is a slow sipper that rewards patience rather than volume.
About the Brewery
The Lost Abbey operates out of San Marcos, California, founded in 2006 by Tomme Arthur and Vince Marsaglia. The brewery built its reputation around Belgian-influenced ales and barrel-aged programs, with a particular focus on complex, cellar-worthy bottles. Angel's Share is among their most recognized releases, and the broader Port Brewing and Lost Abbey portfolio spans everything from approachable sessionable ales to deeply experimental sour and wood-aged productions.
Food Pairings
A beer this rich and barrel-forward finds natural company with aged cheeses like Gouda or Manchego, where the caramel sweetness in the beer mirrors the nutty depth of the cheese. Braised short ribs work well because the beer's oak and dark fruit can stand up to intensely savory, fatty meat without being overwhelmed. A slice of pecan pie or dark chocolate tart plays directly into the vanilla and toffee notes already present in the glass. Blue cheese is also worth considering, as the pungent salt of the cheese creates a compelling contrast against the beer's sweetness.
Style Guide
American Strong Ale is a loosely defined category that prioritizes high alcohol and bold, often complex flavor over adherence to a strict tradition. Unlike its British counterpart, the American version frequently incorporates adjuncts or barrel aging — bourbon barrels in particular — and leans into hop character or rich malt depending on the brewer's intent. It sits adjacent to barleywine but tends to be less hop-forward and more permissive in technique. The style is essentially a catch-all for ambitious, high-gravity ales that don't fit neatly into IPA, stout, or barleywine categories.