Dogfish Head - Raison d'EXtra - 2006

This is a bulbous, brown ale brewed with a bunch of malt, brown sugar and raisins. Raison D'EXtra is an amped up, bigger, bolder version of the Raison D'Etre. It is brewed from a similar grist (raisins included) to a massive 42P, giving it 20.5% ABV (pre 2005), along with 20 IBU and a color of 20L.

18.5% ABV and 40 IBU in 11/2005 12 oz. and later releases.

This blog is for the September 2006 release. I opened a bottle in August 2011.


The ABV is 18.5 (20.0) and the IBU rating is 40
Style - Belgium Strong Dark Ale
Glass to use- Snifter, Tulip, Oversized Wine Glass
Delivery 12oz Bottle

Can be cellared for long periods, under the proper conditions.

The Pour - Pours a cloudy brown color with a nice tan head that vanishes after a few minutes. Some lacing.
Aroma - Lots of dark fruit here, figs, cherries, raisins, then caramel.
Taste - Taste like it smells and compares to a nice sherry or port. 
Mouth Feel - Low carbonation, full body.  Smooth.
Drinkable - Very drinkable but a sipper.  Don't know the alcohol content due to aging, my guess is 20%.  The alcohol is hidden well, not so much for the 2007 release which I had earlier this year.

This beer pairs well with sharp and pungent cheese.  Is well suited as an after diner drin.

This beer gets a Duper rating of A+.
BeerAdvocate Rating =B+
Ratebeer Rating = 98