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I get a moderate hiss upon opening. Poured into a pint glass.
Appearance: pours a clear, rich brown with nice ruby highlights. There is a very thin light tan cap of foam that utterly melts right away. No lacing is left behind.
Aroma: deep, strong malt, lots of caramel. A fair amount of smoky earthiness, and alcohol is definitely perceptible.
Flavor: rich maltiness, quite sweet up front. Sweetness lasts until the very finish, where it dries enough to avoid stickiness. Lots of caramel, a little nonspecific fruitiness, a touch of that earthy smokiness I get from the aroma; smooth smoky/roasty is more apparent near the finish. Very deep, complex flavor... seriously, there is a TON going on here. Bitterness level is quite low, hops are an afterthought, but a little alcohol flavor provides a really nice counterpoint to the sweetness.
Mouthfeel: full, viscous, close to chewy. Carbonation level is lower than I would like, but there is a smooth, pleasant alcohol warmth that I'm enjoying.
Overall: Greg, this is a SUPERB sipper. My first sip made me think it would be too sweet, and I normally don't like to be able to pick up on the alcohol... but the two really play well. Aroma is complex and layered, flavor even more so.
I feel like the carbonation level was a little low... though, as you know, I probably enjoy my beers a tad overcarbed, so what do I know? Then again, the BJCP guidelines suggest moderate carbonation is appropriate, and that the beer ought to have a "large" head, though they allow for no persistence.
Posted 34 days ago.
Edited 34 days ago by homebrewdad