 willblake (1927), Long Branch, New Jersey, USA
Jun 24, 2005
06.24.05 750ml bottle, drink by 2008. The pour is a hazy burgundy brown, much lighter than I expected for some reason. The bottle was a very slight gusher and the head filled half of my Duvel glass. I was anxious to try this beer that has somehow eluded me for so many years, so I took a sip of very cold beer through the foam. Big mistake as it was all mineral, vinous, and harshly dry. Once it warmed to a more reasonable temp, I got down to enjoying the beer. Very mild aromas, much moreso than I thought I’d find from such a highly regarded brew. Some butterscotch, fig, honey, sweet tea, dried orange rind, mild cocoa bitter-sweetness. Nice balance all around and yet perceptively complex. Most everyone should find something to like in a beer like this, but nothing for me really stands out as exceptional. I bet I’d like it better if it was older.
craftycarl21 (184), South Hero, Vermont, USA
Aug 20, 2008 Pours an orange brown with fizzy head and risidual sediment. Aroma holds apple cider, some raisin, plum, and yeast. Flavor has brown sugar, molasses, malt, and dried apricots. Tingly mouthfeel with sweetness and a dry finish. Very impressive shift between aroma and flavor. Very nice brew.
dchmela (695), Orlando, Florida, USA
Aug 18, 2008 750ml bottle shared with Lee. Pours a cloudy reddish brown with a quickly dissipating white head. Aroma is sweet candy and malt, unbelievable that this has no sugar added to it. Sweet malt candy taste with hints of fruit. Very smooth and tasty, finishes clean and gives no hint to its strength. Very good.
Jblauvs (154), Manchester, New Hampshire, USA
Aug 18, 2008 Dark brown, amber pour. fizzy, dissipating head. Spicy , malty aromas with some notes of apple and banana. Flavor is sweet, dried fuirt, brown sugar and a very dry finish with some alcohol warming.
oteyj (322), Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA
Aug 18, 2008 Pours reddish brown with one finger head and a host of floaters. Aroma is cider, candied apple, molasses, caramel, and some spicy yeast. Flavor is very sweet and powerful, but not overly complex. Lots of brown sugar and dark fruit. Palate is smooth, but not overly full or viscous, and leaves a bone dry finish.
HughConway (259), USA
Aug 15, 2008 Bottle. Pours deep brown amber with nice tan-white head. Aroma is sweet sour fruit with some spice. Taste is deep, complex, fruit, spice, sour, wine like. Amazing beer.
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