4.1 AROMA 7/10 APPEARANCE 3/5 TASTE 9/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 18/20
A- Pours a translucent ruby red to brown hue, head is off-white and completely disappears within a minute, no lacing
S- Nose is surprisingly subtle, mostly dark fruits (raisins) and molasses, slight alcohol and caramel tones
T- Initial taste is a blast of rich, chewy raisins with some slight bitter hops, the sweetness is short-lived, leaving a finish of mostly alcohol warming, delicious
M- Full-bodied ale, thick chewy texture, mild carbonation
D- One of my favorites from the ’Grand Cru’/ strong ale style, the alcohol is there but not overwhelming, the sweetness is present but not cloying, nice balance and drinkable at 10%abv
4 AROMA 8/10 APPEARANCE 4/5 TASTE 8/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 16/20
Courtesy SoLan from a RBSG signed bottle. This one pours a dark amberish orange color with a small off white head that slwoly settles to a thin film. Nice streaks of lacing in the glass are left behind. The aroma is very inviting and shows notes of candy sugar, caramel, vanilla, and sweet fruits. The flavor follows the same lines with creamy caramel and candy sugar providing the sweetness. Some chocolate covered cherries and vanilla add complexity into the fold along with a tartness from the yeast. Medium bodied and very smooth, but not sticky like you may think. A clean finish with some warmth from the alcohol. Very nice brew and one I look forward to again.
3.6 AROMA 7/10 APPEARANCE 3/5 TASTE 7/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 15/20
Bottle, probably about two years old. Reddish-orangish brown body, small off-white head, sweet nose with caramel and slightly fruity notes. Distinct brown sugar flavor, with a hint of caramel and fruit. Soft body, hides alcohol very well.
3.7 AROMA 7/10 APPEARANCE 4/5 TASTE 7/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 15/20
Red foil. At least a year old. Warm reddish brown with a thin light tan head. Very sweet nose. Vinous with honey and caramel. Very fruity, but not overbearing. Very very sweet. Fully creamy mouth with lower carbonation. Sweet full flavor. Grapey. Raisins. Fruity alcohol. A bit astringent. Not a bad beer at all, opened up quite a bit as it warmed up.
4.2 AROMA 8/10 APPEARANCE 4/5 TASTE 9/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 17/20
Darker brown color with some sugary raisin bread, yeast, and sharpness in the nose. Flavor is a really nice mix of sweet bready malts, chocolate, and brown sugar. Nice feel & finish. A real treasure from Alesmith.
3.2 AROMA 7/10 APPEARANCE 4/5 TASTE 6/10 PALATE 3/5 OVERALL 12/20
Bottle, purchased last summer, not really sure which vintage. Aroma of raisins, doughy Belgian yeast, caramel malt. Flavor the same, maybe some chocolate in there too, but just a basic Belgian Strong to me with few intricacies, and too sweet for my liking as well. Ok at best for me.
4.3 AROMA 9/10 APPEARANCE 3/5 TASTE 9/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 18/20
06 vintage signed by Peter Zein! Deep ruddy brown color with a sticky creamy tan head. Aromas of bruised apple flesh, chocolate-covered caramel, and grapes. Extremely appealing. Flavor is sweet bready malts and chocolate accented by red fruits, citrus, and cidery notes. Just delicious. Mouthfeel and body are perfect. Another epic Alesmith beer.
3.3 AROMA 6/10 APPEARANCE 4/5 TASTE 7/10 PALATE 3/5 OVERALL 13/20
Bottle, aged ~1 year. Pours a deep brown with a small white head. Aroma of raisin and sweet malt. Flavor is vegetal, quite malty and heavy in the palate. A little better as it warms, but it’s super sweet. This is supposed to age well, but I didn’t like how it turned out. Meh, not a fan.
6/4/7/3/13 (3.3/5)
3.4 AROMA 7/10 APPEARANCE 3/5 TASTE 7/10 PALATE 3/5 OVERALL 14/20
Bottle. 2006 vintage. Poured a slightly hazy ruddy orange color. There wasn’t much head other than a few small soap bubbles. Nice enough aroma of alcohol, fig, clove, subdued cinnamon, and orange peel. Medium bodied and slightly sweet. I tasted dark fruits, orange peel, mixed spices, and malty molasses. Decent, but not as good as I had expected.
4 AROMA 7/10 APPEARANCE 4/5 TASTE 7/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 18/20
Bottle shared by Solan I beleive! Thanks Alan! My second Alesmith of the evening. Do these folks make a bad beer? Sweet aroma of caramels, figs and apple cider. Flavor was a bit of a sour wine like taste followed by vanilla and chocolate. Very delightful!
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