 Gregis (923), Shawnee, Kansas, USA
Aug 10, 2007
Bottle of the 2006 vintage. If simply being "complex" made a beer great, this would be one of the greats. I, however, have a difficult time espousing the complexities of a beer that I didn’t enjoy drinking. I actually opted to pour the remainder of this one out to move onto another beer. It looks nice: a ruby-brown with a large, creamy, tan head. It smells quite nice: sweet roasted malt, gingerbread, allspice, and other minty/spicy notes. It reminds me much of a scented candle that my wife would burn around the holidays. The mouthfeel and flavor, however, left me wishing that I’d just stopped at the pre-drinking phase of the rating. Medium-bodied and oily it finishes dry/astringent and bitter. The flavor is unique, but it’s certainly not my cup of tea. Dark roasted malt, black tea and an astringent, plastic soapiness that tastes like I’ve just popped a handful of potpourri in my mouth. Not a pleasant experience; this is an example of a beer that can receive a higher rating than my overall impression simply because it looks and smells nicely. I have no desire to try this one again.
nqualls (422), Tennessee, USA
Oct 1, 2008 Bottle. Poured a dark red with a three finger tan head. Aroma of cinnamon, nutmeg and clove. Flavor was caramel and spices. Good beer.
lithy (247), Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
Sep 30, 2008 2007 Vintage. Deep ruby ale looks black except in the light. Thick frothy tan head that has nice retention lingers forever leaving a sticky coating of lace on the glass. Clove aromas, cinnamon, nutmeg reminds of eggnog. Nutty caramel and more of the previous spices. Excellent malt and spices.
StFun (339), Indiana, USA
Sep 13, 2008 Thanks to Sparky for sending this one my way. I’m not a big fan of spicey beers, but this one is done very well. Pours a deep purple-brown, with a thin head. Aroma is gingerbread and spice. Flavor is the same, with some nuts, carmel, and bitter chocolate. Nice notes of some dark fruit as well. A very sippable beer, I enjoyed this one a lot.
Bullit (589), Glasgow, Scotland
Aug 24, 2008 Dark brown colour, tan head. Aroma is of caramel, roasted malts and spices. Flavour has roasted malts and cloves. Nice one.
GMCC2181 (434), Bear, Delaware, USA
Aug 21, 2008 Bottle from Ibrew2or3. It says 2005 on it. Black with a small tan head. Funky aroma, not sure exactly what that is... Taste is funky as well . Black cheeries, spicy, malty cocoa, spicy. Weird but in a good way. Texture is medium and easy to drink. Overall a good beer to try. Thanks Dave!
|
