Barley Island Sinister Minister Belgian Black Ale

Black ales and black lagers are elusive specimens, so I am very pleased to partake of a Belgian inspired black ale. Into her dark depths do I prepare to surrender my soul.
her sinisterly seductive liquid fills my glass a dark brown with slight light glinting through along the sides of the glass; a faint amber hue. Not too much head, but an almost immediate brussels lace trail sticks to the sides of my glass. Her nose is lightly sweet with yeast and fresh fall apples. A touch of spice adds to the mix. My first quaff is full of bready chewiness and a smooth, slightly oily body. Faint effervescence prevents Sinister Minister from being too thick and overly cloying, though she definitely has a full body and mouthfeel. a bit more of a sweet and sour twang in the palate as opposed to the nose, leaving an almost lingering sour yeast pucker in the finish. A touch of banana notes alongside the crisp fall apples and spice.
Overall, an intriguing brew. The Belgian style element really changes this black ale from something ordinarily extraordinary into something unusually extraordinary. A bit confused I think as I was left not quite sure the overall impression the Barley Island Sinister Minister Belgian Black Ale was going for, but I do know I enjoyed it. Good; could maybe use a wee bit of fine-tuning, but not much. I would drink it again.

Bottle... Post RBSG ’08 O-Town/Vero Beach Throwdown Chapter 8... Clear, deep, dark mahogany ale with a small, creamy, khaki head. Decent retention. The fruity, estery aroma provides notations of chocolate and banana. Medium-bodied with lively carbonation. Perfectly balanced, but there’s just not much going on. Finishes bland and watery. It’s not my cup of tea, but thanks to SoLan for providing the bottle of beer!

Bomber courtesy of StFun. Pours a clear dark reddish brown with minimal head. Nose is light coffee, mild cocoa, roasted barley and smoke. Taste is pretty much like the aroma, except there’s a dark fruitiness right as you take a sip. Lighter, prickly mouth feel. Not bad – thanks Josh!

Dark amber color out of the bottle with a fizzy beige head that left quickly. Thin, watery sweet nose. Not a lot of character in here, but nothing really offensive. Thin caramel sweetness, some roasted grains and faint chocolate. Kind of boring.

22oz bottle acquired in trade with Sephiroth (thanks!). Poured a deeper reddish brown color with an averaged sized off white head. Aromas of roast, some chocolate, toasted grains, and light coffee. Tastes of licorice, chocolate, caramel, chocolate, lighter roast, and some spices.