Gusler (2655), Tucson, Arizona, USA Mar 31, 2004 Well, I was going to use this as my 6000th beer, but since I have some Dark Lord, I think it is more fitting for that milestone, so I decided to sample this beer.
As it spews from the bottle, it settles in the glass a deep murky brown with ruby high lights, looks to be a bit of dross also laying on the bottle, so I will need to decant, the head is piled high on the body, the color a light tan and the texture creamy, as it slowly fades away, the lace forms a thick and sticky sheet to smother the glass. Nose is musty, caramel sweet with hints of fusel alcohol also somewhat acidic, start is thick with malt, lightly sweet with a moderate to full top. Finish has a middling acidity, the hops potent as is the 10.5 percent ABV, leaves a definite tummy warming sensation, very dry aftertaste, quite a load this beer and quite tasty, and another winner from Bell’s, but its certainly not meant for the weak of palate, so drinker beware.
mrkimchee (1414), Toronto, Ontario, Canada Mar 28, 2004 deep red/brown, off white head. brown sugar, currant, bitter chocolate and toffee aroma. roasty malt flavour is nice but the flavours in the aroma aren't quite showing though yet. very nice and will be great with a little age. daalamar (403), bardstown, Kentucky, USA Mar 21, 2004 What a beer!!! Pours a very dark red with almose no head. Arome is stout like with massive malt roasted notes but the hops do make a suprise apperance with a quick snap in the nostrils. Flavor is roasty and strong not nearly as sweet as one would expect, hops make a more pronounced appearance in the finish, and I got a little peppermint. WONDERFUL! DougShoemaker (2855), Toronto, Canada Mar 20, 2004 Aroma of caramel, chocolate, coffee and treacle. Deep amber/copper and a small toffee head. Malty flavour, with caramel, plums, and some citrusy hops. Medium bodied, a fine bitterness, great mouthfeel. Terrific! Thanks joey capps. tomxcs (315), Golden, Colorado, USA Mar 19, 2004 Mahogany with thin but lasting beige head. Malty, woody aroma. Very rich, creamy feel. Tastes of brandy, wood, dark dried fruits, alcohol. Good amount of hops which gives a nice bitter aftertaste. Somewhat harsh -- still too young -- needs some aging. Still very good. joeycapps (1466), Waterdown, Ontario, Canada Mar 18, 2004 Updated: Mar 19, 2004Deep amber-brown. Cloudy w/ creamy, swirling mocha head. Rich, sweet aroma of cafe au lait, dark fruit, raisins, caramel & toffee. Soft, full body. Robust, slightly roasty flavour of licorice, chocolate & fruit. Mild, dry alcohol & pine in the finish. Nicely balanced. jables (101), Champaign, Illinois, USA Mar 16, 2004 Poured a very cloudy honey brown color with a medium tan head and a ton of yeast (its beautiful).
The aroma is big with malty sweetness and a lingering pine note, so the hops are present but subdued.
The taste is big up front with malt but that soon gives way to slick hoppiness that takes over. Alcohol is definitely evident. Mouthfeel is silky smooth. The finish is crisp and dry with hops all over the finish.
Its a little harsh as the hops are a little pushy, but this is an otherwise very balanced brew. This is a great beer but could be even better with some time in the cellar.
smoosh (523), New Albany, Indiana, USA Mar 15, 2004 Draft - as dark a barley wine as I've seen. A hint of amber in the bottom of the glass when viewed through the light. Tightly bubbled head. Big hop nose and flavor. Obviously quite young, but delicious!
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