Chicago Hawaiian Honey

12 oz bottle. higher alcohols very evident, yet does not belie its 12% abv. Tastes more on the 7-8% level. Still very drinkable. Honey evident in the aroma and in the flavor, the malt tries to keep up but just can’t. A bit out of balance, but still a pleasant surprise.

Sample at the brewpub. This beer pours a clear honey color with a thin off-white head that diminishes steadily. Spotty lacing on the glass. Aroma of honey and brady malt, along with some spice. Medium-bodied with a mouthfeel like a lighter Barley Wine, this is definitely a sipper. Flavors of wheat, dark malt, tart fruit and honey are all present. The finish is round and sweet with a lingering honey and spice aftertaste. Although this is a unique beer, it is hard to imagine drinking an entire snifter of it.

12-1-07 tap at brewery
Smells of honey and sourdough bread, with a background of alcohol. Hard to swallow because the taste of alcohol is not well masked at all. Can actually taste the honey too. Has a honey texture and aftertaste - the name is not lying - this is a HONEY beer! Not big on the honey texture - it seems to sap all the moisture out of the mouth and stays on the tongue for longer than I’d like and the alcohol presence in the taste isn’t great either.

2007 PP Strong Ale Fest: Poured a clear golden color. Sweet aroma with honey and malt dominating. Moderate level of alcohol on the nose. Sweet malty flavor to start. Honey and alcohol on the finish. Medium-full body.

Name: Hawaiian Honey Aloha Ale
Date: 11/30/2007
Mode: Draft
Source: Tasting, Strong Ale Fest

hazy dark gold, fine off white head, sweet honey and malt aroma with a peppery spicy edge, big body with a bit of stickyness, rich sweet honey flavor, touch of alcohol, light spicyness adds the needed complexity and balance, lasting sweet honey finish,

Aroma: 6/10; Appearance: 7/10; Flavor: 7/10; Palate: 7/10; Overall: 12/20
Rating: 3.3/5.0
Drinkability: 7/10
Score: **/4