Frog Island Spruce Ale

Frog Island Brewing
Brewed at Dark Horse Brewing Company
Style: American Strong Ale
Ypsilanti, Michigan USA

Serve in Snifter, Trappist glass

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Tap at darkhorse; was confused about this, I thought it was brewed in ypsi, oh well. what a beer. Dark deep amber with brown tones, little head with nice lacing. Nose began with a hint of piny/spruce/wood, and ended with the candied fruit and berry hop combination. Mouthfeel is super thick and hearty. Bitterness came through slightly at first, although most notible was the high hop additions, brown sugar, a hint of lavender or lemon. Slightly carbinated, finishes with a slight dry bitterness and alch. note. Reminded me alot of a barley wine. Good

I believe this is also Frog Island’s 10th Anniversary beer, brewed by and on tap at Dark Horse. Murky coppery-brown body, thin cream head. Sweet aroma with brown sugar, dark candied fruits, caramels, toast, and berries. The hops came through much more strongly in the flavor, with big grapefruit notes complementing the dark fruits, "twigs" and berries. This sort of has a Scotch Ale feel but with heavier hopping and sweetness. Alcohol notable. The beer was clearly carbonated but felt a little bit lifeless and flat on the palate, perhaps due to the heavy syrupy body. Bitter finish, not flavor-dense after the initial punch. Worth a try. Oh, and the upcoming Wee Heavy is already tasting delicious six days after it was brewed!