3.6 AROMA 7/10 APPEARANCE 4/5 TASTE 7/10 PALATE 3/5 OVERALL 15/20
Stocking stuffer sent from my sister-- thanks! Handsome bottle with a wax seal. Pours a mahogany tinted near black with an almond coloured bubbly head that reduces to a thin ring with scant early lace. Chocolate and burnt malt aroma. Same flavour delivery with a nice medium-heavy mouthfeel, generous malt profile, dry clean finish with low bitterness and medium sweetness. A very solid schwarz, with a higher alcohol content that is well integrated and not intrusive.
4.2 AROMA 7/10 APPEARANCE 5/5 TASTE 9/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 17/20
Pours nearly completely opaque black with hints of deep brown and red. Thin brown head that dissipates nicely. Smells a bit smoky with nice undertones of roasted malt. Flavor has strong roasted malts and smokiness up front with a hint of bitterness. Long lasting coffee or dark chocolate tasting finish. Carbonation is low, but it’s perhaps not quite as thick as a stout, very creamy though. A very nicely balanced beer.
3.5 AROMA 6/10 APPEARANCE 3/5 TASTE 7/10 PALATE 4/5 OVERALL 15/20
UPDATED: FEB 26, 2008 From bottle. I thought I needed to re rate this beer after hearing big things about it. I have to say second time around the beer has a different texture to it and seems to have matured. Aroma and appearance still the same rating, still very Garrison. Flavour seems more complex this time around, hints of chocolate, roasted malts. The thin metallic element is not present this time but a smooth texture. As I take a sip it sends a rush to the head. probably from the alcohol content but not overpowering, just a great way to take in the strong flavours. A fine beer from Garrison. I understand it more but feel its more of a stout to a black lager, but what the heck its still good whatever it is.
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