 awaisanen (1143), Irvine, California, USA
Aug 15, 2007
From a 750mL Bottle. Mild pop upon un-corking the bottle. Pours a transparent, fiery black cherry color with a finger of creamy beige head. Impressive clarity; it’s like looking into one of those king marbles that appears to be black from a distance, but reveals a deep ruby color on close inspection. Head fizzles a bit quickly, leaving a blotchy layer of uneven sea suds floating aimlessly on top; a quick swirl of the glass sends the foam rebuilding in the right direction. Lots of raisin in the nose, along with some mild vanilla and dusty, woody yeast esters that have a subtle mace-like quality. Toasted chestnuts and creme brulee sugar. Intriguingly complex nose, but not overwhelming - patience is necessary for full appreciation. Medium bodied, creamy carbonated mouthfeel. Carbonation is a bit on the light side and could use a bit of a zip to help accentuate the spicy characters. Notes of shaved nutmeg and coconut shell start out on the palate, but fade with the carbonation, leaving a somewhat blander coating of thin raisin juice left sitting on the tongue. I want to say it has a fig like fruitiness, but it’s as if the fig spice flees with the carbonation, leaving a somewhat less interesting fruit character behind. Dry enough and not sweet, but far from being light and crisp. Finishes dark and leathery, with some chewy tobacco and oaky raisin skins left lingering on the palate.
EricE (233), Beltsville, Maryland, USA
Sep 2, 2008 Hazy opaque orange brown pour. With a light tan head. Raisins, cloves, and bananas on the nose. A bit of alcohol. Intense clove banana flavor. Some spice. Alcohol lingers on the tongue. Not bad, but nothing too special.
Praetorian (51), Los Angeles, California, USA
Sep 1, 2008 Cloudy amber in color with an average sized, light brown head with minimal lacing. The aroma is dominated by dark fruits, namely rasins, there were also notes of brandy and caramel. The Flavor was somewhat sweet with a rasin overtone and notes of wood, brandy and caramel. It was heavily carbonated. The texture was watery. I wouldnt call it a bad beer, but I’ve had much better.
hellbilly (865), scottsdale über alles, Arizona, USA
Aug 31, 2008 pours a rather unappealing cloudy dark brown color with some touches of burgundy. it’s got a soft creamy tan cap which fades a whole lot quicker than i anticipated. almost metallic super malty aroma with notes of yeast, the sweetness from dried fruits, black and golden raisins, sugar cane and some spiciness. it’s quite malty and fruity yet dry on the palate... wood, brown sugar (without the sweet), yeast astringency, spice, some tannins on the mid palate and a floral finish. medium body, dry and smooth but a bit high on the carbonation (which calms after warming). sadly, i could drink this all day and not think about it. it’s tasty but nothing really stands out for me...
LooseCannon (660), Norfolk, Virginia, USA
Aug 31, 2008 750ml bottle. Thanks to Immy for this one. Pours reddish copper in color with brown head. Aroma sweet, brown suger, fruity and malty. Taste brown suger, fruity, spicey and roasted malt with dry finsih.
v8powered (14), , Nevada, USA
Aug 30, 2008 Pours smooth with a light head and red amber color. Very smooth carmel and candy sugar flavors with a light taste of raisins and dark fruit. Malty with a slight clove flavor with a flavor that reminds me of a dark rum. Very little butterness. This beer has a great aroma and drinks very nice. One of the more enjoyable beers I have had.
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