 kepano (239), Meudon, France
Mar 12, 2008
High expectations always precede the Port brewers, and Angel’s Share was perhaps at the highest level. The pour is a great surprise, almost stoutish in hue, its black depth is set ablaze by maroon contours and a creamy dark foam that recedes rapidly. The nose shows an obvious maturity, a complex amalgam minutely arranged. Darkness imbues the essence of this brew, from the dried figs, prunes, raisins and cranberries to the deep caramel and molasses. Oak and its vanillin are notable influences of the barrel aging, as are the hints of whiskey. Dusty cocoa powder is apparent, added to cherry, hazelnut and grape bubblegum. Unfortunately whiskey becomes almost obtrusive on the palate, particularly as it melds with an alcoholic heat present throughout the experience. The sweet, somewhat sticky mouthfeel reminds of toffee, cubeb pepper, anise and mint. It is a powerful brew yet the complexity is delicate and the texture surprisingly creamy and soft. A rich Carambar-like caramel flavor lends a strong malt backbone supplemented by Nutella and highlighted by tonalities of plum, vanilla, licorice and even banana. The Angel’s Share is a vigorous effort that nonetheless retains thoughtfulness and balance. The long complex aftertaste is a testament to the impressive technique of the brewers, but when all is said and done, I wish the barrel aging had not been so overpowering as I always like to see a beer speak for itself. (31/03/2007)
fata2683 (840), Panama City, Florida, USA
Nov 9, 2009 2007 vintage, an official bad day at work beer. Bottle pours, a murky mahogany with a medium tan head. Very evil looking. Strong and complex aroma of red wine, oak, vanilla, brandy, and green raisins. Wow, nice red grape, raisin, spiced apple, and brandy finish with vanilla and oak notes that are very dry on the tongue like a good red wine. Very nice and suprising. This is like a glass of brandy, a glass of red wine, and a sweet british barley wine all in one. I love it.
hombrepalo (748), Chicago, Illinois, USA
Nov 9, 2009 FoBAB 2009. This one was on tap so therefor it had carbonation. And at a tasting this did not cost me $30 to try. The pour is dark, had some head from the carbonation. Aroma of dark fruits, plums and figs. Taste is similar with a alcohol presence. A bit on the heavy side.
fraternie (709), Chicago, Illinois, USA
Nov 8, 2009 Fruity, malty and slightly sour, with plum and banana notes intertwining amazingly and demonstrating balance. Sour hints linger.
Arayaga2 (933), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Nov 7, 2009 Brownish black, and almost headless. Aroma is spicy and vinous with soy sauce umami notes. That umami is present in taste, but merely a background element to the rich, figgy oxidized tastes that dominate to the point of being hard to drink. Finishes with lingering toffee and coffee flavors not otherwise present. Yet another oxidation bomb that brings me back to SA Triplebock 8$/10 oz
jujubeast6000 (772), Houston, Texas, USA
Nov 4, 2009 Reviewed 8/10/2009 (Bottle 2008):
Pours a very dark reddish colored body. Small off-white head, diminishing. Smells like whiskey, brandy. Smooth fruity aroma. A little funky smelling. Muted aroma, not very strong. Slick taste, dark fruit aftertaste. Some roasted flavors, doesn’t taste like beer at all. Funky taste, slick like whiskey. Not sure how to rate this, doesn’t taste like any beer I’ve had before. Better as it warms, some chocolate taste comes out. Dark fruit like fig.
zapprentice (309), East Setauket, New York, USA
Nov 3, 2009 Bottle was flat, never carbonated. Was yeast in the bottle. Not bad though. Wouldnt say it was outstanding, but something I could enjoy. Lots of sugars in the aroma, caramel, toffee, white chocolate. Similar flavor
cprochak (388), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Nov 2, 2009 10 oz. draft at Tria. Pours a deep dark brown, with slightest hints of ruby. No head at all. Nose is filled with brandy (booze, apple, cherry and currants), molasses/caramel, and hints of wood. Incredibily sweet on the tongue with only the slightest hint of a bitter coffee finish. Full mouthfeel. Drinks like a fine cognac or brandy and I see no reason for any carbonation.
bp (452), Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA
Nov 2, 2009 Draft: Pours a dark redish-brown (so dark that is almost black) with no head, aroma of booze, vanilla, oak, dark fruit, taste is heavy on the brandy, dark fruit, vanilla and oak, fairly full mouthfeel and a nice warming finish. I now see why this is so highly rated.
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