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Home > Brewers > Alaska > Midnight Sun Brewing Company >

Midnight Sun M

 (RETIRED)

Midnight Sun M

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 Percentile 
100
overall
A Barley Wine formerly brewed by
Midnight Sun Brewing Company

Anchorage, Alaska USA

bottling
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on tap
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distribution
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 Ratings  Average  Score  Seasonal  ABV  Style Pctl  Serve in  Advanced 
774.23/5.04.2/5.0Special11.6%99.4 Snifter P  Stats

Commercial Description:
On this 10-year mark, Midnight Sun Brewing Company proudly releases its 1000th batch of beer - a larger-than-life Belgian-style Barley Wine (if such a style exists) simply called M - in commemoration of the enduring spirit that founded and sustains this little brewery in the extreme Northwest. Making M required a massive grain bill - seven seductive malts - boosted by strength-inducing Belgian candi sugar. Once original gravity hit 37 Plato, a frenzied fermentation ensued: four completely fabulous yeast strains, two of Belgian origin, transformed this sweet concoction into all that is beer. But not just any beer. A beer of madcap magnitude - 11.6% ABV. Character and complexity increased exponentialy while M meddled and mellowed for several months in all-American bourbon oak barrels. Blending the aged beer before bottling ascertained smoothness. M is mesmerizing, pouring dark and silky. Caramel and spice waft up from the glass; bourbon, molasses, leather and vanilla follow. The first taste proffers tobacco, burnt sugar and raisin with a sublime port-like finish, but bourbon - smooth, sensuous, brooding bourdon - is ever-present. The finish, a bit edgy like an American take on barley wine, provides the necessary leap toward overall balance. M is a precious gift to ourselves as well as you, seekers of beer-that-is-beyond-beer adventures... We are but mere mortals in the presence of M.

Most RecentTop RatersHighest Ratings Who's Rated This?
 Hairofthedog (416), San Diego, California, USA
4.9 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
10/104/510/105/520/20
Oct 9, 2005  
The aroma had a slight alcohol ester with dark fruit, plums, raisins, roast, malts, and a slight oakiness. The beer poured a deep brown color w/ red hues; almost no head and slight lacing. The flavor had apples, plums, raisins, dark fruit, and oak. The mouthfeel was creamy and well-rounded w/ a full bodied. This beer was absolutely fantastic.... Thanks Darkelf!


 tupalev (2261), Toronto, Ontario, Canada
4.8 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
8/105/510/105/520/20
Jun 26, 2006  
That’s quite a story on the bottle. Generously shared by Blankboy with Hogtown Harry and myself. Pitch black, small tight beige head, looks fantastic. Slightly sour, roast aroma - an interesting combo that works - tons of roast, malt, and chocolate. Wow, what a silky mouthfeel - this is as good as a beer can "feel" in your mouth. Where to start with flavour? Sour tart fruit, tons of chocolate, icing sugar, leather, oil, alcohol, vanilla, and lots of bourbon that never dominates. One of the most stunning beers I have ever had. So balanced, alcohol kept in check. Complex! Drinkable! Thanks for sharing Paul!


 TURDFERGUSON (967), Carrboro, North Carolina, USA
4.8 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
10/104/510/105/519/20
May 26, 2008  
Holy shit. I can’t believe Tom brought this to the gathering. Pours dark brown with a small bubbled head. Nose is rich with brown sugar, caramel, belgian yeast, spices, toffee. Its sweet, without being the least bit cloying. Its rich, oaky and vinous, without being too tannic. Mouthfeel is full, silky and smooth. This is easily the most drinkable barleywines I have ever had. And one of the best beers too. Chewy and smooth. Now I know why so many people want this beer. Thanks so much for sharing Tom!!


 shadey (1298), Rochester, New York, USA
4.7 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
8/104/510/105/520/20
May 18, 2006    Updated: May 7, 2008
Dark dark brown color with swirls of cream laced across the top of the beer. Aroma is beautifuly rich and malty, chocolate and fruit, candi and alcohol. The body is spectacular, smooth, sticky and coating. This is just an exciting beer.


StoutCat (65), Rockville, Maryland, USA
4.7 Aroma Appearance Flavor Palate Overall
10/105/58/105/519/20
Jul 6, 2008  
Dark brown, white-cream colored very thin head. sweet molasses aroma with alcohol bite. Flavors of caramel and vanilla, very smooth and sweet.




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