 VTHopHead (673), Barre, Vermont, USA
May 26, 2008
Draft at Novare Rez in Portland - Poured a darkish amber in color with a small tannish head. Aroma is slightly sweet and malty with a fair amount of spicy hops mixed in. Flavor has that distinctive smoked peat undertone along with a medium sweetness and a surprisingly, but welcome, aggressive hops flavor and bitterness. Has a bit of a "strange" off flavor in the finish, but good none the less...
austone (328), Turku; Pori, Finland
Sep 4, 2008 Murky ruby brown, lacing beige head. Sweet malty aroma, spices and sweet pear. Flavor is also sweet, with liquorice and menthol like spiciness. Little hops in the finish. Full bodied, round silky palate. It’s nicely malty, but just not satisfying, nor diverse enough.
Tranquillity (1068), Espoo, Finland
Aug 30, 2008 Bottled, Kaisla. Dark baer, red body. big white small-bubbled head. Wonderful whiskey aroma, toasted dark bread, rye. The taste is fantastic, roasted rye bread all the way. If you haven’t tried that, come to Finland. Really enjoyable beer.
FatPhil (2101), Espoo, Finland
Aug 17, 2008 330ml bottle (Kaisla, Helsinki)
Hazy reddy brown, small tight head. Sweet dark rye-bready roasty malt aroma. Soft palate, but pleasant carbonation. Slightly yeasty, but good rich roasty body. Some subtle hop bite, but the hops come through more in the finish, and are just a little anaesthetic (probably the hallertau).
Bradrcr (606), Renton, Washington, USA
Aug 4, 2008 7/5/08 at the Seattle International Beerfest. Aroma is sweet and fruity, more Belgian than Scottish. Appearance is brown with a moderate maintained white head. Flavor is malty caramel sweet and only slightly fruity versus the aroma. Mouthfeel is high in carb texture and medium bodied. Overall, good and sweet, but the fruity esters are a bit detracting.
Hoptagon (59), Arlington, Virginia, USA
Jul 30, 2008 Bottle. Pours ruby brown with a large and foamy off white cap. Nose is largely of malt, and toffee with a tiny hint of sharp noble hops. Flavor is heavy on the malt, with crystal and caramel malts predominating. Mouthfeel is slightly more carbonated than a traditional scotch ale, but gives the beer an extra zing. Can’t quite put my finger on it, but the beer finishes with a distinct yeasty Belgian quality. Hops are also more noticeable in the finish as is a touch of warmth from the alcohol. An interesting twist on one of my favorite styles. Well done.
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