Shipyard Prelude Ale

Best by date of November 2006, Sampled January 2006
This beer sits an almost brilliantly clear, deep amber color in my glass. It is topped by a frothy, one-finger thick, tan colored head. The aroma is initially quite fruity with notes of fig and prunes. Underneath this is an immediate note of diacetyl; it is note so strong that it overwhelms the beer though. It actually adds a bit to the complexity to this brew; after a bit it seems to accentuate the fruit character, perhaps even bringing out a straight forward berry note.

The beer has a medium full body and a finish that has a lingering, lightly-astringent bitterness. The diacetyl is definitely noticeable in the flavor as well, but at least it is subdued enough that it is not obnoxious to this diacetyl sensitive person. The diacetyl actually accentuates the fruitiness in this beer; I get notes of fig, some date-like notes and a soft berry note towards the end. This beer is quite malty; lots of toffee, a caramel note and some dry toasted notes. This is definitely a nice winter warmer, it is rich and satisfying with an interesting mix of flavors. Yes even the subtle diacetyl adds to the complexity of this brew, though I could wish there was a bit more character here (though hold the diacetyl in check please).

Reddish amber hue, good head formation. Caramel, sugarry aroma, mildly burnt. Smooth palate, mild caramel, mildly toasty. Smooth easy drinker, but a little lifeless.

I very good beer for the cold winter nights. Has a good variety of malt yet a subtle presence of hops just to make it bitter enough. Holiday spices and good ingredents makes this beer great

The aroma is cereal with chocolate, paper, and coffee. The appearance is reddish brown with a large head that falls fast. The flavor is almost exactly like the aroma with the addition of spice and tea. The palate is ok but a bit to thin for the style. This is a good beer that could be better.

Poured a deep amber. Big flavor upfront (somewhat sweet) with a slightly bitter finish. I really like these kind of beers, I just wish it had more of a finish.

Bottle from a Holiday Pack--Dark brown color with a small of cherry aroma. Decent lacing, with a medium head. Solid malt flavor with a slight hop kick to finish.

12 oz bottle, best by 9/06-pours a big, foamy, rocky tan head that retains. Clear dark amber color with effervescence. Aroma is malt, sweet, touch of bitter hops. Taste is malt, bitter, then sweet starts to come through but the alcohol overrides the sweetness. The malts and hops are close to balanced…

Poured a dark effervescent mahogany with a semi-creamy off-white head. Aroma of wildflowers, citrus hops, and biscuit dough. Flavor is very floral with some hazelnut and dry grassy hop flavor. Finish is nuts, toffee, and some herbal hop essences. Refreshing.