Sun Jun 26, 2005 1:52 pm
750 ml. brown bottle, corked, with a strange looking banded cage on it. 2003 batch. Lot number 131484. $9.99 at Rip's. Poured out a deep, dark amber color, with a huge cappuccino colored head. It fades slowly back to yeasty islands floating on top of the beer. Aromas are of slight smoky malts, brandied fruits, nutmeg, cinnamon, bready yeast, rum soaked plums, and definitely alcohol. Tastes of smoky malt, spices, and dried, dark mascerated fruits. Aromatic alcohols fill the nose along with the spices, and blend into a fruitcake in a glass. Rich mouthfeel, sharp tingly finish to it as well. No hops aromas, but a slight hops zing at the end, before it is swallowed. A really good Christmas beer. Would go really well with a rich Christmas feast, like a smoked goose, or a honey baked ham. One of the best seasonals I've ever had, bar none.
