Mon Jun 20, 2005 6:38 am
12 oz. brown, longneck bottle. No freshness date seen, but it came from a fresh case. Poured out a medium brown color, with a mocha colored head. Mine had a thick, creamy head to it, after I used my pocket beer engine on it. Left a generous lacing down the sides of the pint glass. Aromas are of hazelnuts, mocha cream caramels, roasted espresso beans, and chocolate malts. Slight vanilla notes along with a brown sugar note as well. Tastes are of brown sugars, roasted malts, slight vanilla, and hazelnuts. Hops are very subdued in both aromas and flavors. It does have a slight earthy hops bite right as it’s swallowed. Slight tickle of alcohol in the back of my throat. Very well made, and balanced. Medium mouthfeel is neither thick nor thin. Finishes roasty and slightly bitter. I’m not one for brown ales as a rule, but this one was an exception I was willing to make.
