Mon Jun 20, 2005 7:04 am
Winter 2002-2003 batch. Strong smell of alcohol when opened. Faint raisin aroma also.Strong currant aroma & taste. Hop aroma non-existent. Low hops bitterness in this batch. Alcohol taste is overwhelming. Dark tan head that fades quickly, leaving slight lace on top. Big, malty profile, some diacetyl present, but not to excess. Bittersweet chocolate taste towards finish. Black as the Ace of spades! Goes down easily, maybe too much so, because this big, malty brute will sneak up on you. A very warming beer, great for matching with a chocolate mousse dessert, or maybe a nice piece of New York cheesecake with fresh raspberries on top. A great brew for those upcoming cold winter nights. I suggest buying 3 cases like I did, and letting them age awhile. Not to be given to friends, most aren't worthy of such a beer.
