 ClarkVV (3547), Allston, Massachusetts, USA
Oct 6, 2003 Updated: Apr 7, 2004
Pours a murky caramel brown, however, there are some drab brown tinges in there as well. Pretty dark stuff. Smells fairly stiff and pungent, but not overly aromatic (wow, i guess I am on my own here, though I did have a cold, I'll have to sniff some more of this soon!). Alcohol noticeable. Small fizzy brownish/yellow head. Bubbly and moderately clouded. Initially was quite carbonated and that added a harsh element to the palate. Beer begins with big hops flavors mixed in with lots of dry caramel and lush raisin. The caramel malt flavor continues to build up on the palette, growing sweeter with some chocolate covered cherry appeal towards the finish, maybe some raspberry in there too. Finish is soft and warm, some small hops flavors detectable, and a very unique roasted peanut flavor is faintly detectable. Moderately astringent flavor up front is my biggest problem, but as the beer warms and breathes, this dies off somewhat (though it never really loses its dry, loose initial flavor). More hops would help out up front, though the main body is medium full and perfectly malty. As I finished the bottle off over the next hour or so, it just got better. No cloyingness, great depth and still tastes great at almost room temperature. I definitely need to try terrible and then rerate the des Rocs Grand cru as well.
PaulHegedus (43), Brampton, Ontario, Canada
Aug 29, 2008 Bottle at Smokeless Joe, Toronto, July 2007. Pours red orange with a wonderful aroma of plum, raisin, orange. The flavour is super dense, complex dark fruit, raisin, plum, sugar, candy, spices.
craftycarl21 (184), South Hero, Vermont, USA
Aug 20, 2008 Pours an orange brown with fizzy head and risidual sediment. Aroma holds apple cider, some raisin, plum, and yeast. Flavor has brown sugar, molasses, malt, and dried apricots. Tingly mouthfeel with sweetness and a dry finish. Very impressive shift between aroma and flavor. Very nice brew.
dchmela (695), Orlando, Florida, USA
Aug 18, 2008 750ml bottle shared with Lee. Pours a cloudy reddish brown with a quickly dissipating white head. Aroma is sweet candy and malt, unbelievable that this has no sugar added to it. Sweet malt candy taste with hints of fruit. Very smooth and tasty, finishes clean and gives no hint to its strength. Very good.
Jblauvs (154), Manchester, New Hampshire, USA
Aug 18, 2008 Dark brown, amber pour. fizzy, dissipating head. Spicy , malty aromas with some notes of apple and banana. Flavor is sweet, dried fuirt, brown sugar and a very dry finish with some alcohol warming.
oteyj (322), Canterbury, New Hampshire, USA
Aug 18, 2008 Pours reddish brown with one finger head and a host of floaters. Aroma is cider, candied apple, molasses, caramel, and some spicy yeast. Flavor is very sweet and powerful, but not overly complex. Lots of brown sugar and dark fruit. Palate is smooth, but not overly full or viscous, and leaves a bone dry finish.
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