 Beerlando (1122), Orlando, Florida, USA
May 13, 2008
Pours a dark mahogany brown color. A translucent cola color shows at the edges. The frothy, light brown head settles to a thin, fizzy layer, leaving sticky ribbons of lacing on the glass. The aroma shows a complex blend of dark chocolate, molasses, indiscernible dark fruits, scorched wood, and vanilla. The woody note is similar to beechwood on the nose. There is a faintly tannic feel to the fruit component, balanced by a touch of overly-ripe banana sweetness. Flavors are equally complex, ranging from imperial porter-like chocolate roastiness to Belgian strong ale fruits and spices. The vanilla component is huge, with the distinct wood imparting darkly charred, funky vinousness. A medium-full, slick body is finely carbonated. Deceptively easy to drink at 12%. Finishes long and roasty, with lingering tannins. A truely unique and finely tuned brew. This one defies conventional categorization, and defies it well. Great beer.
fidel (39), Livermore, California, USA
Jul 4, 2008 Black, Roasted malts, coffee, chocolate, nutty, caramel, wood, dark fruit, molasses, dry finish
CamdenD (543), Madrid, Spain
Jul 3, 2008 Hugely impressive beer. To be perfectly honest, my expectations were not terribly high given DFH’s recent penchant for odd yet not terribly drinkable beers. This is an anomaly and one that should probably get added to DFH’s regular lineup. Stronger and more interesting than their Immort and definitely comparable to almost any imperial stout, this beer has nice wood overtones yet good balance hop scaffolding. Great barelywine alternative to those looking for a nightcap when it’s over 70 degrees.
Glouglouburp (1829), Montreal, Quebec, Canada
Jul 3, 2008 In short: A very woody and roasted sipper with a personality of its own.
How: Bottle. Sample at Mondial de la Bière 2008
The look: Black body topped by small tan ring of foam
In long: Strong nose of alcohol, raisin pie and wood. Taste is wood/barrel upfront. Thankfully this is not yet another bourbon barrel character, this one has a pleasant old wooden chest feeling (if that makes any sense to you). Opening the drawers of my old wooden chest I found flavours of highly roasted nuts, fudge, raisins, grapes and molasses. Sweet but not overly so, the medium-high roastiness level helps to hide the sweetness and create a dryness sensation. I was surprisingly surprised by this one. 12% is as well hidden as a my good education after I have a six-pack of these.
theisti (951), Leawood, Kansas, USA
Jul 2, 2008 12 oz bottle courtesy of bvc. Bottled on date of 04/16/08. Pour is black with some faint ruby highlights, with a three inch tan head which settles nicely. A bunc of big carbonation bubbles lead to a very fluffy head that leaves behind gorgeous lacing. Aroma is roasty maltiness, wood, and slightly sweet almost vanilla cherry element to it. Interesting nose, all nicely blended together. Taste reveals quite a bit more of the woodiness from the nose. The vanilla and roastiness are present as well, though the wood is really the dominant flavor. As the beer warms, the vanilla sweetness again shows some cherry. Alcohol is present with its warmth, though it very much tastes a part of the overall flavor, rather than apart from the overall flavor. For a 12% beer, the alcohol is actually remarkably subdued, particularly for how young this bottle is. Some licorice is evident in the after taste. Palate is medium to full. Decently mouth coating. Very drying finish. Overall, a very interesting, well constructed beer. Thanks for sending this one my way, Brandon.
benwa420 (22), Aspen, Colorado, USA
Jul 2, 2008 If you get the chance to try this beer you need to jump on it. full flavored brown ale with the perfect amount of woody flavor. definitly get the hint of vanilla to make it a little sweet. Good Beer. Thank you Dogfish Head again.
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