Estes Park Wapiti Brown Ale

I don’t know if was sold originally this way, but the brewmaster labeled this as oak-aged wapiti brown when I visited after Christmas. This is very strong in character. Lots of oak, lots of vanilla in the beer. Not smoky or nutty, but very upfront with a blast of flavor and a thin finish. Strange.

On draft at the brewpub. Oak aged and brewed with a pinch of pumpkin spice. Full-on malt aroma, plenty of dark caramel sweetness, toast, nut, oak, maple syrup, faint cola and licorice with a subtle spiciness. Cloudy brown-red color, head is almost entirely subsiding and no lace to speak of. Flavor is sweet and surprisingly fruity, the oak present in the background about midpoint, finishing nutty, spicy, toasty and full of dark malt sweetness. Some mild raisin and toffee here. Bitterness is not a factor at all. Very light on the effervescence, mouthfeel is a bit on the thin side. Somewhat interesting.