 ClarkVV (3547), Allston, Massachusetts, USA
Jan 18, 2008
Draught tulip at Sunset Grill on 11/17/07
Deep chartreuse-tinted mahogany with some light tan notes on the edges. Clear, with a fleeting chestnut head that leaves little/no lacing.
Ginger and dry nutmeg are strong in the nose, with wisps of chocolate malt nuances on the edges and powdery cocoa mixing with ginger again on the finish. Excessively clean smelling, with little in the way of wholesome or rich malts. Just some passing sugariness and mostly an array of spicing. Not particularly hoppy, and no real yeast suggestions break through (no fruitiness). Definite alcohol sharpness emerges with breathing, on the finish. No flaws, medium strength of aroma.
After two relatively successful Left Hand beers before this one (the smoked goose and the warrior), I was really hoping this would prove to have the same softness of palate (relatively speaking) as those. It certainly did not. Extremely hard, crystal malt-like structure shows hard candy-like sugariness, with too much reliance on spicing to add flavor. Way too much ginger, creating too much astringency and meatiness. Powdery cocoa notes followed by soda water-like flavors on the bland finish from the loose carbonation. Alcohol warmth further dries things out. Like a really, really poorly done Anchor OSA clone with too much alcohol. Difficult to finish.
blutt59 (798), Dallas, Texas, USA
Sep 27, 2008 bottle, labeled xxxmas, dark amber color, nose is spicy fruit, flavors of malt, fruit cocktail and caramel, very nice body and sweet malty finish
ucusty (1215), Wake Forest, North Carolina, USA
Aug 28, 2008 Bomber poured a clear brown with a small, lasting amber head. Aromas of spices, sweet malt and a hint of nuts. Palate was medium bodied, smooth yet crisp. Flavors of spices, maltiness and a hint of nuts with a smootgh, lingering sweet and spicy finish.
nearbeer (1334), Knoxville, Tennessee, USA
Jul 22, 2008 650 ml. Slightly foggy, ruby-tinged mahogany brew with a small but lasting head. Aroma of soured orange, caramel, nutmeg and cinnamon. Initial flavor is orange, nutmeg, cinnamon and toffee, turning to roasted pecan and walnut. Finish is drying with notes of whiskey sour, oak barrel, clove, peppery ginger, cocoa, and char. Medium body is almost smooth, but has a lot of spice-tingle and finishes dry. With a touch more body and a pinch less clove this would be a great brew.
unclemike (379), Ft. Riley, Kansas, USA
Jul 12, 2008 Pours a murky brown, with a quickly dissipating light tan head. Smell is quite interesting and compex. Tons of different things to pick out. Graham crackers, nutmeg, clove, brown sugar, cinnamon, and if you breathe deeply a little ketchup. Taste is somewhat similar to the smell, big on the nutmeg and some clove. Cinnamon, brown sugar, and various other spices are all quite noticeable. Finish is fairly smooth and delightful. I dug this brew
Illini08 (519), Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
Jun 29, 2008 Bottle, shared by barleyPops. Thanks! Definitely a good Christmas beer. We drank it in June though... Brown pour with a tan head. Basically as barleyPops describes. Strong clove and cinnamon spiciness with plenty of honey and molasses as well. The spice may have been a bit strong, but this was still a good one.
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