lunaticharness (183), Roseville, Michigan, USA Mar 5, 2004 cask, large spicy nutmeg ginger nose, dark brown amber body with mountain like rock head, pretty sweet and spicy with lots of allspice and cinnamon flavor, a bit mellow and watery but still very nice
McCracken (14), San Francisco, California, USA Mar 23, 2008 Poured with a light sudsy head and a dark cherry, cloudy appearance. The aroma was really nice, focused on a combination of rosemary and all-spice like complexity. Apparently there’s some bog myrtle in here, though I’m not sure what the hell that smells like; might just be there for some storage stability. Obviously no hop aroma, but was really interesting and pleasant. Mouthfeel was maybe a little too one-dimensional as the lack of bitterness made it feel too plain and worty. Flavor was interesting like the aroma but not as drinkable as I imagined. I think with a little less spice character, it might have gone down easier. Nice to try this rare style, but not a session beer from the standpoint of drinkability and overall enjoyment. Cheers to Magnolia for taking a risk though. MI2CA (1101), Noblesville, Indiana, USA Feb 21, 2007 4oz sample in a full size tulip at brewery - was called "Weekapaug Monster" on the board - Aroma gets a big score for uniqueness. Rosemary, plum candle, incense and other unique spices I can’t describe (so different - mugwort and yarrow??) Pours black with a small creamy head and great lacing. Flavor is spicy and malty but gets a bit tired after a while. Palate is bubbly and sticky. One of the most unique brews I’ve ever had. brstp (201), Princeton, New Jersey, USA Feb 3, 2007 On tap at Magnolia. Not quite black color, the bartendress didn’t pour any head. Spice/nutmeg aroma, taste of rosemary, thin, almost watery and palate-clearing mouthfeel, medium body. Like a Weird Al record -- fun to drink, won’t miss out if I never have it again. luvcasks (178), USA Apr 16, 2006 Aroma: Wonderful aroma of spices with cardamom and Nutmeg standing out
Appearance: Reddish brown with almost nen-existant white head
Flavor: Very intriguing blend of sweet and savory spices... some roasted malt flavors with nice soft malt background
Palate: Light to medium light body, starts with sweet spices but finishes clean and slightly dry
Overall: Again another reinforcement to confirm Magnolia as place to visit, Knowing that Gruits are not commmon, definitely a must try... an open mind and palatte is the best approach to this Sledge Jr (2726), Omaha, Nebraska, USA Apr 7, 2006 On tap at the brewpub. Has a very medicinal aroma. Reddish brown in color with a thin weak white head. Roasted and sweet flavored body. Has a complex finish consisting of a battery of aromatic hydrocarbon-producing spices. Definitely not for everyone.
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