Nøgne Ø God Jul

Brewed by Nøgne Ø
Style: American Strong Ale
Grimstad, Norway

Dark Brown Color with Sandy Head. Sweet Malt, Chinook Hop Aroma. Thin Mouthfeel. Roasted Malt Notes...Biting Hops...Some Light Chocolate and Fruit Notes. Notably Chinook..Dry Roasted Malt/Dry Hop Aftertaste..Nice and Smooth with a Wee Bit of Warming.

Deep brown, thin tan head, slight red in the body. Nose is cocoa, cherries, toffee, a slight hint of dark fruit, restrained hops & alcohol. Flavor is cocoa, toffee, slight burnt fruits. Strong bitterness surfaces for a moment then fruit alcohol. Very nice body and a chocolate finish.

Dark brown, with a light brown head. Aroma is roasted malt, chocolate, and spices. Flavor is roasted malt, and spices, along with some coffee and chocolate. Thanks to mcbackus for this bottle.

Bottle: Poured a deep black color ale with a big foamy head with good retention. Aroma of medium bitter roasted malt with some subtle spices. Taste is reminiscent of a porter with some spices and light chocolate notes with a medium hoppy finish. Body is above average with some medium carbonation and a nice creamy texture. I thought this beer was well balance throughout but would have enjoyed a bit more emphasis on spices.

Dense black with burgundy shades. A charminginly drinkable but still substantial brew. Aromas of whiskey, brown sugar, caramel. Tastes of chocolate, plum, flutters of port and rum. Smooth and rich palate with just the right touch of carbonated edge. Falling between the cracks classification, but doing it with a lot of style and grace.

I liked the creativity of the brewing here--three "C" hops, English yeast, etc. It showed. For my part, although the hops were notable for their sharpness, the biggest feature was the deep roasted quality. It lasted long into the finish and was nicely balanced by the sweetness and richness. I thought this could have easily passed as a porter, even an imperial porter. The alcohol was actually moderately present, even through as many other flavors as were going on here, which suggests it may not have been in perfect balance. Even so, good stuff. I’d take a few more bottles of this.

1pt .9oz bottle labeled Winter Ale. Poured a dark/deep reddish-brown color with a larged sized tan head. Aromas of bread, roast, chocolate, and I’m getting some spiciness. Tastes of roast, chocolate, dark fruits, caramel, and a trace of brown sugar. Alcohol well hidden. Interesting. When I dumped the last of the bottle in my glass, in came a bunch of large chunky floaters (or should I call them sinkers).

Bottle. Pored a dark brown, opaque with a moderate tan head. Nice full malty aroma with a nice blend of spicy and fruity sweetness. Rich and creamy in the mouth tastes of caramel, and a raost character. Bitterness is subdued. Almost oily feeling in the mouth, but quite nice - very rich all around.