ericnixon (711), Lenox, Massachusetts, USA May 26, 2004 Nice deep dark color with reddish tinges. Nice malty, earthy aroma when breathed in. Sweet fruity intermingled with nuttyness. A delight. PisskyNight (13), Pottstown, Pennsylvania, USA May 10, 2004 Tis the Season...it’s still Xmas rite?
Appearance: Dark Molasses hue with a large full inch off white head....which settles to a nice cm layering
Smell: Red wine and Bourbon Malts...nutmeg
Tatste: similar to the smell uprfont ...man as this warms it just really shows some great depth....its more complex than my initial though...sweet honey hops...suttle molasses notes....various dark fruits ...hmm... hints of nutmeg and cloves as well..great smoothness....highly drinkable
Notes: Just a great offering...yum
DocLock (4170), Lower Pottsgrove, Pennsylvania, USA May 10, 2005 I have no blockbuster for 1,800, and I’m not going to make it a big deal. This one pours deep copper/ruby with aromas of caramel malt, cabernet, almonds, toffee. Tastes caramel malty, with hops, spices, toffee, and a cabernet/cognacy finish. Well hidden alcohol, but a suitably dense palate with notable complexity and balance. Nice style. BigBen2120 (558), Gardiner(52 miles from Allagash), Maine, USA Jan 19, 2006 Updated: Dec 1, 2006Second in a row Shipyard Winter beer of the night... Translucent dark copper body with a finger of offwhite head. Diacetyl dominates the aroma with just hints of hops, alcohol, and malt. Roasty or toasty flavor. Not quite as roasty as a porter, but not that far off. Diacetyl is also a big player in the flavor, but does not overwealm the roastiness, but rather enhances. Hints of alcohol are also present. On the heavier side of medium-bodied. A very solid, very tasty brew. I’d definitely get this one again. Aubrey (2607), Denver, Colorado, USA Feb 16, 2005 Deep burgundy with a frothy tan head. "Sweet alcohol" in the nose. Smooth and creamy texture; has a little weight; nice carbonation level. Roasty, with a sweet caramel malt base. Other notes of nuts, light toffee, brown sugar, fruit (apples, pears, grapes) and buttered toast. Also has a curious element of vanilla and almond extracts. Finished with a little sourness and a mildish bitterness. Soft alcohol note added a nice touch. Pretty tasty beer. Thanks Matt!
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