Willimantic Mail Order Raisin Old Ale

This was a real treat, have I mentioned before that Willibrew is awesome? Probably, and it is. This one came a dark brownish red color in a much too small 12 oz. glass. Aroma was sweet chocolate, figs, raisins, caramel, and molasses. Mouthfeel is exceptionally smooth and full, like drinking liquid silk. Flavor starts very sweet, chocolate and caramel highlighting, then becomes very fruity, with molasses soaked figs and raisins highlighting. Slight hints of alcohol in the finish, but it sure isn’t off-putting at all. World class.

Draught. Lots of fruits in the aroma with significant sherry notes...hints of blackberries and licorice as well. Nice, complex nose. Mildly hazy dark garnet mahogany color with a light tan head. Sweet notes to start turning a very malty chocolate with hints of sour cherries. Astringent, cherry/vinous notes blended with the chocolate malts remind me of chocolate covered cherries....mmmm...magnificent! I dig this beer. The alcohol is undetectable.

Dark fruit esters are strong in the nose with some lightly roasted malts and perhaps a hint of smoke. Opaque black body with shy off-white head. Dark fruits are slightly sour with some bread-like yeast notes leading to the finishing roasty flavours. Medium body is effervescent on the tongue. Sampled at the brewpub with MartinT, muzzlehatch and Rastacouere.

Dark brown hue, light off-white head. Strong earthy nose, deeply malty, somehow peaty feeling with several dark fruit suggestions among which dates and grapes stand out. Heavy dark dried fruits in fact. Very appealing, especially with that slight leather touch. Feels even more vinous in mouth, the fruitiness is as expressive as can be yet still leaves room for plenty of dark bread aspects. Light acidity level and well contained sweetness contribute to overall balance. Nice rather thick body proposes medium carbonation level.

Raisins and dates surface gently from the kind roastiness...Grapey vinosity appears in the back as warming alcohol is whispered from the classy carbonation...Refreshing ideas soothing the tastebuds and mind...