12 oz bottle from a recent Bruisin’ Ales transaction – thanks guys! One of my favorite styles from a brewer that I know very little about (are these the guys with the exploding bottles??)
Poured into the Ommegang chalice we get a nice, rich, dark brown body and some very nice creamy head and lace. The body has a certain density about it which is, of course, requisite for the style. It has a presence which is good.
Nose delivers unmistakable sweet malts and a hint of alcohol.
Tastes are pretty much in line with the style although it is not quite as sweet as I was anticipating and the alcohol is certainly well hidden. A dryish finish (for the style) and a hint of smoke perhaps? Obviously very malt based as it should be. The finish also imparts a touch of licorice amongst the dry character. Some slightly burned caramel and sugar.
Tasty, with alcohol well disguised but seems to have a drying nature that I do not normally associate with the style.