11.2 oz bottle from Charleston Beer Exchange, Charleston, SC, USA. $7.99. 2008 vintage.
Pour is a Dubbel-like affair that is a murky brown but also has a slight plum-colored, “grapeish”, light purple hue – possibly just the light.
Thin film sits atop the beer and a ring forms around the edge of the surface. No lace. A few alcohol legs.
Even with a decent amount of warming, as the beer comes to ambient temperature the nose is largely muted – surprising.
Tastes are largely as expected with a tea-like base, followed by musty, light spice and plenty of sherry and dryish character. Plenty of brown sugar, too.
There is a touch of warmth in the finish and aftertaste, but it’s pretty mild and the alcohol is generally well-hidden for a 10% beer.
The oaking has produced a mellow beer that does not taste “woody” or barrel-aged to any extent, and in that respect I really like it. Not aggressive and certainly not typically oaked. Very drinkable, and for such a beer it drinks easily and without fuss. Surprisingly “normal”.