Additional notes 12/10

2005 Vintage. Thanks go out to finewine mike for a chance to try this again.

Same vintage as the original reviews (below). Murky brown body with obviously no head or lace. Massive fig, dried fruit and raisin notes with (still) powerful alcohol. Very sweet and lots of oxidized notes. Very smooth and relatively easy drinking (considering).

Scores adjusted (down) from the original.

Additional notes 06/06

Second 12 oz bottle, also 2005 vintage, much the same experience as the original review.

Original notes 02/26/06

4.5, 5.0., 5.0, 4.5, 5.0

2005 Vintage.

The Beast’s reputation had gone before it – both good and bad, so I was nervous opening the 12oz bottle, with the neck and cap covered in red foil, with its label looking ominous. At close to $9 for the 12oz, I was also hoping for a result rather than a disappointment. I was delighted with what I found.

I strongly suggest pouring this into a small wine glass, and then sipping it slowly over a couple of hours. That will allow you to appreciate the beer in its full glory. I would even go as far to say that the 12 oz could be very happily split amongst two friends, the bomber might be enough for five!

Pure, deep orange with a tiny film on the surface. As still as a mill pond with a definite viscosity, this is designed to drunk late at night as a sipper – take your time with it.

Smell is perfect. A sugary, port and sherry like waft with depth, warmth and alcohol. The taste puts all of the aroma into action. Alcohol is certainly present, but is amazingly well hidden. Fruit soaked in, and laden with alcohol is the dominating taste, and the balance is delicious.

Depth and warmth on the way down (slight burn) exudes class, this is one classy beer that sits in the mouth and goes down, as smooth as silk. Dates, figs and other luxurious and exotic candied fruits are present. Alcoholic plums?

I give it a 5 for drinkability, not because this is a quaffer, but because this is stunningly consumable considering the ABV and the kind of beer it is.

Don’t be afraid of either the alcohol or the price, both are scary, but both are worth it.