First sip is very, very reminiscent of a dark ale. The malt is heavy and filled to the brim with dark fruits. Raisins are tossed in a deep well of pureed floral hops. The grainy barley whips at you, as the malt dulls the senses entirely.
Full draught comes next. Tip-in is carbonation burn with raisins and barley churning underneath. The middle continues the carbonation burn quite a bit. The sloshing brew that accompanies it is both sweet and floral. Alcohol is fairly evident at this point, and that's fairly unusual. As the finish arrives, things get confused. A bitter streak hits with the grains and earth tones. Nuts and more dark fruits try to sweeten the deal a bit, and things mellow out as the beer drifts into the distance.
Bottom Line: An impressive and delicious take on the style.
4.0/5