First sip is different. It has the heavy malt taste of a dark ale, but it also has quite a unique citrus character about it. I can definitely taste the heavy sweet bread with nuts on it, and I could probably enjoy sipping it well enough, but it has more character than a sip will give credit to. It seems too heavy in a sip, as well. So, a full gulp will seriously give this a chance.
A carbonation burn leads the tip-in as the malt-style fruitbread settles in. As the middle rolls forward, the hops come with their bitterness, but that relaxes quickly into the citrus and calm French bread soaking up the attention right on through the middle. As the finish approaches, a wave of bitterness sloshes around unceremoniously and the sweetbread swells up. Prunes and raisins dance around on a bitter streak that leaves the moth wanting a bit more. The beer definitely improves as it warms, so let it warm up a bit if you just got one.
Bottom Line: A good effort with some very good things going on. It's not as smooth as it should be for how crisp it isn't.
3.0/5