The clear brown beer has a head that is definitely not leaving any lacing. It boils down to a light dusting with the ring around the sides of the glass, but the bubbles just aren't sticky in the least. The aroma is nutty and malty with a touch of brown sugar.First sip is... gripping. It is nutty and all, but it adds quite a bit of bitterness from coffee, earth, and even pine. It's brown ale through-and-through, but that doesn't mean it's particularly approachable. Instead, it is packed full of flavor and quite heavy with potential. Let's see what the swig brings.
Tip-in is a little unexpected smoke, coffee, and walnuts. The middle brings in a burning of carbonation on the roof of the mouth while the nuts, earth, and assorted darkness linger under it all. The finish is a mouthful of nettles as the coffee and a hint of bitter chocolate join pine to leave resin and bitterness on the tongue and lips.
Bottom Line: It can stand up to whatever you're eating, and it gets better with warmth.
2.5/5
