Honestly, I will try any beer that Einstök has to offer me. It would seem like a brewery in Iceland would just wind up coming up with weird and off-kilter beers to the point that it wouldn't be fun trying them. Instead, they have demonstrated significant competency, and I now understand how an Icelandic beer somehow managed to make it all the way over to the US. Heck, to the southern US.
This wee heavy is very hazy and a tarnished copper brown. I'm not sure what was going on with the pour this time around, but it seems like the beer didn't want to come cleanly out of the can. I feel like I opened the flap enough for it to pour out properly, but maybe there was something in the way. Either way, it resulted in more head than I'm sure was intended, but it is a nice, fluffy head that boils down to tiny bubbles that leave just the smallest hint of lacing on the sides of the glass. The aroma is not particularly strong, but it is a deep caramel malt and an echo of wort.
First sip is sweet and smoky with caramel and butterscotch. I've only had this one sip, but I'm already very impressed with the smoothness of the beer. The 8% ABV is evident, but it is not so far forward that it's overshadowing be delicious and strong sweet malt. If this beer is intended to be sipped, they have already done a fine job.
Tip-in is toasted caramel with only the slightest carbonation tickle. The middle is thick and solid with the caramel being joined by toffee and butterscotch while a light mix of spices keeps things light and highly drinkable. The finish is smoky with wood entering the drink and alcohol making itself known.
Bottom Line: Those boys from Iceland know what they're doing.
4.0/5
