Review Detail

Aroma: Of fruity esters with plenty of caramel, maple, and toffee bourbon and vanilla.

Look (Appearance): Mahogany/amber-hued body with half inch of off-white foam. A bit of lacing on the way down.

Taste: Caramel malty and dark fruity. Nice vanilla bourbon character. Light spice.

Mouthfeel: Body is full, smooth and with average carbonation. Alcohol shows up after the swallow.

Second Look (Overall Impression): This beer reminds me very much of many of the Belgian Strong Ales that I have tasted, with the addition of a vanilla/bourbon character. This definitely does not fit in a spice category, but does well as a winter warmer. At 9.8% this is definitely a sipping by the fire beer for winter. The bourbon character is present, but really stays in the back and allows the malt and fruity characters to open the show. The further into my glass, the more complexity was noted. I would recommend this beer as a good winter warmer, but probably not cellar it.