So I'm a few weeks late with this, but I wanted to record some tasting notes on the commercial example.
Part of my research, of course . . .
Pours deep mahogany with 1/2" tan head that dissipates quickly. Clarity is evident by the scarlet highlights around the edges and where the light peeks through.
Nose is complex. Piney hop aroma, followed quickly by yeasty sourdough, caramel, maltiness and a hint of...smoke?
A touch of alcohol sweetness at the end.
A touch of alcohol sweetness at the end.
Taste is toasty, bitter but not coarse. A satisfying bitterness seems to come from both the hops dosage and the dark malts at once. Malty/ smokey to follow the nose. Very smooth. Some alcohol heat, but complementary, not sharp or boozy.
Finishes with "burnt" dark roast malts--again not at all coarse.
Except for that fleeting hint of pineyness on the front end, no real hop aroma or flavor. Bottled on date is 8/2/12. I wonder if a fresher sample would have shown greater evidence of the dry hopping claimed on the website?
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