Cherished frothy-headed mahogany-bodied Imperial stout retains bittersweet molasses-thick chocolate-coffee robustness. Dispersed espresso, cappuccino, and mocha resonation picks up black Sambuca motif. Toasted hops encrypt tertiary Black Forest cake, burnt cedar, and sticky anise illusions. Rich java finish reminiscent of black coffee left on the burner.
All posts by John Fortunato
(MIDNIGHT SUN) SOCKEYE RED I.P.A.
Radiant spruce-hopped grapefruit-peeled mandarin orange tang mellows to candied caramel sweetness before lingered spicing gains prominence. Pour slowly to avoid overblown rocky head.
(MIDNIGHT SUN) LA MAITRESSE DU MOINE DARK STRONG ALE
Complex brown-bodied Belgian-styled ale with appreciative cherry rose’ nose and strong raisin-prune influence settles to strong cognac finish after sugared malt goo, plum-date luster, and floral aspect underscore black chocolate midst.
(MIDNIGHT SUN) KODIAK BROWN NUT BROWN ALE
Efficient chalky mocha dryness and tapered roasted nut slip oppose pallid biscuit-y cereal sweetness, dominating slight orange sourness, metallic whiff, and phenol flow.
(MIDNIGHT SUN) EPLUCHE-CULOTTE TRIPPEL BELGIAN-STYLE ALE
Stiffly alcoholic billowy-headed copper-toned favorite boasts rigid orange peel heft, quaint floral hop spicing and mellow candied yeast persistence. Tropical kiwi-pineapple-mango punch absorbs minty remnant and mild acidity by honeyed quince finish.
MIDDLESEX OATMEAL STOUT
Deep-browned chocolate liqueur-scented stout with dry nutty core perusing soured prune-fig finish retains strong alcohol presence. Sweet brown chocolate enrichment enhanced by anise-spiced raspberry puree tang, but cloying nature sometimes upends maple oatmeal backbone of full-bodied New Englander. Brewery defunct: 2005.
MIDDLESEX BROWN ALE
Deep butterscotch hue, fuzzy tan lace, and burnt caramel creaminess introduce chewy ale. Sugary maple stickiness, pecan-toasted brown chocolate protraction, and latent rum caking addled by astringently soured raisin-fig acridity its phenol tobacco-leafed cocoa butter finish tries to overcome. Brewery defunct: 2005.
(MIDDLE AGES) WIZARD’S WINTER ALE
Truly middling medium body lacks serious seasonal character and wintry flare. Butterscotch touch feels nice, but limited, as earthy citric hops struggle to gain attention and undesired nutty vegetal finish dies down early.
MIDDLE AGES WHITE KNIGHT LIGHT ALE
Though uncannily creamy and cloudy for light golden ale, frail-bodied softie spreads delicate grain bitterness atop moderate sweetness to fading sweet fizz finish.
MIDDLE AGES WAILING WENCH ALE
Expressively daring translucent auburn ale with surfacing cascading tan bubbles leaves brusque roasted hop darkness and chocolate malt trace inside embittered citrus linger as red fruited undercurrent fades to vegetative bottom. Perfumed spicing, dry tobacco inkling, and minor barleywine dawdle fortify piney finish.
MIDDLE AGES TRIPEL CROWN ALE
Perseveringly strong Belgian-styled pale ale retains heavily alcoholic malt sinew and significant cognac-bourbon sweetness furthered by creamy vanilla-butterscotch-caramel luster. Fig-pear combo and apricot esters enliven bruised orange persuasion, but watch for piercing diacetyl impact.
MIDDLE AGES THE DUKE OF WINSHIP
Sweet tobacco nose intrigues thrillingly robust ruby brown Scotch ale. Creamy chocolate kiss richness and caramel-coffee stickiness linger to overripe black cherry juncture. Smoked cedar entices mellow chocolate-liqueured English porter finish subdued by slight diacetyl acerbity.