Pedestrian limited edition IPA lacks ‘imperial’ strength, sharpness and pizzazz. Instead, dankly dry grapefruit-orange tartness gets murky, distant piney hop bittering falters and mild sugared spicing dissipates. Just too lackluster, even for indiscriminate centrists.
On tap at Track 84, rogue Danish dry body (brewed at Belgium’s De Proef Brewery) loads bustling bourbon-burgundy wining inside smoky black patent malting, bruised black cherry tartness, black chocolate-embittered espresso lilt and light anise spicing. Cedar-aged cigar aromatics flow thru tantalizing hybridized stout.
Admirably hybridized Belgian dark ale (brewed with cocoa nibs) showcases Stagecoach French-roast coffee above sugar-spiced yeast expectancy. Milky brown chocolate creaming and burnt caramel malting deepen capacious coffee theme. Sharp dark-roasted hop bittering lingers beside mocha java intensity. In deep recess, mild pineapple, grapefruit and orange peel nuances waver.
On tap at Shepherd & Knucklehead, rich anise-spiced espresso stout receives candi-sugared Belgian yeast influence to sweeten dark-roasted mocha malting. Bittersweet coffee bean vibrancy increased by gooey anise, fudgy vanilla, black chocolate, dark cocoa and gunky molasses for chewy mocha-spiced dessert.
Exquisite 2014 bottled version increases integral sweet bourbon whiskey influence for more affluent fudgy brown chocolate malting. Dry hop roast deepens tertiary black cherry, red grape, green raisin and fig illusions at mighty oats-sugared mocha finish.
Busy barrel-aged elixir (with feisty 10% ABV) contrasts sweet bourbon vanilla elegance against dry Scotch niche. Sweet orange peel, tart red cherry and dried fig adjuncts never gain enough strength to fully integrate with whiskey-bent bourbon sugaring.
Durable oak vat-aged lambic spreads loads of sweet ‘n sour cherry tartness above lemony green apple pucker, vinous green grape acidity, sparkling champagne spritz and raspy strawberry-raspberry conflux. Light grassy hop bittering validates dry oaken cherry midst. Cherry-wined rosé, pink moscato, riesling and white merlot illusions deepen candied cherry conviction.
Only true sour heads will appreciate spontaneously fermented pink-headed garnet-bodied lambic. Pungent mouth-puckering cherry vinaigrette bittering and sour lemon-limed acidity dominate ultra-dry gueuze-like Belgian. Leathery green grape tannins and tart oaken cherry musk pick up mildewed cellar mustiness. Tertiary crabapple, cranberry and raspberry rasp adds further sourness. Brash sour ale complements sea crustacean and shellfish.
Sunny Belgian singel will brighten anyone’s day. Zesty lemon-spiced crisping picks up juicy pineapple-orange tang to contrast white-peppered herbal nip above lightly buttered biscuit spine. Tart banana-clove-coriander ascendance adds further dimension to dazzling summertime moderation.
On tap at Poor Henry’s, daringly complex hybridized saison tosses light buttery saffron pungency at green chili pepper burn, obscuring stylish lemony orange souring but not at the expense of good taste. In deep recess, cayenne-peppered ground cinnamon, curry and cumin wisps increase chili heat.
On tap at Poor Henry’s, moderate piney bittering freshens surging grapefruit, lemon and pineapple tang. Slight navel orange zest hidden by oncoming dry-hopped astringency. Pulpy citrus finish retains crisp briskness.
Admirably complex bourbon-aged Imperial Stout betters whipped-creamed mochaccino with a whiskey shot. Milky brown and dark chocolate malting picks up cappuccino, espresso and dark-roast coffee influence as well as cocoa powder, burnt caramel, molasses cookie and toasted coconut nuances. Anise-seeded black licorice undertones sidle oaken vanilla wisp and hesitant wood-smoked tarring. In the deep recess, sour black cherry tartness and light port notes contrast bruised cherry sweetness. A chocolate-covered malt ball alternative with a rummy bourbon kick, perhaps.
