Unassuming khaki-hued strong ale (8.5% alcohol) lacks definition and depth. Parched fig-date astringency mildly embitters dank chocolate malt souring and roasted nut coarsening. Meager charcoal-singed black licorice recess hinders earthen grain lag.
Tag Archives: dark ale
AUCKLAND DARK ALE
JEROME CERVEZA NEGRA
Negligible mahogany-hued dry stout ransacks milk-soured chocolate malting, settling for coarsely char-hopped burnt toast innocuousness. Prickly Concord grape esters affect muted prune-raisin chasm and black licorice stint but deplorably relegate coffee bean discretion.
RIVER HORSE DARK HARVEST ALE
BIG HOLE DIABLO DARK ALE
(HUNTERDON) JERSEY ALE
ST. SEBASTIAN DARK BELGIAN ALE
In 16-ounce brown jug, top fermented Abbey ale works inviting caramel-candied apple sweetness into sugared raisin-fig continuance, floral citric-coriander grove, and buttery malt woo. Subtle barley insinuation lacks determination as musty brown-sugared molasses finish fades quickly. Better than average; substandard and watery for Belgian ale.
(BLACK SHEEP) BLACK RAM ALE
(KERKOM) WINTERKONINKSKE DARK ALE
Ruby amber tan-headed dry-bodied winter warmer (with herbaceous juniper hop bite), reminiscent of malt-stricken barleywine, beckons caramel apple, purple grape, cherry, and plum penchant. Soured raisin-fig conflux overlays powdered chocolate jaunt, gingery orange expansion, and cinnamon-allspice spicing, mellowing to medicinal prune finish.