92 Woody Stein, Grumpy Troll Brewery (WI). (9/09) %{Brewpub}
Deep chestnut color with a foamy manila head. Bold aromas of molasses, caramelized stone fruit and brown butter follow through on a round, supple entry to a dryish medium-to-full body with tart sour apple, roasted Brazil nut and mossy earthy hops on the long, resonant fade. A fun, woody treat to pair with exotic farmhouse cheeses.
92 John John Juniper Pale Ale, Rogue Ales (OR). 5.2% ABV (6/11)
Slightly hazy old gold color. Aromas of fresh sappy pine cones, ginger, and lemongrass with a crisp, round dry-yet-fruity medium-to-full body and a starfruit, birch bark, lemon, rosemary and thyme -accented finish. Interesting.
89 Rum Cask Finish Oak-Aged Beer, Innis & Gunn Brewing Co. (Scotland). 7.4% ABV (6/11)
Deep amber copper color. Bold aromas of caramelized nut, vanilla fudge, and dried tropical fruits with a vibrant fruity sweet medium-full body and a slightly boozy nougat, honey and grilled fruit salad finish.
89 Willi Wonder! Ale, Willimantic Brewing Co. (CT). 7.5% ABV (8/11) %{Brewpub}
Deep copper mahogany color. Complex aromas of molasses, cherry vinegar, roasted nuts and grilled oranges with a tart, under dry medium-to-full body and tobacco and a hint of musty mop and straw on the finish.
88 Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale, Alltech’s Lexington Brewing Co. (KY). 8.19% ABV (9/11)
Deep golden amber color. Rich aromas of coconut macaroon drizzled with caramel with a supple, fruity-yet-dry medium body with notes of peach marmalade, mint leaf, cola and honeyed cucumber on the racy finish. Tasty.
87 Original Oak-Aged Beer, Innis & Gunn Brewing Co. (Scotland). 6.6% ABV (6/11)
Brilliant golden amber color. Interesting aromas of clover honey, roasted corn and slight skunkover the top? with a supple, fruity medium-to-full body and a sweet nut brittle, caramel apple, lemon pepper and mineral finish.
87 Bourbon Barrel Aged Abbey Ale, Brewery Ommegang (NY). 8.5% ABV (9/11) %{Brewpub}
Muddy copper brown color. Strong bourbon barrel influence aromas of caramel custard, vanilla bean, anise and charcoal with a supple, nicely carbonated dryish medium-to-full body and earthy, peppery, wood-driven finish.
87 “Kross 5” Wood Aged Beer, Southern Brewing Co. S.A. (Chile). 7.2% ABV (9/11)
Dark brown color. Aromas of cola, root beer, and peanut brittle with a supple fruity medium body and peach jam and apple sauce -accented finish with a dollop of jicama, mint, and wheatgrasslike hops.
86 John John Hazelnut Brown Nectar Ale, Rogue Ales (OR). 6% ABV (6/11)
Deep amber copper color. Aromas of brown sugar, roasted nuts and currants with a crisp, racy dryish medium-to-full body and a tangy, berry, oak, kale and nut driven–finish. Rather shy barrel character.
83 Bourbon Oak Aged “Hands Off My Goat!” Stout, Blue Tractor Brewery (MI). 5.5% ABV (5/11)
Dark brown black color. Aromas and flavors of roasted nuts, dried meat, blueberry vinegar, wafer and coffee have a brettycapitalized? lambic edge with a tangy dry medium body and a tart apple skin, kiwi, and melon rind -accented finish.
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