90 Kentucky Bourbon Barrel Ale, Alltech Lexington Brewing (KY). 8% ABV (3/09)
Brilliant golden amber orange color. Bold aromas of butter-sautéed coconut shavings and dried apricots follow through on a round, zesty entry to a fruity-yet-dry medium-to-full body with almond nougat and crème brûlée notes. Finishes with a long butter cream and delicate spice fade with a touch of citrusy hops. A fun, super-flavorful barrel-aged ale that will go well with desserts like chocolate and pineapple upside down cake.
86 Ebenezer’s Ale, Upstream Brewing Co. (NE). 9% ABV (2/07)
Deep brown color with a reddish tint. Sharp spice bag and sweet mint leaf aromas follow through to a frothy, dryish medium-full body of cinnamon bark, clove and nutmeg flavors with a medicinal verbena edge. Finishes with notes of cocoa, minerally sea salt and caramel amid the river of spices.
84 Hoppy Marriage, Upstream Brewing Co. (NE). 6.8% ABV (2/07)
Slight hazy, rich amber color. Sweet pickle and vanilla frosting aromas. A big entry leads to a very tangy full-body of buttery vanilla nut fudge, sweet pickles and beets and toffee flavors. Finishes with a tangy orange marmalade, honey butter and pickling spice fade. Curiously flavored, but in need of refinement and balance as this verges on cloying.
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