Roasted malts deepen moderate hop bitterness of reddish-coppered, dry-bodied, Scottish-styled Mexican. Finish goes from grain roasted sweetness to citrus rind sourness. Not nearly as efficient and too soapy when compared to aggressive Modelo Negra.
Tag Archives: dark ale
MARITIME PACIFIC NIGHTWATCH DARK ALE
(STEENBERGE) BORNEM GULDEN DRAAK ALE
COOPERS DARK ALE
MC MULLEN’S OATMEAL ALE
Merely duplicating other British brewers’ weaker attempts, bland ale lacks distinct oatmeal persistence, and strangely, could be better defined as a dark lager thanks to fizzy hop bitterness tucking away cracked barley sweetness and slackened mocha-chocolate influence. Rich toasted graining saves this from complete mediocrity.
(STEENBERGE) MONGOZO AFRICAN ARTISANAL DARK ALE
Unconventional copper-hazed African-styled brew reminiscent of Belgian-styled Ommegang Abbey Ale. Lofty 7% alcohol blear rears head above lively yeast, candied malts, and burnt ‘palmnuts.’ Grand Marnier waft consumes fresh cut apple, orange rind, and banana fruiting to dry-smoked white pepper finish. Only its fuzzy carbolic aridity holds this back.
DARK HORSE RESERVE SPECIAL BLACK BIER ALE
Luxuriantly robust ink black ‘Reserve Special’ schwarzbier pours like motor oil and retains genuine lactose stout traits. Creamy black chocolate endurance and flaked oat foundation fully enriched by roasted hop-charred cappuccino, espresso, and coffee ground bittering. Thick tar-like molasses flow picks up black licorice, currant, smoked cedar, and raspberry puree illusions ahead of maraschino cherry blurt. Dark rum and dry burgundy notes detected in deep recess.
MC SORLEY’S DOUBLE DARK ALE
Deep mahogany hue and Scotch-like aroma hit the senses before sturdy roasted coffee bitterness and creamy caramel nougat richness stabilize. But unobtrusive finish lacks full-bodied inertia.
(T’IJ) STRUIS
DEVIL MOUNTAIN BLACK HONEY ALE
MONTEGIOCO ARTIGIANALE DEMON HUNTER
Hefty 8.5% alcohol rumble ensures full-bodied nature of strong Belgian-styled dark ale from Italy. Stupendous chestnut-hued artisan-watered conqueror allows affluent herbal spicing to enliven spritzy hop-fizzed caramel malting and brown chocolate-y butterscotch amble. Sour plum-soaked Muscat grape and pino grigio illusions enhance white peppered lemongrass dingle, cinnamon-anise mingle, and marshmallow tingle.
(ALL SAINTS) TITANIC ALE
Thick-headed full-bodied deep brown dark ale combines sweet malt creaminess with moderate spiciness before being usurped by highly-hopped frisk. Brewery defunct: 2002.