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Palo Santo Marron

Delaware
United States
Palo Santo Marron Dogfish Head Beer
Judges Ratings 
1 Review
94
Aroma:
23 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Appearance:
6 / 6
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Description 

An unfiltered, unfettered, unprecedented brown ale aged in handmade wooden brewing vessels. The caramel and vanilla complexity unique to this beer comes from the exotic Paraguayan Palo Santo wood from which these tanks were crafted. Palo Santo means "holy tree," and its wood has been used in South American wine-making communities.

This highly roasty and malty brown ale clocks in at 12% ABV. A huge hit at our Rehoboth Beach brewpub when first released in November 2006, Palo went into full production at the end of 2007.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
12%
IBUs: 
50
Judges Review 
Josh Weikert's picture
Judges Rating:
94
Aroma:
23 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Subtlety isn’t this beer’s strong suit, which is a great thing for big beer drinkers! The opening salvo of aromatics includes a complex blend of vanilla, toast, coffee, green wood, and chocolate. Alcohols build as it warms and add to the complexity. 

The beer pours a dark mahogany, but it is still (surprisingly) quite clear, with a low tan head that is fairly persistent.

The flavor is intensely oaky and pleasantly boozy (not hot, though). A rich cherry flavor adds to those noted in the aroma, and the moderate roast doesn’t quite hold up to the sweetness imparted by the alcohol. The finish is balanced with a tannic and oaky aftertaste. 

The beer is a rich, syrupy, complex, alcoholic punch in the palate. It can definitely stand up to some aging, and would be a great one to cellar for a few years. Like many great wines, it’s a bit intense when fresh, and might put some off, but there’s no doubt that this is an outstanding beer and not for the faint of heart.