Granite Falls’ TailyPo is being evaluated as a Specialty Wood-Aged Beer (2015 BJCP Category 33B) using a Belgian dark strong as the base style. Expectation for this style is wonderful marriage of beer, barrel, and spirits character.
Upon first sniff you’ll be greated by a depth of complexity that begs for a roaring fire and possibly a smoking jacket and pipe if you so choose. Rum, blackstrap molasses, oak, toast, caramel, milk chocolate, and raisins are but a few of the aromas you’ll encounter. Hops are nowhere to be found. At a deep magohany, it’s a bit darker than style would call for but a finely textured head clings to the sides of cup.
The flavor comes across as dessert-like with sticky treacle, molasses, and rum that are complimented by oak tannins, toasts, prunes, and chocolate. Not too surprising then is its semi-sweet finish with lingering black licorice. TailyPo is thick and chewy with moderately-low carbonation. As a Belgian dark strong should be, the alcohol is present but smooth and well incorporated into the beer.
Overall, TailyPo is a special treat to share amongst friends thick with great conversation that goes in the wee hours of the morning.