Siren Noire

This beer pours a very dark brown color with dark orange hues on the side of the glass. The head is tan-colored with a low, foamy texture and moderately low retention. Upon bringing the glass to the nose, a moderately low aroma of malt with dark chocolate, coffee and milky notes welcomes the taster. There’s a moderate alcohol essence, with a touch of dark cherry fruity esters and very low earthy hops (like East Kent Goldings or Fuggles). After a few sips, a medium level of vanilla, from the oak and sherry barrels, come through as it warms. The flavor is that of dark chocolate and coffee with milk; very low bitterness helps to balance the base beer. This beer finishes with semi-bitter chocolate dryness along with moderate vanilla notes and alcohol, and the aftertaste of these last two flavors linger on well after the last sip. This medium-full-bodied beer has a moderately low carbonation profile, which is fine given the style’s higher ABV. There is a moderately high alcohol warmth in the middle of the throat, but nothing too hot or burning. It is firmly smooth and has a moderately low lactose creaminess. Siren Noire is a very well-balanced beer, the bourbon barrel-aging adds complexity to the base beer and increases its drinkability. The alcohol notes are welcome, and add a lighter, spirited, nasal essence to the choco-coffee notes. For utmost deliciousness, pair with creamy cheeses to play on the beer’s smoothness or a charred piece of beef to complement the roasty character.