Alepocalypse

Although it defies definition, this beer can best be described as a barrel-aged Belgian Dark Strong ale, with a touch of stout or Baltic Porter for inspiration — however you define it, though, there’s no doubt that it’s a beer worth drinking. It was evaluated as a Wood Aged beer (BJCP category 33A), with a base style of Belgian Dark Strong Ale.

Upon inspection, the beer is a deep, dark mahogany with no head and very little carbonation. I have to believe this is a technical fault, but it doesn’t actually seem to hurt the beer that much (though I’d love to try it with a bit more CO2!). The first impression is stout-like, with dark chocolate and a moderate acetone ester up front, followed quickly by some warm (not hot) alcohols, a low dark fruit (currant, prune) note, and a raw wood aroma.

The flavor is richly chocolaty, with a significant dose of ethanol adding an apple flavor (which could be an ester), a low oaky vanillin flavor, balancing bitterness (low-medium), and a surprisingly dry finish. It’s sweet but not saccharine or cloying, and fairly heavy in the mouth (carbonation would help brighten the feel and scrub the palate).

This is a very good beer that’s almost great, and a nice addition to the “barrel-aged” section of the menu.