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Christmas Cactus

Arizona
United States
Christmas Cactus by Wren House Brewing Co.
Judges Ratings 
1 Review
92
Aroma:
21 / 24
Flavor:
38 / 40
Appearance:
6 / 6
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20
Description 

Christmas Cactus is the 3rd Cactus Catalog blend of some of our favorite bourbon barrel aged dark beers. Incorporating an 18 month vintage of NOJO which was barrel aged along side a small amount of Who Hit John, a younger vintage of NOJO out of barrels, and topped off the blend with a particularly delicious barrel of Predation. This beer is captivating. Massive aroma of chocolate covered toffee and toasted marshmallows over a fire. Lots of warming vanilla bourbon as you first sip but finishes with tons of thick sweet caramel that immediately leaves you wanting more.

Beverage Profile
ABV: 
14.8%
Judges Review 
Nelson Crowle's picture
Judges Rating:
92
Aroma:
21 / 24
Appearance:
6 / 6
Flavor:
38 / 40
Mouthfeel:
9 / 10
Overall Impression:
18 / 20

Evaluated as a BJCP 2015 style 30C - Winter Seasonal Beer. Pours a very deep mahogany brown with a small head of tiny deep tan bubbles that quickly fades to a cordon ring in the glass. The aroma starts with sweet chocolate, a light coffee note, some toffee, and then just a hint of sarsaparilla and slightly earthy and floral hops. The first taste is toffee with hints of soy sauce and umami. As the beer warms, more toffee, caramel, and a hint of roasty malt becomes more prominent. Low floral hops can be found both in the aroma and flavor - this beer is all about the malt character. There's some black raisins, hints of sultanas, moderate creme brulee caramelized turbinado sugar and overripe plums. The finish is medium-sweet but not cloying. There are hints of hazelnut that add interesting complexity - almost an Amaretto note. There is a medium carbonation and medium high body for this example. Lots of interesting complexity as the beer warms - this is a beer to order, then let it sit while you drink another beer to let this one warm up a bit. It's definitely a dessert beer - snifter after dinner, skip the brandy - drink this. Make sure you have a good rich dinner with some Cornish pasties, maybe some Scotch eggs, and then retire to the parlor with a snifter.

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