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Josh Weikert's picture

Alepocalypse

February, 2017
Judges Rating: 
87
Aroma: 
20 / 24
Appearance: 
6 / 6
Flavor: 
35 / 40
Mouthfeel: 
9 / 10
Overall Impression: 
17 / 20

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.