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Mike Castagno's picture

Sea Monster

September, 2016
Judges Rating: 
92
Aroma: 
21 / 24
Appearance: 
6 / 6
Flavor: 
38 / 40
Mouthfeel: 
9 / 10
Overall Impression: 
18 / 20

As if you walked into a trendy coffee house, expect a big waft of fresh roasted coffee, warm espresso, light ashy char and a hint of tobacco when you open this beer. There is a light earthiness with damp leaves, forest floor notes and tea with a light nuance of dried flowers. With all these complex earthy/roasty characters, the beer would need a substantial body and malt backbone to support it all and this does not fall short. Rich malt echoes through the mid-palate full of baking bread, toast and biscuits. The finish has a soft caramel note and a touch of cocoa powder. The tactile sensation of this beer is impressive with its smooth, creamy mouthfeel and velvety finish coating the tongue for a moment then promptly evacuating to allow the drinker another fresh sip. Be careful to not let this warm too much as it begins to become muddled as it approaches room temperature, which can be a disappointing finish to an otherwise impressive beer. Be sure to use a stemmed glass and hold it by the stem so as to avoid unintentionally warming the beer with your hand. Cheers!