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Pat Mulloy's picture

Darken

July, 2017

Darken

Judges Rating: 
93
Aroma: 
23 / 24
Appearance: 
4 / 6
Flavor: 
39 / 40
Mouthfeel: 
9 / 10
Overall Impression: 
18 / 20

This beer was reviewed as a BJCP 23C, Oud Bruin. It smells like someone poured a shot of expensive balsamic on figs and dates with a shake of black pepper and some anise. Faint chocolate, a hint of barnyard and medium low malt aromas lurk in the background. The deep dark brown to black hue beckons like the abyss blanketed by a modest tan collar with a very fine bead. Complex layered flavors mix and remix on their journey over the palate. Jonathan apple level tart increases and decreases. Dark dried fruit, figs and dates mix with berries. Anise and black pepper are definite players joined by coriander and something else. A trace of chocolate and a hint of caramel suggest a moist cake. Then there is a dash of balsamic. The brewer shines here by knowing exactly when to take this beer off the oak. Oak tannin plays well with the tart and the spices and has me wondering where can I buy this.