With all of the social media out there these days, many of my beer pictures have found their way to Instagram. It takes less time to share them that way, and if somebody truly cares what a beer is like, they know how to get into contact with me. I have since realized how unsatisfactory this logic is, so my return has arrived. There will be many more additions to NVaB in the coming weeks and months; keep your eyes peeled and your taste buds ready!
Now, the beer. This brew pours, as expected, a deep brown. I would like to say black, but I can tell that it is not entirely black when held to light. As I move the beer to and from the light, the aromas coming off of it are amazing. Just as the bottle says, this guy is an aromatic spice bomb. Ginger, nutmeg, and cinnamon are figuratively flowing over the lip of the goblet. I smell the clove as well, but it is most definitely not as predominant as the others. A cappuccino-colored head leaves minimal lacing as it falls down the glass. Going off of aroma and visuals, I'm very excited to give this beer a shot.
Keep in mind, I'm drinking this a bit cold. I feel this beer, as with most stouts, will be much more complex as it warms up. While cold, I get nutmeg, anise, and even some dark fruit (no lie, even almost a hint of raspberry or blackberry) flavors on the front that merges into a spicy, cinnamony, slightly bitter finish. Roasted maltiness mixing with all the spices really presents a great beer-drinking experience.
This is the type of beer I refer to as a sleeper. No, it's not a Sleeper Agent Cylon like Boomer. What I mean by this is that it's relatively high in ABV and does not taste like it. Where is the booze flavor in this beer? It is well-hidden and ready to strike. It'll sneak up on you quickly, especially those lacking in some sort of adequate alcohol tolerance. The brew ranks in a 9.0% ABV, so enjoy it responsibly. The gingerbread man on the label wasn't responsible, and look what happened to him!
I like this a lot Boston Beer Company. I feel that winter ales, especially warmer style ales like this stout, have a well-deserved niche in the holiday booze market. Properly channeling this with a great beer is something every brewery attempts to do. Some are successful, some are not. I truly expected nothing less with all of the history under the belt of Samuel Adams. Go out and find it. Give it a shot. If you like stouts, or winter ales, get your hands on one. Damn, it's good to be back.
