Berserker
Grizzly Peak Brewing Company

 

Solid unique brewed with currants this time? Calling it an Imperial Winter Stout, whatever that means. On the dry side but pretty nice.

I was able to sample this one from the cask at the Jolly Pumpkin brewpub in Ann Arbor. The menu said this was an experiment and that it was the first batch, kind as if it was warning the drinker that it may not be that good or something. Review is from notes taken on 6/18/2010 and poured from the cask to a pint glass.

Appearance: Pour is a ruby and caramel mix; starts with a 1 and 1/2 finger light beige head that looks soft and creamy; body has perfect clarity and shows zero carbonation (not to be unexpected in an offering from the cask); head has pretty decent retention and leaves a full curtain of lacing as it dwindles, but once that disappears it seems that there is only an oily film hanging around.

Smell: Interesting -- smells warm and "raisiny;" bit of a malt vinegar aspect creeping about; presence of alcohol is definitely in there too. It would definitely better without the vinegar aspect.

Taste: Very woody with hints of some sweet dark fruit, but a fair presence of sweet rum or whiskey soaked raisins; definite bite of vaporous alcohol and after a bit I really notice that vinegar aspect creeping into the taste as well. Again, if it wasn't for that, it would scored a tad higher.

Mouthfeel: Body is creamy and smooth, albeit a little slick and oily; no carbonation whatsoever, but this beer kind of pulls it off because of the big alcohol and warm, robust flavors (some mild carbonation would be nice though).

Drinkability: Well, it's a little low to be sure; the malt vinegar flavor and scents become a bit tiresome; the ABV is also definitely high, and I really wish there was some carbonation to liven the body up.