Fra Til Via - Brandy Barrel-Aged
Mikkeller ApS

 

 

 

 

 

there just arent enough baltic porters in the world, and i love this project from mikkeller. the grand marnier one was a little sweet for me, the tannic properties of the brandy, and that slight fruitiness that isnt citrus, make this a more cohesive beer than that one, although both are excellent to say the least. the base beer is a classic for me, just spiced enough, subtle, and layered with dry cocoa notes and rich roasted barley, even hints of black coffee and bran muffins make their way into the smell and taste of this thing. the brandy adds a lot, that fruitiness without the acid is huge, so instead of chocolate covered orange, its like a chocolate dessert wine, dry though, which is key to the style in my opinion. rich and lathery in feel, lingers on the palate forever, i still burp this up the next morning, and its still pleasant. not sure how long it spent in the barrels, but the brandy is huge and the wood itself is less detectable. love it all the way through, cant taste the booze at all, and i think like the grand marnier one, this takes the beer to a whole new and wonderful destination... more please!

 

 

 

 

Its like a personalized little Christmas present from Mikkeller to your tastebuds- a little of what you wanted but a little of a surprise comes this toasty, roasty and bold taste that's laced with fruity, vinous wine and acute acidity.

Opening with the robust darkness of stout the beer carries an embellished head of swirling latte froth above its deep and opaque austere. Its swirling action emits strong wine and spirit aromas along with espresso char and earthy dark woods.

But when that first drop hits the tongue, all hell breaks loose as its lavish and robust sweetness explodes on the palate. Dark, deviant and slightly hellish, its aggressive coffee, bitter chocolate and boozy tartness latches onto the tongue and is stubborn to release. Instead, it seeps deeper and deeper with sweetened char, boozy spice and rum-soaked grape, cherry and plum. All given a decadent and powerful fruit, coffee and chocolate influence, the beer is interruptive with tang and brandy.

Spicy, fruity and full-bodied, its prickling heat is peppery, bitter and acidic. Its powerful flavors finish with a quick exit and powdery campfire char on the throat, leaving remnants of chocolate, brandy-soaked fruit, and coffee to fend for themselves deep in aftertaste.