Sleigh'r Dark Doüble Alt Ale
Ninkasi Brewing Company
Beer Geek Stats:
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- Style:
- German Altbier
Ranked #42 - ABV:
- 7.2%
- Score:
- 85
Ranked #26,693 - Avg:
- 3.78 | pDev: 12.17%
- Reviews:
- 181
- Ratings:
- From:
- Ninkasi Brewing Company
- Oregon, United States
- Avail:
- Winter
- Wants
- 37
- Gots
- 107
SCORE
85
Very Good
85
Very Good
Notes:
Called 'Dark Double Alt' on the label.
Seize the season with Sleigh'r. Layers of deeply toasted malt are balanced by just enough hop bitterness to make it deceivingly drinkable. Paired with a dry finish, Sleigh’r is anything but your typical winter brew.
An Alt ferments with Ale yeast at colder lagering temperatures. This effect gives Alts a more refined, crisp lager-like flavor than traditional ales. The Alt has been “Ninkasified” raising the ABV and IBUs. Sleigh'r has a deep, toasted malt flavor that finishes dry and balanced.
50 IBU
Seize the season with Sleigh'r. Layers of deeply toasted malt are balanced by just enough hop bitterness to make it deceivingly drinkable. Paired with a dry finish, Sleigh’r is anything but your typical winter brew.
An Alt ferments with Ale yeast at colder lagering temperatures. This effect gives Alts a more refined, crisp lager-like flavor than traditional ales. The Alt has been “Ninkasified” raising the ABV and IBUs. Sleigh'r has a deep, toasted malt flavor that finishes dry and balanced.
50 IBU
Reviews: 181
| Ratings: 613
4.25/5 rDev +12.4%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
I usually don't like dark winter ales. They are typically too bread-like and sweet for me. The Sleigh'r however is a wonderful hybrid between a winter ale, and an IPA. The bitterness from the hops gives a nice kick when it first hits your tongue. There is also all of the normal winter ale flavors that come through, the deep roasted malts, the spices, and the lingering sweetness.
This is by far my favorite winter ale. Originally picked up a 22oz bottle and drank straight from that, it was a good at that point, but not amazing. I decided to grab a sixer of it and tried it from a glass, and let me tell you, letting this beer breathe and expand does it wonders, would highly recommend drinking it from a glass rather than the bottle.
Picture of it in a glass and the bottle. https://imgur.com/a/G2xMY2F
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.25
I usually don't like dark winter ales. They are typically too bread-like and sweet for me. The Sleigh'r however is a wonderful hybrid between a winter ale, and an IPA. The bitterness from the hops gives a nice kick when it first hits your tongue. There is also all of the normal winter ale flavors that come through, the deep roasted malts, the spices, and the lingering sweetness.
This is by far my favorite winter ale. Originally picked up a 22oz bottle and drank straight from that, it was a good at that point, but not amazing. I decided to grab a sixer of it and tried it from a glass, and let me tell you, letting this beer breathe and expand does it wonders, would highly recommend drinking it from a glass rather than the bottle.
Picture of it in a glass and the bottle. https://imgur.com/a/G2xMY2F
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3.75/5 rDev -0.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Dark brown with a ruby tinge, no carbonation, and a half finger of off-white head.
It smells of toasted malts, red licorice, slightly sweet.
At first, the taste is the same as the nose.
Then, there is a hoppy quality, that is dull and bitter. Also the flavours of a winter ale with all of the spiciness comes through.
Medium body, with a medium carbonation.
I got this in Medford Oregon today. Drinking in Redding, December 9, 2018.
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look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Dark brown with a ruby tinge, no carbonation, and a half finger of off-white head.
It smells of toasted malts, red licorice, slightly sweet.
At first, the taste is the same as the nose.
Then, there is a hoppy quality, that is dull and bitter. Also the flavours of a winter ale with all of the spiciness comes through.
Medium body, with a medium carbonation.
I got this in Medford Oregon today. Drinking in Redding, December 9, 2018.
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3/5 rDev -20.6%
look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
[Original rating 2016-12-22] Bottle. Pours clear dark brown with a thin tan head. Aroma of roasted malt, caramel, pine, alcohol. Taste of sweet caramel, dark malt, candied cherries, a little alcohol in the finish. The label doesn’t say ’Dark Double Alt’ but after seeing the name here I think that is an accurate description. A good winter beer with no spices or crap like that.
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look: 3 | smell: 3 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
[Original rating 2016-12-22] Bottle. Pours clear dark brown with a thin tan head. Aroma of roasted malt, caramel, pine, alcohol. Taste of sweet caramel, dark malt, candied cherries, a little alcohol in the finish. The label doesn’t say ’Dark Double Alt’ but after seeing the name here I think that is an accurate description. A good winter beer with no spices or crap like that.
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3.67/5 rDev -2.9%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
This definitely tastes more like a spicy winter warmer than an altbier.
Thin and crisp, mildly bitter and slightly roasty along with seasonal spice.
The finish is dry and a bit peppery.
Not bad if you like winter seasonals.
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look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
This definitely tastes more like a spicy winter warmer than an altbier.
Thin and crisp, mildly bitter and slightly roasty along with seasonal spice.
The finish is dry and a bit peppery.
Not bad if you like winter seasonals.
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3.74/5 rDev -1.1%
look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Reviewed from notes. Consumed 11/16/13. The appearance is a fairly dark copper/brown colored body with a somewhat thin less than a finger’s worth of head that dies practically within thirty seconds and leaves a decent amount of sticky lacing that eventually slides into the body. The smell has a somewhat rich dark malty nuttiness, there seems to be some spice that I can’t really tell what it is, just a sort of spiciness The taste is a mostly malty sweet, the spice from the aroma comes back to balance it a bit, an "altbier-like" malty aftertaste, somewhat dry finish. The palate is about a medium, somewhat sessionable, carbonation is good for the style and for me as its just not harsh or smooth, just right on. Overall, good altbier for the most part, that I think I would come back to.
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look: 3.5 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Reviewed from notes. Consumed 11/16/13. The appearance is a fairly dark copper/brown colored body with a somewhat thin less than a finger’s worth of head that dies practically within thirty seconds and leaves a decent amount of sticky lacing that eventually slides into the body. The smell has a somewhat rich dark malty nuttiness, there seems to be some spice that I can’t really tell what it is, just a sort of spiciness The taste is a mostly malty sweet, the spice from the aroma comes back to balance it a bit, an "altbier-like" malty aftertaste, somewhat dry finish. The palate is about a medium, somewhat sessionable, carbonation is good for the style and for me as its just not harsh or smooth, just right on. Overall, good altbier for the most part, that I think I would come back to.
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1.46/5 rDev -61.4%
look: 3 | smell: 1.25 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 1.75 | overall: 1
This is strange. This bottle is labeled as a winter ale, yet the description here says it is an Altbier. Did the recipe change since it was added, like the Hoss rye lager turned "Octoberfest" from Great Divide Brewing Company? They completely ruined that beer after that original was altered. Anyways, back to this beer.
With a nice magohany color, it’s…as weird as the way it’s spelled. It has the deep caramels and biscuits, but it’s too hoppy to taste anything else in this beer, like the worse version of the Claymore scotch ale from the Great Divide Brewing Company. It’s also a little too carbonated for the style. Overall, this is a very disappointing offering. I highly recommend the Back Home Gingerbread Stout from Golden Road Brewing Company. Other recommended beers for the wintertime is the Coconut Molasses Brown Ale from Duck Foot Brewing Company and the Salted Caramel Brownie Brown Ale from New Belgium Brewing.
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look: 3 | smell: 1.25 | taste: 1.5 | feel: 1.75 | overall: 1
This is strange. This bottle is labeled as a winter ale, yet the description here says it is an Altbier. Did the recipe change since it was added, like the Hoss rye lager turned "Octoberfest" from Great Divide Brewing Company? They completely ruined that beer after that original was altered. Anyways, back to this beer.
With a nice magohany color, it’s…as weird as the way it’s spelled. It has the deep caramels and biscuits, but it’s too hoppy to taste anything else in this beer, like the worse version of the Claymore scotch ale from the Great Divide Brewing Company. It’s also a little too carbonated for the style. Overall, this is a very disappointing offering. I highly recommend the Back Home Gingerbread Stout from Golden Road Brewing Company. Other recommended beers for the wintertime is the Coconut Molasses Brown Ale from Duck Foot Brewing Company and the Salted Caramel Brownie Brown Ale from New Belgium Brewing.
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3.95/5 rDev +4.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
16oz pub glass
Pours dark, almost like a red ale, but thicker. Smells of malt and a hint of hopped bitterness. Tasted malt-driven, a little hoppy mid.. and light bitter back-bite. Smooth, light carbonation.
I bought a single of this beer, Feb 2016, but they were all gone when I went back to buy a sixer. I finally was able to get a sixer this past December and I'm glad I did. Pleasantly surprised at how this beer tasted overall.
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look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
16oz pub glass
Pours dark, almost like a red ale, but thicker. Smells of malt and a hint of hopped bitterness. Tasted malt-driven, a little hoppy mid.. and light bitter back-bite. Smooth, light carbonation.
I bought a single of this beer, Feb 2016, but they were all gone when I went back to buy a sixer. I finally was able to get a sixer this past December and I'm glad I did. Pleasantly surprised at how this beer tasted overall.
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4.35/5 rDev +15.1%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
-clear dark brown bottle pour, little discernible foam atop, but plenty of fizz within. Aroma includes allspice and toasted malt. This is a richly flavored brew. It has a deep malt base, but bright, sweet notes too, a touch of coffee and hop bitterness. I have enjoyed and shared this during the past two winters. I hope to find it again next season.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
-clear dark brown bottle pour, little discernible foam atop, but plenty of fizz within. Aroma includes allspice and toasted malt. This is a richly flavored brew. It has a deep malt base, but bright, sweet notes too, a touch of coffee and hop bitterness. I have enjoyed and shared this during the past two winters. I hope to find it again next season.
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3.98/5 rDev +5.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Pours a deep dark brown with an auburn hair when held to the light. Very clear and has a nice sticky off white head. Smells of caramel and Munich malt, with a touch of dark, toasted bread and spicy herbal hops. Taste is much the same with a nice roasty bite, and a hint of winter spices finish the painting. Feel is a tad bitter, but welcomed to cut the sweetness down just enough. Surprisingly smooth, medium carbonation. Overall, this beer is much better than I remember, and a great winter warmer. Liked the old term "Dark Double Alt Ale", but "Winter Ale" seems a bit more appropriate. Cheers!
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
Pours a deep dark brown with an auburn hair when held to the light. Very clear and has a nice sticky off white head. Smells of caramel and Munich malt, with a touch of dark, toasted bread and spicy herbal hops. Taste is much the same with a nice roasty bite, and a hint of winter spices finish the painting. Feel is a tad bitter, but welcomed to cut the sweetness down just enough. Surprisingly smooth, medium carbonation. Overall, this beer is much better than I remember, and a great winter warmer. Liked the old term "Dark Double Alt Ale", but "Winter Ale" seems a bit more appropriate. Cheers!
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3.75/5 rDev -0.8%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
i like the seasonal beers and holiday beers that dont necessarily pertain to the holidays in terms of flavor, or at least arent restricted by them. this is a great example of that, a big malty red ale that certainly works in a winter setting, but is quite a bit more versatile than something called a christmas beer, or even a winter warmer. lots of sturdy body to this, good carbonation and a hearty feel to it, creamy with the head, but pretty clean and drinkable for being such a malt forward brew. you dont see many of these stronger alt types, so its a nice change of pace too. its fairly sweet in the middle, with notes of brown bread, bran muffin or something, brown sugar, red apple, and raisin. by the end though its on the drier side, aided there by a little hop bitterness and some old world yeast strain that cleans it right up. almost refreshing in the right context for being a little bigger. this is one of the better seasonal releases for ninkasi i think, and a neat winter beer that has life before and well beyond christmas. somewhat of an oddball style, but they have brewed it well.
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look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
i like the seasonal beers and holiday beers that dont necessarily pertain to the holidays in terms of flavor, or at least arent restricted by them. this is a great example of that, a big malty red ale that certainly works in a winter setting, but is quite a bit more versatile than something called a christmas beer, or even a winter warmer. lots of sturdy body to this, good carbonation and a hearty feel to it, creamy with the head, but pretty clean and drinkable for being such a malt forward brew. you dont see many of these stronger alt types, so its a nice change of pace too. its fairly sweet in the middle, with notes of brown bread, bran muffin or something, brown sugar, red apple, and raisin. by the end though its on the drier side, aided there by a little hop bitterness and some old world yeast strain that cleans it right up. almost refreshing in the right context for being a little bigger. this is one of the better seasonal releases for ninkasi i think, and a neat winter beer that has life before and well beyond christmas. somewhat of an oddball style, but they have brewed it well.
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3.94/5 rDev +4.2%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Ninkasi Brewing 'Sleigh'r Winter Ale' @ 7.2% , served from a 650 ml bottle purchased for $6.80
A-pour is cola brown from the bottle to glass with a small beige head leaving a streaky lace along the pint
S-toasted malt
T-crisp & clean tasting dark alt beer with a slight hop bite
MF-ok carbonation , full bodied
Ov-ok/decent winter beer
prost LampertLand
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look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Ninkasi Brewing 'Sleigh'r Winter Ale' @ 7.2% , served from a 650 ml bottle purchased for $6.80
A-pour is cola brown from the bottle to glass with a small beige head leaving a streaky lace along the pint
S-toasted malt
T-crisp & clean tasting dark alt beer with a slight hop bite
MF-ok carbonation , full bodied
Ov-ok/decent winter beer
prost LampertLand
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4.32/5 rDev +14.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Was the 2016 brew of this beer, listed as a winter ale. Was great smell of Christmas if there is such a thing. Rich malty body but with a bit of a light mouth feel. Finish was simple and a little dry but not overly so. Would gladly drink again
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look: 4.25 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
Was the 2016 brew of this beer, listed as a winter ale. Was great smell of Christmas if there is such a thing. Rich malty body but with a bit of a light mouth feel. Finish was simple and a little dry but not overly so. Would gladly drink again
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3.81/5 rDev +0.8%
look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
22 oz. bottle -- Poured into a stange glass -
Interestingly, this year's version (2016) does not say "alt" on the label. Instead, it says "winter ale". But, in my opinion, it fits broadly into the altbier category (maybe a tad roastier/drier (more hoppy) in the finish.
Pours medium chestnut brown. A creamy lasting tan head leaves lacing.
The smell is malty - nutty/toffee (hint of roasted caramel) with roasted dried booze-soaked dark fruit.
The taste is malt-forward - sweet with a roasty touch. A subtle touch of hops give the finish an herbal/leafy dryness to balance the sweetness and the mild roast. Minty booze makes the abv seem a bit higher than it is. An odd aftertaste comes in late (almost medicinal in a minty way).
It is creamy and on the full side of medium-bodied (It straddles between medium and full bodied but leans slightly towards the former.)
An interesting malt-forward (but moderately balanced) winter brew. Sweet and slightly roasty with some dryness in the finish. As stated above, alcohol stands out.
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look: 4.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
22 oz. bottle -- Poured into a stange glass -
Interestingly, this year's version (2016) does not say "alt" on the label. Instead, it says "winter ale". But, in my opinion, it fits broadly into the altbier category (maybe a tad roastier/drier (more hoppy) in the finish.
Pours medium chestnut brown. A creamy lasting tan head leaves lacing.
The smell is malty - nutty/toffee (hint of roasted caramel) with roasted dried booze-soaked dark fruit.
The taste is malt-forward - sweet with a roasty touch. A subtle touch of hops give the finish an herbal/leafy dryness to balance the sweetness and the mild roast. Minty booze makes the abv seem a bit higher than it is. An odd aftertaste comes in late (almost medicinal in a minty way).
It is creamy and on the full side of medium-bodied (It straddles between medium and full bodied but leans slightly towards the former.)
An interesting malt-forward (but moderately balanced) winter brew. Sweet and slightly roasty with some dryness in the finish. As stated above, alcohol stands out.
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3.92/5 rDev +3.7%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
This is a nice Altbier and winter warmer. Don't have too much experience with the Altbier style to gauge this off, but has a good ABV for the style. It almost has a Black and Tan feel with that lager and dark ale mix. Get a lot of toasted maltiness, good balance of hops, a little chocolate. This is an absolute must if you ever see on nitro tap. Had at The Tanker in Portland years ago and it was outstanding. I always look forward to seeing this appear in the beer aisle. Ninkasi has some great offerings and their metal tributes on their beer labels is killer - AC/DC, Iron Maiden and of course SLAYER!
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look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4
This is a nice Altbier and winter warmer. Don't have too much experience with the Altbier style to gauge this off, but has a good ABV for the style. It almost has a Black and Tan feel with that lager and dark ale mix. Get a lot of toasted maltiness, good balance of hops, a little chocolate. This is an absolute must if you ever see on nitro tap. Had at The Tanker in Portland years ago and it was outstanding. I always look forward to seeing this appear in the beer aisle. Ninkasi has some great offerings and their metal tributes on their beer labels is killer - AC/DC, Iron Maiden and of course SLAYER!
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3.65/5 rDev -3.4%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Pours a hearty brown and deep red, even though we're dealing with darker colors, this one wasn't thick and cloudy, it was still showing some clarity. Aroma had a lot of winter spice rack, toffee, nuts, caramel, tobacco.
Taste was a malt driven experience, only a residual amount of sweetness. Smooth throughout. An alt, but it kind of drinks like a winter warmer meets cream ale meets alt.
I have a super old bottle of this just hanging out in the cellar. Should be interesting.
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look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
Pours a hearty brown and deep red, even though we're dealing with darker colors, this one wasn't thick and cloudy, it was still showing some clarity. Aroma had a lot of winter spice rack, toffee, nuts, caramel, tobacco.
Taste was a malt driven experience, only a residual amount of sweetness. Smooth throughout. An alt, but it kind of drinks like a winter warmer meets cream ale meets alt.
I have a super old bottle of this just hanging out in the cellar. Should be interesting.
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3.73/5 rDev -1.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
L: Pours a very dark brown with tinges of amber and a light tan head.
S: Rich, malty and nutty with toasted caramel, bread crusts, pine and dark fruits.
T: Malty, nutty and toasty with a good deal of grassy hop bitterness. Roasty and toffee-like, with a long toasty and bitter finish. The grassy, medicinal quality of the hops and the bitter roastiness comes across as a bit harsh.
F: A tad over medium-bodied, silky oily mouthfeel, understated carbonation, mild warmth.
Overall: Interesting aroma, but the bitterness really throws off the balance. This probably would have been a great and certainly more drinkable beer if the bitterness had been dialed back a bit to let the malty brown ale quality take over.
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look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 3.5 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
L: Pours a very dark brown with tinges of amber and a light tan head.
S: Rich, malty and nutty with toasted caramel, bread crusts, pine and dark fruits.
T: Malty, nutty and toasty with a good deal of grassy hop bitterness. Roasty and toffee-like, with a long toasty and bitter finish. The grassy, medicinal quality of the hops and the bitter roastiness comes across as a bit harsh.
F: A tad over medium-bodied, silky oily mouthfeel, understated carbonation, mild warmth.
Overall: Interesting aroma, but the bitterness really throws off the balance. This probably would have been a great and certainly more drinkable beer if the bitterness had been dialed back a bit to let the malty brown ale quality take over.
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3.79/5 rDev +0.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Nice deep color, with a thick creamy head.
Definitely on the sweeter side of things, with some spices comming through as they should.
Ninkasi continues to impress. Very drinkable.
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look: 4 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 4 | overall: 3.75
Nice deep color, with a thick creamy head.
Definitely on the sweeter side of things, with some spices comming through as they should.
Ninkasi continues to impress. Very drinkable.
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3.88/5 rDev +2.6%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Look - Dark ruby-amber color, small creamy head
Smell - Mild bourbon - Rye? Fresh pine
Taste - Semi-sweet caramel and mild spice - rye, pepper ? Fresh pine and coffee layer in
Feel - full bodied and creamy cuts to a piney, light roasted coffee
Overall - Well balanced malt and hop character. This is a nice winter beer
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look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Look - Dark ruby-amber color, small creamy head
Smell - Mild bourbon - Rye? Fresh pine
Taste - Semi-sweet caramel and mild spice - rye, pepper ? Fresh pine and coffee layer in
Feel - full bodied and creamy cuts to a piney, light roasted coffee
Overall - Well balanced malt and hop character. This is a nice winter beer
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3.08/5 rDev -18.5%
look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.75
12 oz bottle poured into a pub-style pint glass.
Appearance
Chestnut brown with ruby highlights. 1+ finger of creamy tan head with good retention. Good clarity with light carbonation.
Nose
Biscuit, brown sugar, caramel, and banana.
Taste
Toasted biscuit with additions of roasted barley and charcoal. Caramel with hints of brown sugar and banana.
Mouthfeel
Medium-plus bodied, silky, crisp, dry, and moderately bitter.
Overall
This has a bitter charcoal flavor that throws me off. Other than that, it's a tasty brew.
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look: 4 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 2.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 2.75
12 oz bottle poured into a pub-style pint glass.
Appearance
Chestnut brown with ruby highlights. 1+ finger of creamy tan head with good retention. Good clarity with light carbonation.
Nose
Biscuit, brown sugar, caramel, and banana.
Taste
Toasted biscuit with additions of roasted barley and charcoal. Caramel with hints of brown sugar and banana.
Mouthfeel
Medium-plus bodied, silky, crisp, dry, and moderately bitter.
Overall
This has a bitter charcoal flavor that throws me off. Other than that, it's a tasty brew.
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3.7/5 rDev -2.1%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Think Arrogant Bastard but less hoppy, slightly more sweet and a tad more viscous. Not quite the same level of complexity as Arrogant Bastard. However this is a very good beer and I plan to enjoy this again. Nice job Ninkasi!
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look: 3.25 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 3.75 | feel: 3.5 | overall: 3.75
Think Arrogant Bastard but less hoppy, slightly more sweet and a tad more viscous. Not quite the same level of complexity as Arrogant Bastard. However this is a very good beer and I plan to enjoy this again. Nice job Ninkasi!
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4.52/5 rDev +19.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
had this on tap in a pint glass
pours amber to brown with a thick tan head that lasted
smells boozy fruity and nutty reminded me of sam smiths winter welcome
taste nutty chocolate fruity and boozy
feel warming somewhat viscous
overall very enjoyable
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look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
had this on tap in a pint glass
pours amber to brown with a thick tan head that lasted
smells boozy fruity and nutty reminded me of sam smiths winter welcome
taste nutty chocolate fruity and boozy
feel warming somewhat viscous
overall very enjoyable
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4.03/5 rDev +6.6%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
22 oz bottle No bottling info
Pours a brown body that turns reddish and becomes a little clearer when held up to the light. Off white head has good lacing, fair retention.
Smell is malt forward with chocolate and a nutmeg type of spice.
Taste is a nice mellow malt.It doesn't go crazy. it's just there. A little chocolate that leads to an aftertaste that has a marzen-like crispness to it. I can't taste the 7.20 alcohol...
Nice full feel
This beer fits like a glove. Malt forward without being a malt bomb... Followed by a wonderful Marzen like crispness...Bravo !
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look: 3.75 | smell: 3.75 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
22 oz bottle No bottling info
Pours a brown body that turns reddish and becomes a little clearer when held up to the light. Off white head has good lacing, fair retention.
Smell is malt forward with chocolate and a nutmeg type of spice.
Taste is a nice mellow malt.It doesn't go crazy. it's just there. A little chocolate that leads to an aftertaste that has a marzen-like crispness to it. I can't taste the 7.20 alcohol...
Nice full feel
This beer fits like a glove. Malt forward without being a malt bomb... Followed by a wonderful Marzen like crispness...Bravo !
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4.02/5 rDev +6.3%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
650ml bomber poured into tulip 16/12/15
A dark brown with a maroon glow when held to the light, a dump down the middle puts out a finger of foam that sits around for just a few sips but somehow manages to leave lots of random lace
S nutty dark chocolate, hard toffee, raisins, dark bread, some hard to place spice, a malt bomb for sure
T just a hint of cold coffee on top of what I smell, all malt but I suppose that's the goal, intense flavor, simple, strong, and solid
M medium weight, soft carbonation, fine grit, dry finish with nutty chocolate
O didn't really know what to expect but I rather enjoyed this one, a nice break from all the hop bombs I've been putting in my face lately
I bought this one for the label but its working well with this chilly afternoon, well worth a try if your ion a malty mood
825 characters
look: 4.25 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
650ml bomber poured into tulip 16/12/15
A dark brown with a maroon glow when held to the light, a dump down the middle puts out a finger of foam that sits around for just a few sips but somehow manages to leave lots of random lace
S nutty dark chocolate, hard toffee, raisins, dark bread, some hard to place spice, a malt bomb for sure
T just a hint of cold coffee on top of what I smell, all malt but I suppose that's the goal, intense flavor, simple, strong, and solid
M medium weight, soft carbonation, fine grit, dry finish with nutty chocolate
O didn't really know what to expect but I rather enjoyed this one, a nice break from all the hop bombs I've been putting in my face lately
I bought this one for the label but its working well with this chilly afternoon, well worth a try if your ion a malty mood
825 characters
4.11/5 rDev +8.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
Ninkasi Brewing Co. "SLEIGH'R Dark Doüble Alt)
12 oz. brown glass bottle, no freshness dating
$1.99 @ Wegmans, Malvern, PA
You've got to hand it to Ninkasi, they've done a great job with the name and label on this beer. I just couldn't pass it up.
Now, it doesn't hurt that I'm a fan of Altbier, either, and that I've traveled to German, so I can honestly say that in my opinion they've nailed the style.
But what style? Well of course this is a "DOÜBLE" alt ale (I think we can forgive them for the false umlaut because "Sleigh'r" obviously references heavy metal, and they're just joking with it), and the obvious connections would be Zum Uerige's Sticke Alt and Doppelsticke, or even Schumacher's Latzenbier (although not nearly as strong), but what I'm getting at is that the malt and yeast character are correct. You could go back and forth all day doing comparisons and trying to place it, but why bother? It's an alt, and a strong one at that.
It's a very dark mahogany in color, mainly clear, and it displays a short head of tan. The aroma offers notes of plum and other not-so-drescript dark fruits over an almost-burnt sugar-like maltiness (German examples tend to display more noble hops). It's medium bodied and smooth with a fine-bubbled, slightly restrained carbonation (German examples seem to be fuller and a bit more carbonated, even "vom fass"). It's fairly well-hopped at 50 IBUs, with a surprising balance between bitterness and nutty, toasty, and darkly caramelish malts, and notes of roasted, but not acrid, malt also help to balance it. What hops are present in the flavor appear grassy and herbal, and perhaps even spicy (although that might be the 7.2% ABV talking!).
It's really nicely pulled together. Balancing an alt this perfectly can be a challenge, but they've done it, and kept it remarkably drinkable even at 7.2%. Worth trying!
1,871 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
Ninkasi Brewing Co. "SLEIGH'R Dark Doüble Alt)
12 oz. brown glass bottle, no freshness dating
$1.99 @ Wegmans, Malvern, PA
You've got to hand it to Ninkasi, they've done a great job with the name and label on this beer. I just couldn't pass it up.
Now, it doesn't hurt that I'm a fan of Altbier, either, and that I've traveled to German, so I can honestly say that in my opinion they've nailed the style.
But what style? Well of course this is a "DOÜBLE" alt ale (I think we can forgive them for the false umlaut because "Sleigh'r" obviously references heavy metal, and they're just joking with it), and the obvious connections would be Zum Uerige's Sticke Alt and Doppelsticke, or even Schumacher's Latzenbier (although not nearly as strong), but what I'm getting at is that the malt and yeast character are correct. You could go back and forth all day doing comparisons and trying to place it, but why bother? It's an alt, and a strong one at that.
It's a very dark mahogany in color, mainly clear, and it displays a short head of tan. The aroma offers notes of plum and other not-so-drescript dark fruits over an almost-burnt sugar-like maltiness (German examples tend to display more noble hops). It's medium bodied and smooth with a fine-bubbled, slightly restrained carbonation (German examples seem to be fuller and a bit more carbonated, even "vom fass"). It's fairly well-hopped at 50 IBUs, with a surprising balance between bitterness and nutty, toasty, and darkly caramelish malts, and notes of roasted, but not acrid, malt also help to balance it. What hops are present in the flavor appear grassy and herbal, and perhaps even spicy (although that might be the 7.2% ABV talking!).
It's really nicely pulled together. Balancing an alt this perfectly can be a challenge, but they've done it, and kept it remarkably drinkable even at 7.2%. Worth trying!
1,871 characters
3.39/5 rDev -10.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
From Bottle 12 Oz, poured on a wine glass with diner
Appearance: Color: dark amber clear, minimal head
Taste: Minimal follow through
Smell: Aroma: malty smell with slight wood aroma
Overall:
192 characters
look: 3.75 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3.25 | feel: 3.25 | overall: 3.5
From Bottle 12 Oz, poured on a wine glass with diner
Appearance: Color: dark amber clear, minimal head
Taste: Minimal follow through
Smell: Aroma: malty smell with slight wood aroma
Overall:
192 characters
Sleigh'r Dark Doüble Alt Ale from Ninkasi Brewing Company
Beer rating:
85 out of
100 with
613 ratings
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