Cherry Adam From The Wood
Hair Of The Dog Brewing Company / Brewery And Tasting Room
Beer Geek Stats:
| Print Shelf Talker
- Style:
- Old Ale
Ranked #4 - ABV:
- 13.5%
- Score:
- 96
Ranked #568 - Avg:
- 4.36 | pDev: 10.09%
- Reviews:
- 286
- Ratings:
- From:
- Hair Of The Dog Brewing Company / Brewery And Tasting Room
- Oregon, United States
- Avail:
- Rotating/Seasonal
- Wants
- 884
- Gots
- 174
SCORE
96
World-Class
96
World-Class
Notes:
Cherry Adam from the Wood is aged with locally grown black cherries in Bourbon and Sherry casks for 15 months.
First release - November 2008
Second release - November 2009
Third release - March 2011
Fourth release - November 2012
First release - November 2008
Second release - November 2009
Third release - March 2011
Fourth release - November 2012
Reviews: 286
| Ratings: 883
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Bouleboubier from New Jersey
3.76/5 rDev -13.8%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
(12 oz bottle, 2018 vintage, 13.5% abv; sampled on 19 Sep 2020, shared w/ my brother, who purchased this off shelf at Shangy's... split between two Victory Golden Monkey glasses, poured by my brother... review copied from written notes taken in AHA Tasting Journal)
(head) no lasting head, minimal collar; (refresh pour) foam med-dark, mocha brown... (appearance) chestnut-brown liquid, mild (chill?) haze... (aroma) leather, dark cocoa; slight ethanol; cakey baked-ness... (initial) slightly-smoky, roasted grain, washed out by dry(ness), dried fruit, malt nectar... (second) maybe a subtle cherry liqueur in the center; mostly a subdued version of Adam's bold (nuanced, dynamic) roast; soft choco-caramel note... (finish) smoke lingers; mildly doppelbock(-like), complex, caramelly film lingering; mellow medicinal alcohol... (notes) deceptively smooth; arguably too dry; but the earthy hops and almost dark-rum-like malts show well enough... (my own extra notes on its feel) subtly silky body, but perhaps too ghostly in texture; cut w/ booze, dry... compared to the Maja, the pour on this was more careful; still, I'd prefer to try a bottle procured in the Portland area (1692)
Sep 22, 2020
3.76/5 rDev -13.8%
look: 3.25 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 3.75
(12 oz bottle, 2018 vintage, 13.5% abv; sampled on 19 Sep 2020, shared w/ my brother, who purchased this off shelf at Shangy's... split between two Victory Golden Monkey glasses, poured by my brother... review copied from written notes taken in AHA Tasting Journal)
(head) no lasting head, minimal collar; (refresh pour) foam med-dark, mocha brown... (appearance) chestnut-brown liquid, mild (chill?) haze... (aroma) leather, dark cocoa; slight ethanol; cakey baked-ness... (initial) slightly-smoky, roasted grain, washed out by dry(ness), dried fruit, malt nectar... (second) maybe a subtle cherry liqueur in the center; mostly a subdued version of Adam's bold (nuanced, dynamic) roast; soft choco-caramel note... (finish) smoke lingers; mildly doppelbock(-like), complex, caramelly film lingering; mellow medicinal alcohol... (notes) deceptively smooth; arguably too dry; but the earthy hops and almost dark-rum-like malts show well enough... (my own extra notes on its feel) subtly silky body, but perhaps too ghostly in texture; cut w/ booze, dry... compared to the Maja, the pour on this was more careful; still, I'd prefer to try a bottle procured in the Portland area (1692)
Sep 22, 2020
patre_tim from Thailand
4/5 rDev -8.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Dark brown and slightly hazy with no visible carbonation, and a finger of beige head. There’s a slightly amber tinge.
It smells of cherry, black licorice, Carmel, Oakwood, brown sugar and dates.
The taste follows the nose.
Moderate carbonation.
I got this in Portland Oregon and I’m drinking it in Redding California February 17, 2020. This is the 2018 version.
Feb 23, 2020
4/5 rDev -8.3%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
Dark brown and slightly hazy with no visible carbonation, and a finger of beige head. There’s a slightly amber tinge.
It smells of cherry, black licorice, Carmel, Oakwood, brown sugar and dates.
The taste follows the nose.
Moderate carbonation.
I got this in Portland Oregon and I’m drinking it in Redding California February 17, 2020. This is the 2018 version.
Feb 23, 2020
ajm5108 from Pennsylvania
4.45/5 rDev +2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Pours a deep mahogany, very little head, slight fizz. Aroma is wet bourbon oak, some mild caramel malt biscuit, no real cherry notes. Black cherry juice upfront, lots of caramelt malt / toffee flavor to follow up, backend has drier oak tannin / leather and dashes of bourbon. Just a little cherry pit on the back as well. Marries different tones & flavors well, interesting without being gimmicky but lots of depth to explore.
Feb 23, 2020
4.45/5 rDev +2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Pours a deep mahogany, very little head, slight fizz. Aroma is wet bourbon oak, some mild caramel malt biscuit, no real cherry notes. Black cherry juice upfront, lots of caramelt malt / toffee flavor to follow up, backend has drier oak tannin / leather and dashes of bourbon. Just a little cherry pit on the back as well. Marries different tones & flavors well, interesting without being gimmicky but lots of depth to explore.
Feb 23, 2020
cjgiant from District of Columbia
4.45/5 rDev +2.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Bottle of 2019:
Comes from the bottle like a dark black cherry soda, but nears black in the bowl of the glass. A deep ruby brown I’ll go with, with a matching red shading to the tan head. Each top of my glass leaves a sheet on the other side, but as a sipping beer, I don’t take enough liquid to avoid the body from reclaiming each bubble.
Nose is a tad deeper than regular Matt, even ignoring the specific additions that enhance the overall experience. Leather, tobacco, vanilla, cherry, and a bit of burnt toast char. Regular Matt is more earthy, while this has a variety of scents to wrap around.
In taste, where regular Matt has a toffee note with its earthy, peaty notes, this Adam has a bit more acidity and fruity notes from the cherry. A little bit of that cherry cola up front, with a bit of the peat sneaking through. Barrel joins the cherry, but the fruit itself remains the star. A little leather note in the end comes after the moderately prickly carbonation subsides.
Adam is transformed to a fairly different beast with the cherries. Different but equally enjoyable.
Dec 27, 2019
4.45/5 rDev +2.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.5
Bottle of 2019:
Comes from the bottle like a dark black cherry soda, but nears black in the bowl of the glass. A deep ruby brown I’ll go with, with a matching red shading to the tan head. Each top of my glass leaves a sheet on the other side, but as a sipping beer, I don’t take enough liquid to avoid the body from reclaiming each bubble.
Nose is a tad deeper than regular Matt, even ignoring the specific additions that enhance the overall experience. Leather, tobacco, vanilla, cherry, and a bit of burnt toast char. Regular Matt is more earthy, while this has a variety of scents to wrap around.
In taste, where regular Matt has a toffee note with its earthy, peaty notes, this Adam has a bit more acidity and fruity notes from the cherry. A little bit of that cherry cola up front, with a bit of the peat sneaking through. Barrel joins the cherry, but the fruit itself remains the star. A little leather note in the end comes after the moderately prickly carbonation subsides.
Adam is transformed to a fairly different beast with the cherries. Different but equally enjoyable.
Dec 27, 2019
LiquidAmber from Washington
4.09/5 rDev -6.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
2019 vintage (I couldn't wait). Poured into a Fremont small snifter. Pours a very dark reddish mahogany brown, nearly opaque in the glass with a thin, fizzy head that dissipates quickly, but with a thick ring around the glass and light lacing. Aroma of lightly toasted and biscuit malt, cherry, light cardboard oxidation, bourbon mild dates and raisins. Flavor is biscuit malt, cherry, raisins, bourbon, hints of cocoa and oaky vanilla, oxidation and sherry notes in the finish. Medium bodied with sharp carbonation. As I popped this open, I wondered whether I should hold it for a year (regular Adam is quite nice with a year or two on it). While retrieving the glass, the bottle started to slowly bubble over with quite fizzy action and was a bit fizzy in the glass with active carbonation. I'm now glad I drank this right away; this amount of carbonation rarely turns out well with time, in my experience. And right now, it is exactly what I'd expect from the name, a cherry and bourbon barrel forward version of Adam, although the malt takes second fiddle to the brighter fruit flavors. There is a lot going on, with English barleywine style dark fruit, strong cherry, good oaky bourbon notes. I like this quite a bit, but old ales are one of my favorite styles and the malt here is completely subsumed into the cherry and barrel character. The old ale malt is detectable and actually does a decent job of supporting the brighter flavors, but I do miss the biscuity old ale malt of the base beer. I've been wanting to try this Adam variant for a very long time and glad I had the opportunity. The depth of flavor covers the ABV quite nicely. I'm on the fence, but I think I prefer this slightly over-carbonated HOTD than the sometimes still variations that often happen. Interesting and flavorful, as expected.
Jun 11, 2019
4.09/5 rDev -6.2%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4
2019 vintage (I couldn't wait). Poured into a Fremont small snifter. Pours a very dark reddish mahogany brown, nearly opaque in the glass with a thin, fizzy head that dissipates quickly, but with a thick ring around the glass and light lacing. Aroma of lightly toasted and biscuit malt, cherry, light cardboard oxidation, bourbon mild dates and raisins. Flavor is biscuit malt, cherry, raisins, bourbon, hints of cocoa and oaky vanilla, oxidation and sherry notes in the finish. Medium bodied with sharp carbonation. As I popped this open, I wondered whether I should hold it for a year (regular Adam is quite nice with a year or two on it). While retrieving the glass, the bottle started to slowly bubble over with quite fizzy action and was a bit fizzy in the glass with active carbonation. I'm now glad I drank this right away; this amount of carbonation rarely turns out well with time, in my experience. And right now, it is exactly what I'd expect from the name, a cherry and bourbon barrel forward version of Adam, although the malt takes second fiddle to the brighter fruit flavors. There is a lot going on, with English barleywine style dark fruit, strong cherry, good oaky bourbon notes. I like this quite a bit, but old ales are one of my favorite styles and the malt here is completely subsumed into the cherry and barrel character. The old ale malt is detectable and actually does a decent job of supporting the brighter flavors, but I do miss the biscuity old ale malt of the base beer. I've been wanting to try this Adam variant for a very long time and glad I had the opportunity. The depth of flavor covers the ABV quite nicely. I'm on the fence, but I think I prefer this slightly over-carbonated HOTD than the sometimes still variations that often happen. Interesting and flavorful, as expected.
Jun 11, 2019
Ozzylizard from Pennsylvania
3.91/5 rDev -10.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
$ 21.19 (including tax) for one 12 oz bottle ($ 1.77/oz) from Shangy’s, Emmaus, PA. Reviewed 4/27/19.
“YEAR 2018 MADE” on front label. Stored at 42 degrees and served at 55 degrees in a hand washed and dried Jester King snifter. Final temperature 58 degrees F.
Appearance – 4.
Body – Jet black and opaque, constant weak effervescence.
Head – Small (Maximum one cm, aggressive center pour), brown, low density and fizzy, gone within five seconds of completion of pour.
Lacing – None.
First pour – Dark brown, nearly clear.
Aroma – 3 – Weak “dark fruit”.
Flavor – 4.25 - Begins tart with raisins and weak tawny port, some subdued oakiness. No ethanol (13.5 % ABV) taste, no hops, no dimethylsulfide, no diacetyl.
Palate – 4 – Medium, oily, lively carbonation.
Impression and interpretation – 4.25 - Despite the lack of head and lacing, appearance of this black, seemingly viscous, pool of liquid is captivating. The aroma is mild – I must put my nose on the rim and really horn it in order to detect the “dark fruit”, although, at the 58-degree end, the odor intensifies – oh the difference a couple of degrees make! After the first slow swallow, napalm hits my stomach. Subsequent bombs are not even noticed: nothing is left to burn. The absence of cherry is disappointing – cherry is one of my favorite flavors – but this is still an excellent brew. I’m glad I finally found a bottle, but at the cost/oz I won’t be buying a second.
Apr 27, 2019
3.91/5 rDev -10.3%
look: 4 | smell: 3 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
$ 21.19 (including tax) for one 12 oz bottle ($ 1.77/oz) from Shangy’s, Emmaus, PA. Reviewed 4/27/19.
“YEAR 2018 MADE” on front label. Stored at 42 degrees and served at 55 degrees in a hand washed and dried Jester King snifter. Final temperature 58 degrees F.
Appearance – 4.
Body – Jet black and opaque, constant weak effervescence.
Head – Small (Maximum one cm, aggressive center pour), brown, low density and fizzy, gone within five seconds of completion of pour.
Lacing – None.
First pour – Dark brown, nearly clear.
Aroma – 3 – Weak “dark fruit”.
Flavor – 4.25 - Begins tart with raisins and weak tawny port, some subdued oakiness. No ethanol (13.5 % ABV) taste, no hops, no dimethylsulfide, no diacetyl.
Palate – 4 – Medium, oily, lively carbonation.
Impression and interpretation – 4.25 - Despite the lack of head and lacing, appearance of this black, seemingly viscous, pool of liquid is captivating. The aroma is mild – I must put my nose on the rim and really horn it in order to detect the “dark fruit”, although, at the 58-degree end, the odor intensifies – oh the difference a couple of degrees make! After the first slow swallow, napalm hits my stomach. Subsequent bombs are not even noticed: nothing is left to burn. The absence of cherry is disappointing – cherry is one of my favorite flavors – but this is still an excellent brew. I’m glad I finally found a bottle, but at the cost/oz I won’t be buying a second.
Apr 27, 2019
Lingenbrau from Oregon
4.75/5 rDev +8.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
2009 edition. A ten year old bottle on a random Friday night....
The pitch black mass with the faintest suggestion of deep, dark, beet red cherry juice was exactly what I had imagined from this elusive edition of good ol' Adam. The magnificent stillness, equally predictable and in the most odd of ways, exciting.
Oxidized? Yes, but still glorious. All the quintessential Adam traits... leather, stone fruits, tobacco, molasses, booze. Then the faint oak and still obvious cherry influence is simply mouthwatering.
With one sip, I wish I hadn't opened it. It's too magnificent to enjoy on such a mediocre night. But maybe that's the point. Every night is worth celebrating. Flavor overload, yet so simple to describe. Smoked figs wrapped in sopping, juicy tobacco leaves. Charred oak and brown sugar, worn leather, and finally, the literal cherry reduction drizzled on top.
The still, smooth, and rich body is exactly what this beer needs. Simplicity once again goes against the grain, and is still masterfully appropriate. No distractions. Just a smooth, booze, syrupy, sweet and smokey mass, undisturbed by bubbles and balance.
Sometimes, you just need to have something special. Sometimes, for no apparent reason at all. This bottle scared the shit out of me. I knew what to expect, and absolutely had no idea what to expect at the same time. Ten years later, this bottle still managed to blow me away.
Cheers.
Mar 16, 2019
4.75/5 rDev +8.9%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
2009 edition. A ten year old bottle on a random Friday night....
The pitch black mass with the faintest suggestion of deep, dark, beet red cherry juice was exactly what I had imagined from this elusive edition of good ol' Adam. The magnificent stillness, equally predictable and in the most odd of ways, exciting.
Oxidized? Yes, but still glorious. All the quintessential Adam traits... leather, stone fruits, tobacco, molasses, booze. Then the faint oak and still obvious cherry influence is simply mouthwatering.
With one sip, I wish I hadn't opened it. It's too magnificent to enjoy on such a mediocre night. But maybe that's the point. Every night is worth celebrating. Flavor overload, yet so simple to describe. Smoked figs wrapped in sopping, juicy tobacco leaves. Charred oak and brown sugar, worn leather, and finally, the literal cherry reduction drizzled on top.
The still, smooth, and rich body is exactly what this beer needs. Simplicity once again goes against the grain, and is still masterfully appropriate. No distractions. Just a smooth, booze, syrupy, sweet and smokey mass, undisturbed by bubbles and balance.
Sometimes, you just need to have something special. Sometimes, for no apparent reason at all. This bottle scared the shit out of me. I knew what to expect, and absolutely had no idea what to expect at the same time. Ten years later, this bottle still managed to blow me away.
Cheers.
Mar 16, 2019
johnnyboy76 from Oregon
3.12/5 rDev -28.4%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Opened a 2014 in 2019. Totally flat. Way disappointing. Soy sauce. Unfortunately a drain pour. Really bummed. Would probably be ok with carbonation, but this is undrinkable
Feb 03, 2019
3.12/5 rDev -28.4%
look: 3 | smell: 3.5 | taste: 3 | feel: 3 | overall: 3
Opened a 2014 in 2019. Totally flat. Way disappointing. Soy sauce. Unfortunately a drain pour. Really bummed. Would probably be ok with carbonation, but this is undrinkable
Feb 03, 2019
emyers from Illinois
4.46/5 rDev +2.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
2015 vintage. From 12 oz bottle at Hair of the Dog taproom.
Pours ruby-hued dark brown, very little head
Nose: balance between bourbon and cherry dominates with subtle hints of dark chocolate and smoke.
Taste: Cherry up front along with bourbon, oak, and some roasted malt. Finish is pretty sweet with more cherry and bourbon.
Feel: extremely low carbonation which works well for the flavor profile. Full-bodied.
Aug 04, 2018
4.46/5 rDev +2.3%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
2015 vintage. From 12 oz bottle at Hair of the Dog taproom.
Pours ruby-hued dark brown, very little head
Nose: balance between bourbon and cherry dominates with subtle hints of dark chocolate and smoke.
Taste: Cherry up front along with bourbon, oak, and some roasted malt. Finish is pretty sweet with more cherry and bourbon.
Feel: extremely low carbonation which works well for the flavor profile. Full-bodied.
Aug 04, 2018
wmartin from North Carolina
4.72/5 rDev +8.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Now this is a dessert sipper! Very sweet, and high ABV. You better have it for dessert because a 12 oz. bottle of this will send you straight to bed with a smile on your face.
Have a 2018 12 oz. bottle. Bottle says it should be ageable, as all of their beers, but I have found cherry flavors to seem to fade quickly after bottling. Cherry flavor still comes through nicely, but I wouldn't save any for later for fear of cherry fade. If it did fade, you might still have a nice back-bone of a beer. Back-bone of beer is more like a dark fruity quad than an old ale, with cherry, wood, and malt flavors balanced and forward.
Very flavorful and excellent. High ABV gives it a nice dreaminess. Worth the premium price and wish I had more.
Apr 19, 2018
4.72/5 rDev +8.3%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.75
Now this is a dessert sipper! Very sweet, and high ABV. You better have it for dessert because a 12 oz. bottle of this will send you straight to bed with a smile on your face.
Have a 2018 12 oz. bottle. Bottle says it should be ageable, as all of their beers, but I have found cherry flavors to seem to fade quickly after bottling. Cherry flavor still comes through nicely, but I wouldn't save any for later for fear of cherry fade. If it did fade, you might still have a nice back-bone of a beer. Back-bone of beer is more like a dark fruity quad than an old ale, with cherry, wood, and malt flavors balanced and forward.
Very flavorful and excellent. High ABV gives it a nice dreaminess. Worth the premium price and wish I had more.
Apr 19, 2018
stevoj from Idaho
4.43/5 rDev +1.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Bottle share. Dark, flat pour. Big boozy aroma. Taste comes in big, cherries, malty, sweet. Doesn’t taste boozy, but sneaks up on you. Near perfect. 2012 sampled.
Feb 23, 2018
4.43/5 rDev +1.6%
look: 4.25 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Bottle share. Dark, flat pour. Big boozy aroma. Taste comes in big, cherries, malty, sweet. Doesn’t taste boozy, but sneaks up on you. Near perfect. 2012 sampled.
Feb 23, 2018
Blackop555 from Michigan
4.38/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Pours brown. Bubbly non existent head.
Smells dark fruit, Caramel malt, cherry, bourbon and vanilla.
Tastes sweet cherry, vanilla, light roasted malt, dark fruit, bourbon, oaky and hints of bourbon. Finish is semi sweet with a malty linger. Full body and soft low carbonation.
Sep 08, 2017
4.38/5 rDev +0.5%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.25
Pours brown. Bubbly non existent head.
Smells dark fruit, Caramel malt, cherry, bourbon and vanilla.
Tastes sweet cherry, vanilla, light roasted malt, dark fruit, bourbon, oaky and hints of bourbon. Finish is semi sweet with a malty linger. Full body and soft low carbonation.
Sep 08, 2017
Beersnake1 from California
4.53/5 rDev +3.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
2017 vintage poured from fridge temp. Zero carbonation. Very dark brown with no transparency. Nose is incredible. Cherries, vanilla, bourbon, and dark chocolate. Some smoke or burnt notes. Taste is out of this world. Dark chocolate and cherries, licorice, vanilla. Sweet, but a tad bitter on the aftertaste. Absolutely incredible beer with a crazy thick mouthfeel.
Jun 17, 2017
4.53/5 rDev +3.9%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
2017 vintage poured from fridge temp. Zero carbonation. Very dark brown with no transparency. Nose is incredible. Cherries, vanilla, bourbon, and dark chocolate. Some smoke or burnt notes. Taste is out of this world. Dark chocolate and cherries, licorice, vanilla. Sweet, but a tad bitter on the aftertaste. Absolutely incredible beer with a crazy thick mouthfeel.
Jun 17, 2017
Treyliff from West Virginia
4.7/5 rDev +7.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.75
2015 vintage
12oz bottle poured into a snifter
A- pours a deep brown color with a deep ruby hue around the edges, no head at all
S- opens with earthy leather and spicy tobacco, quickly followed by strong aromas of fig, brandy soaked raisins, caramel, molasses, wet oak, vanilla, a bit nutty. There's a consistent undertone of dark cherry & chocolate, so complex
T- opens up with sweet caramel & toffee notes, quickly followed by a slight cherry tartness. Notes of earthy tobacco follow, along with fig & raisin, spicy wet oak & brandy. As it nears the finish, flavors of molasses, vanilla, cocoa, even some port-like elements. The finish is sweet, with dark fruits and black cherry on the linger. The cherry flavor mingles effortlessly throughout, adding just enough tartness to cut through the sweetness of the malt, delicious
M- in classic HotD style, no carbonation at all, mouthfeel is silky and slightly viscous and hides the abv well
O- Adam FtW is an outstanding beer on it's own, but the cherry addition seems to compliment it perfectly, This is one that I'm taking my time on because I don't want it to end
Apr 02, 2017
4.7/5 rDev +7.8%
look: 3.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 5 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.75
2015 vintage
12oz bottle poured into a snifter
A- pours a deep brown color with a deep ruby hue around the edges, no head at all
S- opens with earthy leather and spicy tobacco, quickly followed by strong aromas of fig, brandy soaked raisins, caramel, molasses, wet oak, vanilla, a bit nutty. There's a consistent undertone of dark cherry & chocolate, so complex
T- opens up with sweet caramel & toffee notes, quickly followed by a slight cherry tartness. Notes of earthy tobacco follow, along with fig & raisin, spicy wet oak & brandy. As it nears the finish, flavors of molasses, vanilla, cocoa, even some port-like elements. The finish is sweet, with dark fruits and black cherry on the linger. The cherry flavor mingles effortlessly throughout, adding just enough tartness to cut through the sweetness of the malt, delicious
M- in classic HotD style, no carbonation at all, mouthfeel is silky and slightly viscous and hides the abv well
O- Adam FtW is an outstanding beer on it's own, but the cherry addition seems to compliment it perfectly, This is one that I'm taking my time on because I don't want it to end
Apr 02, 2017
Hop_God from California
4.47/5 rDev +2.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
2009 vintage consumed 11/26/16
A: deep espresso to black. Deep ruby tints. No head at all. Platinum Tiny bubbles lace around like a string of pearls.
S: booze. Oak. Dark fruits. Candied cherries. Bourbon. Brown sugar.
T: bourbon. Oak barrel. Cherries. Maraschino cherry syrup. Brown sugar. Dates. So much black cherry.
F: thick like motor oil. Full coate on the palate. Boozy on the younger. Finished smooth and soft like a fine cognac.
O: outstanding. 7 years of age On it and glorious.
Nov 27, 2016
4.47/5 rDev +2.5%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
2009 vintage consumed 11/26/16
A: deep espresso to black. Deep ruby tints. No head at all. Platinum Tiny bubbles lace around like a string of pearls.
S: booze. Oak. Dark fruits. Candied cherries. Bourbon. Brown sugar.
T: bourbon. Oak barrel. Cherries. Maraschino cherry syrup. Brown sugar. Dates. So much black cherry.
F: thick like motor oil. Full coate on the palate. Boozy on the younger. Finished smooth and soft like a fine cognac.
O: outstanding. 7 years of age On it and glorious.
Nov 27, 2016
cherche from Washington
4.53/5 rDev +3.9%
look: 3 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
looks like cola. not appealing at all...but then you smell it, whoa...cherries, oak, smoke, bourbon, simple syrup...taste in line, very nice. dessert beer for sure. feel is thick, mouth coating full. little syrupy but with a 12 oz format and cherry, bourbon, and sherry i am good with that. overall very nice. wouldnt pay the price i paid for 12 oz again but glad
Oct 23, 2016
4.53/5 rDev +3.9%
look: 3 | smell: 5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
looks like cola. not appealing at all...but then you smell it, whoa...cherries, oak, smoke, bourbon, simple syrup...taste in line, very nice. dessert beer for sure. feel is thick, mouth coating full. little syrupy but with a 12 oz format and cherry, bourbon, and sherry i am good with that. overall very nice. wouldnt pay the price i paid for 12 oz again but glad
Oct 23, 2016
Rimbimhoot from Illinois
4.45/5 rDev +2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
2014 bottle
A: Very dark brown, still, no head
S: Bourbon, vanilla, brown sugar, molasses, dark cherry, sweet dark chocolate, brownie batter, chocolate rum cake
T: Bourbon, molasses, maple, dark cherry, dark chocolate, vanilla, fudge, dark fruit, caramel, fig, dates
M: Flat, medium-heavy, hidden alcohol
O: This is reminiscent of bourbon county. The barrel blends perfectly and the aging has hidden the alcohol and not added any noticeable oxidation. Tons of flavors going on here although I wish there was just a hint of carbonation
Sep 12, 2016
4.45/5 rDev +2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.25 | overall: 4.5
2014 bottle
A: Very dark brown, still, no head
S: Bourbon, vanilla, brown sugar, molasses, dark cherry, sweet dark chocolate, brownie batter, chocolate rum cake
T: Bourbon, molasses, maple, dark cherry, dark chocolate, vanilla, fudge, dark fruit, caramel, fig, dates
M: Flat, medium-heavy, hidden alcohol
O: This is reminiscent of bourbon county. The barrel blends perfectly and the aging has hidden the alcohol and not added any noticeable oxidation. Tons of flavors going on here although I wish there was just a hint of carbonation
Sep 12, 2016
Ciocanelu from Romania
4.45/5 rDev +2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
Murky brown color with a reddish hue, no head. Aroma is really intense with dark fruits, caramel, brandy, toffee and fudge. Taste follows with cherries, plums, figs, toffee and oak. Heavy, flat body. Really complex overall, lots of dark fruits and toffee. A bit of carbonation would do wonders though.
Mar 17, 2016
4.45/5 rDev +2.1%
look: 4 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 3.75 | overall: 4.25
Murky brown color with a reddish hue, no head. Aroma is really intense with dark fruits, caramel, brandy, toffee and fudge. Taste follows with cherries, plums, figs, toffee and oak. Heavy, flat body. Really complex overall, lots of dark fruits and toffee. A bit of carbonation would do wonders though.
Mar 17, 2016
AnotherBrick00 from California
4.6/5 rDev +5.5%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
Really an incredible beer. Almost like Dark Lord with cherries. Not quite as thick, but an amazing nose and solid palate. Dark bourbon and molasses cherries. Luckily I got three. Don't care what everyone says about aging beers being a joke. Obviously not for everyone, but then again, most people drink wine far too young too!
Mar 02, 2016
4.6/5 rDev +5.5%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.75 | overall: 4.5
Really an incredible beer. Almost like Dark Lord with cherries. Not quite as thick, but an amazing nose and solid palate. Dark bourbon and molasses cherries. Luckily I got three. Don't care what everyone says about aging beers being a joke. Obviously not for everyone, but then again, most people drink wine far too young too!
Mar 02, 2016
_RL_ from Maryland
4.54/5 rDev +4.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Pours dark with a tinge of red around the top. No carbonation (as stated on the bottle). Smells faintly of nuts and cherries, but nothing overpowering at all. Very close to the smell of a good wine. The taste is outstanding - rich cherries with sweetness and some oak lending savory flavors. A friend of mine mistook the oak for chocolate at first. The feel is somewhat thick but not too syrupy as can be a problem with some old ales. Overall, a great, decadent beer. If I get another bottle, I would drink it by a fire during cold weather or with a good steak.
Dec 01, 2015
4.54/5 rDev +4.1%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Pours dark with a tinge of red around the top. No carbonation (as stated on the bottle). Smells faintly of nuts and cherries, but nothing overpowering at all. Very close to the smell of a good wine. The taste is outstanding - rich cherries with sweetness and some oak lending savory flavors. A friend of mine mistook the oak for chocolate at first. The feel is somewhat thick but not too syrupy as can be a problem with some old ales. Overall, a great, decadent beer. If I get another bottle, I would drink it by a fire during cold weather or with a good steak.
Dec 01, 2015
Marius from Netherlands
4.56/5 rDev +4.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Dark brown pour, almost black. No head or lacing or any type of carbonation visible, no matter how vigorously you pour. The smell is complex and beautiful: roasted walnuts, chestnuts, tons of cocoa, macerated cherries, maple syrup, sherry, bourbon barrel, vanilla and oak, figs. The taste - amazing. A boatload of cherries up front, figs, walnuts, sherry and vanilla oak, bourbon, and underneath it all a nice, hot spiciness. Smooth and creamy texture, but not the kind that chokes, with a warm and cherry-intense aftertaste.
Nov 05, 2015
4.56/5 rDev +4.6%
look: 4.5 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.5 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.5
Dark brown pour, almost black. No head or lacing or any type of carbonation visible, no matter how vigorously you pour. The smell is complex and beautiful: roasted walnuts, chestnuts, tons of cocoa, macerated cherries, maple syrup, sherry, bourbon barrel, vanilla and oak, figs. The taste - amazing. A boatload of cherries up front, figs, walnuts, sherry and vanilla oak, bourbon, and underneath it all a nice, hot spiciness. Smooth and creamy texture, but not the kind that chokes, with a warm and cherry-intense aftertaste.
Nov 05, 2015
floridadrift from Florida
4.73/5 rDev +8.5%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
Absolutely delicious, a beautiful beer.
Murky red
Barely any carbonation, just enough to say it's beer and sherry.
Sweet chocolate cherries and sherry.
Creamy and almost thick
Something I have never had before, really nice all around.
Oct 12, 2015
4.73/5 rDev +8.5%
look: 4.75 | smell: 4.75 | taste: 4.75 | feel: 4.5 | overall: 4.75
Absolutely delicious, a beautiful beer.
Murky red
Barely any carbonation, just enough to say it's beer and sherry.
Sweet chocolate cherries and sherry.
Creamy and almost thick
Something I have never had before, really nice all around.
Oct 12, 2015
zeledonia from Washington
3.8/5 rDev -12.8%
look: 2 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.75
Tasted 14 August 2015.
Pours a nice opaque deep reddish brown, mahogany. A lot of floaties and bits despite a delicate pour. Looks oily on the surface. No head at all, as it’s completely uncarbonated.
Smell is fantastic. Rich cherry, slightly tart. Strong sweet bourbon and vanilla notes. And solid, rich, sweet malts to support all that other stuff. Super rich, super sweet, and packed with variety. Some leather and tobacco. A light herbal bite.
Taste is strong, rich cherry. But it loses a lot of the complexity and delicacy of the smell. It has a bite, from the alcohol clearly, but more than I’d expect. It’s like pulling two elements from the smell, blasting me with them, and the subtlety is lost.
Feel is a downer. I know the bottle says it’s flat, but that only gives warning, and doesn’t make improve the experience. It’s heavy and chewy. To be honest, it could be totally awful, and it’s not.
A really nice beer despite being totally uncarbonated. Smell is spectacular, taste is really good. It’s just got some pieces missing.
Sep 13, 2015
3.8/5 rDev -12.8%
look: 2 | smell: 4.5 | taste: 4 | feel: 2.5 | overall: 3.75
Tasted 14 August 2015.
Pours a nice opaque deep reddish brown, mahogany. A lot of floaties and bits despite a delicate pour. Looks oily on the surface. No head at all, as it’s completely uncarbonated.
Smell is fantastic. Rich cherry, slightly tart. Strong sweet bourbon and vanilla notes. And solid, rich, sweet malts to support all that other stuff. Super rich, super sweet, and packed with variety. Some leather and tobacco. A light herbal bite.
Taste is strong, rich cherry. But it loses a lot of the complexity and delicacy of the smell. It has a bite, from the alcohol clearly, but more than I’d expect. It’s like pulling two elements from the smell, blasting me with them, and the subtlety is lost.
Feel is a downer. I know the bottle says it’s flat, but that only gives warning, and doesn’t make improve the experience. It’s heavy and chewy. To be honest, it could be totally awful, and it’s not.
A really nice beer despite being totally uncarbonated. Smell is spectacular, taste is really good. It’s just got some pieces missing.
Sep 13, 2015
wordemupg from Canada (AB)
4.21/5 rDev -3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
355ml bottle poured into mini cognac tulip 12/9/15
A looks dark brown but has a maroon glow when held to the light, not much for head or lace but its a timy pour
S lots of tobacco, some burnt wood, leather, sherry, oak, faint bourbon, a little cherry, lots of leather, smells interesting
T its an old ale alright, a little oxidation but it works, cherries come out a little stronger, heaps of tobacco, a little bourbon, not fr from the nose I suppose
M has some weight, low carbonation, a little tannin like grit, woody finish
O had a fair bit working for it but I'm not sure I'd let it age any further, might've peaked already
Thanks Matt for this one, I can't think of anything similar I've had recently and would love to try a fresh bottle
Sep 13, 2015
4.21/5 rDev -3.4%
look: 4 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
355ml bottle poured into mini cognac tulip 12/9/15
A looks dark brown but has a maroon glow when held to the light, not much for head or lace but its a timy pour
S lots of tobacco, some burnt wood, leather, sherry, oak, faint bourbon, a little cherry, lots of leather, smells interesting
T its an old ale alright, a little oxidation but it works, cherries come out a little stronger, heaps of tobacco, a little bourbon, not fr from the nose I suppose
M has some weight, low carbonation, a little tannin like grit, woody finish
O had a fair bit working for it but I'm not sure I'd let it age any further, might've peaked already
Thanks Matt for this one, I can't think of anything similar I've had recently and would love to try a fresh bottle
Sep 13, 2015
KevinL from Michigan
4.2/5 rDev -3.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
A: Dark, dark brown with some reddish hues on the periphery. Limited lacing around the edges. Almost reminds me of mulled wine, in a way.
S: Smells of dark fruit, woodiness. Smoke. Red wine. Leathery.
T: Quite good. As I get used to it, I'm enjoying it more and more. Flavor is largely in line with the aroma. Absolutely no hint of the massive ABV.
M: Very smooth, almost no carbonation to speak of. In line with many other brews from HotD.
O: Really good. Glad I have another bottle to let age. Can't wait to see what this turns into.
Aug 18, 2015
4.2/5 rDev -3.7%
look: 3.75 | smell: 4.25 | taste: 4.25 | feel: 4 | overall: 4.25
A: Dark, dark brown with some reddish hues on the periphery. Limited lacing around the edges. Almost reminds me of mulled wine, in a way.
S: Smells of dark fruit, woodiness. Smoke. Red wine. Leathery.
T: Quite good. As I get used to it, I'm enjoying it more and more. Flavor is largely in line with the aroma. Absolutely no hint of the massive ABV.
M: Very smooth, almost no carbonation to speak of. In line with many other brews from HotD.
O: Really good. Glad I have another bottle to let age. Can't wait to see what this turns into.
Aug 18, 2015
Cherry Adam From The Wood from Hair Of The Dog Brewing Company / Brewery And Tasting Room
Beer rating:
96 out of
100 with
883 ratings
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