Capricho Oscuro - Batch 2
Cigar City Brewing

This one did not hold up well... Brown in color, small light brown foamy head that quickly dissipates. Way oxidized... a little sour. Not a no barrel left, very meh and way past it's prime.

12oz bottle #347 of 450 poured into a matching CCB snifter. Endless thank yous are owed to the very generous KickbacksSteve who gifted me with this rare gem 6+ years ago. (Yes, im really only opening it now.) The brew appears dark brown to black in color with lighter clarity around the edges. A dark khaki head rests atop and holds very well.

This smells of chocolate-like roast, espresso and some tangy bourbon alcohol component. Tangy in a strange whiskey sense like some are, not bacterial tang. It tastes roasty with espresso and dark chocolate bitterness, some oaky vanilla, caramel and whiskey-like tang like the nose suggests. Its tannic in the aftertaste with a leathery earthen feel.

This is medium in body with modest carbonation. An interesting and unusual brew with a bunch of unique flavors upon each sip.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Batch 2, 2009, bottle 298 of 450

Very dark appearance, not pitch black, but a nearly opaque brown with a quickly settling mocha head, with carbonation you can hear popping in the head.

Wow oh wow, this beer smells great. Up front there are notes of wine and hops. They are blended very nicely with a roasty and chocolatey malt profile. It smells complex and balanced.

Chocolate, coffee, wine. There is a slight booze flavor which is not unpleasant in the slightest. The slight tartness of the wine/grape flavor balances wonderfully with the malts. This is really special. The aftertaste has an authentic whiskey flavor, like you took a shot a couple hours ago.

The body is similar to a bcbs. It's thick but not heavy. The carbonation is small and course, but there isnt too much. There is just a hint of heat in the throat. It feels like it coats your tongue when sipping, but the carbonation keeps it refreshing.

Overall this beer is simply amazing. It has the complexity of a bcbs, but more balanced and refreshing, and with less heat. This is a must have.