The Magma
Trinity Brewing Company

 

Totally giving into "beer" pressure, the brewers at Trinity definitely have that "hell, I'll try it." attitude as they embark upon a special release imperial sour stout. There's some things you just can't make up.

The Magma pours a very dark garnet, nearly black, faintly hazed and topped with a delicate lace of creme. A strong twinge of balsamic, cider and toast align on the nose, bringing nuances of coffee and chocolate with a roasted nuttiness that leads to a light candy sweetness of cherry and chocolate.

As the sturdy ale develops over the middle palate, its sweetness turns decisively sour with those vinegar, cider and robust barrel complexities offering a red wine, sherry and soy complement. Toasty, but somewhat stale, the flavors of cola, cocoa and coffee grounds pull from the darkness and round the tastebuds with a sense of chocolate covered cherries. Grilled dark fruits of blackcurrant, cherry, cranberry and blueberry come along with a balsamic sourness and the tannic bite of plum skins.

Peppery, lightly smoky and firmly charred, the medium full beer has a lighter demeanor because of the thinning power of acidity, dry woodsy bite and elevated alcohol. A hint of acetone extends from fruit flavors just as the ale leaves a trail of spent coffee and flat cola on the aftertaste; but in a good way.