Belgian Dark Strong Ale
Bloomington Brewing Company

Clear and very dark brown with garnet highlights where the light gets through. Disappointingly small head, though--just a small, fleeting ring of bubbles. Given the ABV, I expected a wallop of alcohol in the nose, but it's hidden. Instead I find lightly roasted malts and some fruit esters. The taste is similarly not so bold, which would be fine were it more complex. The advertised candy sugar is there, yet the beer is by no means overly sweet. But other malt and yeast flavors wash together. The mouthfeel too lacks the richness one expects in this style. In terms of both flavor and mouthfeel, this reminds me of a Scotch ale, appropriate since it comes served in a tulip glass. This one is dangerously drinkable for such a strong brew, but more so than one expects in this style.