Skull Annihilator
Swashbuckler Brewing Company

 

The two greatest accolades of this beautiful little sledgehammer is its flavor and drinkability. These two lend for a dangerously alcoholic experience.

The pour was brownish-red with a moderately sized head. It was quite fizzy and persistent and lingered through out the glass.

The aroma was malty and sweet; there was a definite sugary-honey smell with only a hint of hops bitterness.

The flavor is sweet, alcoholic, aromatic. In true bock tradition there is a syrupy quality that manages to not be cloying. There is a substance of grains and almost liquor like alcohol beneath the maltiness.

It goes down very easily; the mouthfeel is thin but silky.

Skull Annihilator lives up to its name as a hard hitting yet approachable ale.

Brewer Mark Braunwirth was telling me that this was a limited production beer that was experiencing high demand. I certainly hope that he makes it again. It arrived with a solid finger of deep-tan head with very good retention. Nose had a definite alcohol quality, not fusel, but simply present. Color was a slightly cloudy chocolate-brown. One sip and I was sold. It was exceptionally smooth with a nutty, malty sweetness that simply slid down my throat so quickly that I began to lose track of what I was doing. The finish had a maple syrup sweetness that was mind-blowing. OK, time to put down the pipe.

Growler obtained via Growling at the Moon from mikereaser. Thanks for the opportunity.

Poured into an imperial pint glass, formed a 1/4" tan head over the clear reddish copper brew. Head is promptly down to a swirly layer of small bubbles, with slow-falling lace. Aroma is caramel with alcohol notes. Taste consists of rich sweetness from beginning to end, with some warmth at the close. Mouthfeel is very smooth, and drinkability is excellent. This one will keep you coming back.

On tap at the PA Renaissance Faire.
Appears a dark brown with a red hue when held to the light. The large, off-white head fades into a mild, 1/4" head. Tons of lace is sprayed all over the glass.
Smell is malty, grainy, with hints of caramel, cocoa, and a touch of vanilla.
Taste is of the mentioned aromas. Perhaps a bit of a blandness that could be a bit better but not bad.
Mouthfeel is slightly unrefined but balanced for the most part with brown sugar and hop bitterness. Medium bodied with fine CO2 levels and a creaminess that comes out as it warms.
This one actually gets better as it warms with mild traces of bananas and nut flavors that arise.