Dueling Pipers
Ale Industries

 

Pours readily with the nimblness of an adolescent ram into my clear apricot preserves jar. Noted haunting wisps of coconut and Gillilans soiled red shirt.
Tastes abound from South American cocoa leaves and pruvian anise notes coupled with the new rubber and fresh plastic of a bike shop. The mouth feel was reminiscent of vintage first base glove leather and aboriginal prayer beads. On the finish was a firm note of a misspent youth smothered in an alchohol induced yearning for my lost loves. Frankly this was one of the best beers I have ever had. I paid 6 bucks for one 12 oz bottle. ( something I thought I'd never do) it did what a great beer should do. It washed me in flavorful delights, and took me on a ride through sensory stimulating , thought provoking memories. From the first sip I was transformed, and it's strength was very enjoyable without being overpowering. I bought all they had. This is exactly what I look for in a beer. This is the apotheosis of why I drink beer.

 

 

I've been disappointed by most of the whiskey barrel aged beers I've ever had, with the exception of this one. Poured from a 12 oz bottle into a snifter glass. Very little carbonation, so very little head. Smell is big and boozy. Taste is very boozy and smooth, almost has a bit of a cola taste to it. I found this on a shelf at a local bottle shop, and seeing as how this is a "retired" beer, I suspect it may have been there a while. The bottle aging may have done it a great deal of good. I'll be heading over to the bottle shop to pick up the last of their stash very soon, so that I can enjoy this a few more times...

 

 

A: First off, the label is a thing of beauty. Deep dark opaque brown with a creamy mocha ring of head.

S: Rye barrel, malted rye, vanilla, oak, brown sugar, rum soaked raisins, molasses, citrus, peaches, lemon, citrus peel in the nose.

T: Oak, almost woody in the finish, brown sugar, molasses, vanilla, rye, rye whiskey, slightly tart lemon, some orange and citrus peel.

M: Full bodied, not smooth though.

O: A bit bitter, as the hops are present in the taste, more so than expected. Quite complex. I'm not sure what they were going for here, but it's delicious.

 

 

 

 

 

 

A - Cola with deep orange and ruby highlights. Thin film of light khaki head has low lance and ok retention.

S - Caramel, nutmeg, oats, pumpernickel, light ginger and leather hide, dark Belgian candied sugar.

T - Peppery rye, cognac, vanilla, oak, caramel, soft booze, raisin, plum. Nice complexity.

M - Little syrupy with a sharp boozy bite. Medium frame.

O - A solid strong ale.