Hazel’s Nuts Chocolate
Odd Side Ales

I know there are few ratings so far (OK, one), but 80 is ridiculously low, especially as this is essentially an enhanced Hazel's Nuts (BA=96) with some additional chocolate (how is that a bad thing?). Rather than go into a long-winded, pompous explanation of the perceived subtleties (I used to be a beer judge, but I grow weary of those, so common on this forum), I'll just say that it's pretty much what I expected. I'm not going to say that I'm tired of BBAs (especially as I have far too many cellared), but yeah, this is yet another iteration of the much-exploited style. Let's get a bit more creative here (I'm looking at you, Founders, New Holland, et al)! That said, it's a fine pour that think will improve with age (a bit edgey in its "young" form--of course, that's assuming that it's on lees--I can't recall how the can rinsing went). Anyway (I'm already buzzed on a few sips--cheap date), it's obviously opaque (my 400 lumen headlamp failed to penetrate), and all of the obvious flavor components are heavy in the nose, following through to the aftertaste. Mouthfeel is satisfying, and this is obviously a snifter beer, to be nursed over more time than I'm devoting to it (next one, we're going for an hour or two). Bottom line: sort of Nutella with an ethanol kick. If that's your jam, tuck in!