The Fino Countdown
Hilliard's Beer

 

I had this on-tap in a tulip at the brewery. This beer is described as an industrial porter aged in fino sherry casks.

Appearance: dark brown, nearly black with a thin layer of ivory foam which leaves a nice lace on the glass. Looks great.

Smell: super rich and fruity sherry aroma. It’s a little bit boozy, but for the most part quite good. The roastiness of the porter comes through and melds well with the big fruitiness. I love it.

Taste: perhaps a little less successful than the aroma, but still very good. The drier porter elements start the palate, followed by a light fruitiness, a bit of an alcohol bite, and finishing with a bit of oak. It’s a little muddled, but a treat nonethelesss.

Mouthfeel: medium body with a big carbonation and a good creaminess. Good stuff.

Overall: this beer is a little rough around the edges, but the aroma is great and the flavors are good, especially if you like sherry.