Super Stronghold
Dragoon Brewing Co.

 

 

Poured a deep, dark brown, almost black, with reddish highlights when held to light and a thin cap of tan head. Overall impression of appearance is of a nice English Strong, deep and dark as it should be, with minimal head being a slight, but only slight, demerit. Scents of caramel, molasses, dark fruit with raisin and prune dominate and lesser notes of black cherry and dried cherry, notes of toffee and a moderate vinous character, a light smokiness from roast malt, light notes of chocolate and light warming alcohol. Overall impression of aroma is of an excellent malt-forward English Strong, with a wonderful balance of fruity esters. Quite nice. Flavor begins malty sweet with notes of caramel and dark fruit with raisins and dried cherries present, a light vinous quality, molasses and light chocolate flavors. Middle opens up further vinous flavors, along with cherry, light warming alcohol, light roast malt and caramel. Finish is sweet, with a vinous character, dried fruit especially cherries, sweet caramel and moderate warming alcohol and a light dark chocolate. Aftertaste is lightly dry with notes of light dark chocolate and warming alcohol. Overall impression of flavor is of an amazing English Strong Ale, one that is fantastically complex and amazingly layered. A true marvel. Mouthfeel is full bodied with light carbonation and a sticky initial feel that ends lightly chalky. Overall impression of mouthfeel is of a good strong ale, quite nice. Overall this is a fantastic English Strong Ale. It has an excellent and quite complex aroma and flavor, and a mouthfeel to compliment. An excellent example of the style. Dragoon does it again.