The Time Traveler
Gigantic Brewing Company

 

 

 

 

22oz bottle. Poured out an opaque, jet-black color with a small, caramel colored head. It smelled of caramel, toffee and roasted malt. Tasted of sweet caramel, roasted malt and chocolate with a bitter bite.

 

 

Poured from a bomber into a shaker pint, the beer is a dark brown-to-black coloring with chestnut highlights and a thick, dense, frothy, foamy, light tan head that slowly settles and clings to the glass as it retreats. Aromas of chocolate, both milk and bittersweet/baker's, with a touch of mocha coffee and some roasted notes. Great, inviting nose. Flavors are roast forward, with chocolate notes in the forefront, as well, providing a good, rich blend. Bittersweet carries throughout, with an earthy and roasty overtone. Light, slightly effervesced body keeps things crisp and refreshing, not allowing the richness to lull you into a hibernative state. The aftertaste is roasty and bittersweet chocolate, with a dry, clean finish. Solid brew, and with a lean towards the chocolate, which hits me right in my sweet tooth.

Lightly chilled 22 oz. bottle into a shaker pint. No visible bottling or best-by date.

Look- Clear deep brown with three fingers of toasted marshmallow head. Very nice lacing.

Smell- Very interesting, unique aroma. Reminds me of beech nuts and root beer. Very appealing. Dark nougat and rum balls.

Taste- On the first sip, I almost spit this out. Thankfully, I gave it a bit and it grew on me- I'd definitely let this one hit room temp or near before imbibing. Started with a harsh, ashy, metallic flavor that mellowed out as it fell flat and warmed up a bit. After a half hour or so, some nicer flavors emerge- dry dates, heavily toasted graham cracker, strong nuttiness. Light, crisp black tea bittering cleans it up at the end. Overall-decent.

Mouthfeel- Light-medium body, smooth, juicy feel with a roasty bite. Mild coating, Dry-ish finish, goes down easy once it warms a bit.

Overall- Not quite sure what to make of it- pretty off-putting to start with, but it grew on me. More good than bad, but I'd probably avoid it if I saw it again.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mondiale 2013. A very good porter. Black with almost no head, yet a lace trail. A tasty hoppy porter, nicely roasted, with good drinkability. Chocolate malt, caramel, and not overly sweet rather well balanced.Middling mouthfeel.One of my favourites over this fest.