Royal Moountie
Bolero Snort Brewery

Bolero Snort Brewery "Royal Moountie"
16.9 fl. oz. brown glass bottle with waxed cap but no production codes or freshness dating

Notes via stream of consciousness: Great packaging (although I hate the extra work in opening waxed caps). "IMPERIAL SMOKED BROWN ALE WITH COFFEE AGED IN MAPLE BARRELS". It's poured a very dark brown that's almost to the point of becoming black but not quite there. The head was dark as well, either a light brown or very dark tan - but it unfortunately dropped almost immediately. Given the strength (10.5%), and the fact that it's barrel aged I can understand that though. The aroma is amazing. The maple syrup is clearly there, and it's malty and caramelish. It smells like a rich and sugary dessert. Both the smoke and the coffee are there if you swirl it a bit; neither are overdone. I have to say I'm really impressed. The first thing that came to my mind was Samuel Adams Triple Bock but I probably shouldn't mention that as so many people seem to hate it. The flavor doesn't quite live up to the magnificent aroma, or at the very least, it doesn't mimic it. There's an acidity to it that cuts through it. I thought it would be quite malty, but it's not, or at least it doesn't come across that way because the acidity divides it and then cleans everything up in the finish. Maybe that's good because it might have otherwise been too sweet, but if that's the case then the aroma is misleading. It's fruity as well. So let me go through it and place what I'm finding: (start) maple, caramel, chocolate, (middle) acidity, apple and red berry fruitiness, coffee, (swallow) dark caramel that's almost like burnt sugar, some cherry, acidity, (finish) prune/dark raisin, subtle roastiness, moderate bitterness, mild oak flavor, oaky dryness, lingering notes here and there of cocoa, fudge, and golden caramel. The alcohol doesn't really show for the most part with just a flicker of it appearing at the end of the long-lingering finish. It's pretty complex but that acidity is still throwing off the balance for me, although as it warms it becomes more acceptable. In the mouth it's medium bodied and smooth with a moderate, fine-bubbled carbonation. It's mildly astringent, like grape skins against your teeth, which could be coming from the barrel aging. In the end I've enjoyed it, and I think it would make a great late night sipper before bed. I don't know what this cost as it was gifted to me but I'd consider buying more if the price was right.
Review #6,577