Shut Up (2015 Release)
Center of the Universe Brewing Company

 

 

Headline reads: "Former baseball player uses money to start a brewery" Body the article reads "Middle class dads flock to the brewery in droves to seek refuge from the daily life of wives, children, suburbia, and middle age. This brewery is full of mini vans and dad jokes."

Oh, and kudos to COTU with this beer. I applaud you making a Belgian Strong ale while all the other brewies fight over Stout shelf space. And for a Belgian Strong, this is done well.

 

Poured from a bomber into a snifter, the beer is a deep, dark brown coloring, almost black, with a thin halo of head. Nose of rich and heavy fruit and booze, with heavy notes of cherry, date, fig, apple, and plum, with highlights of vanilla, bourbon, and woody notes. Amazingly layered and dynamic nose. Flavors are very rich and sweet forward, with a solid lead of molasses and caramel, followed by fruity highlights of date, fig, apple, cherry, and tart grape. Earthy overtones, with ribbons of rich bourbon and vanilla juxtaposed with tart and dry port notes. Wow, this is a beast! Smooth and robust, with a dry, tart, wine-like finish. The aftertaste is just as dynamic, with layers of rich old world fruits, bourbon, and booze, and wine-like characteristics. Amazingly complex and equally as tasty.