Axiom
Valiant Brewing Co.

 

Growler poured into a tulip glass

A: Pours a deep mahogany color with a cinnamon colored head, head did not last long, no lacing, decent amount of carbonation, could look better if it had some head retention.

A: Belgian yeast, raisin, figs, brown sugar, caramel, good aroma, but it is very subtle.

T: Belgian yeast, toasted sugar and caramel, raisins, figs, plums, very smooth and balanced, finish is more dark fruits and sugar, barely any alcohol presence, very deceiving.

M: Medium bodied, could use some more carbonation, seem-dry finish.

O: Very solid, packed with flavor, depth, complexity but I would like the aroma and taste to be brighter, have more punch, very subtle but the subtlety makes for a very drinkable beer with a high ABV, a well made beer.

 

Appearance: Very dark red (which is only noticeable when looking at light through it). Has this off-white head that quickly turns into swirling lace.

Smell: Burnt sugar, raisins, Belgian yeast.

Taste: Sweet up front, with fairly strong yeast flavors - spice, peanuts, bread. Plenty of caramel or molasses flavor. Gets a little more bitter and less sweet, black cherries. A little bit of booze at the end. Aftertaste is like faint caramel or brown sugar.

Mouthfeel: Pretty thick with not too much carbonation.

Overall: Good Belgian strong dark ale. Then again, I’ve never had a beer in this style that I didn’t like. It’s a little sweeter than I like, but it doesn't clash with the other flavors.

This pours a deep copper color with minimal head and lacing. It has a good degree of carbonation present. The smell is very mild but reminiscent of ginger bread. The taste is balanced yet full, offering a sort of warm sweetness, reminding me of caramel and brandy. It has a rich creamy characteristic but leaves a pleasantly dry aftertaste. It carries a killer 10.5 ABV but isn't remotely overpowering. Although I had this in mid-July, this seems like a wonderful "in front of the fireplace" choice. Very nice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Solid brew. Not my style of preference

 

 

 

 

 

 

Poured into a Gulden Draak tulip. Pours a dark bronze amber with a thin khaki head with light lacing. Aroma of caramel, raisins, figs, plums, light clove, a hint of alcohol. Flavor follows, with sweet caramel and dark malt, mixed dry and fresh dark fruit, light clove; finishes with a moderate clove bitterness. Medium bodied. A quite nice domestic take on a BSDA with great balance of fruite flavors and light spicing. The ABV is well covered. The finish is somewhat subdued after the start and aroma, but overall well done.