Year of the Dog (25th Anniversary Master Blend)
Big Dog's Draft House

Packaged in a wax-dipped bomber bottle that I bought at the drafthouse. Poured into a globe glass.

L - Darkest brown, almost black, color. Mahogany highlights when held up to the light. Some tan foam on pour, but no head once that quickly settled. A hint of tiny bubbles around the edge of the glass, but no real lacing.

S - Strong malt aromas of chocolate and coffee, but not burnt or roasted like a stout. Strong oak from the barrel aging, along with strong liquor notes (perhaps brandy?).

T - Strong malt flavors of bitter dark chocolate and espresso, mixed with oak. Later in the palate there is fruit, light sweetness and alcohol that give an impression like a chocolate-covered brandied cherry candy. Fairly dry finish is full of alcohol esters. No hops flavors. Nice depth of flavor.

F - Medium body. Almost imperceptible carbonation. Moderate hops bitterness and strong alcohol heat that hold the malt sweetness at bay.

O - This is a nice sipping beer with lots to ponder as the flavors unfold in your mouth. The only significant flaw for me is the lack of carbonation which leads to lack of head. I understand the beer was released in Oct 2018, but I'm surprised that the wax on the bottle didn't help it maintain the carbonation better.

(Note-Tasted again on 14 Jan 20 with better results in look and feel, reflected in the new rating.)