Virginia Dark Ale
Feel The Rain Brothers Brew Co

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Appearance: pours black, some mahogany around the edges. a half finger or so of a tannish head with an extremely strong retention and a solid sticky lacing around the edges. completely opaque due to the depth of color. 4.5/5

Smell: slight roasted malt, hinting at espresso, strong pine and slight citrus hop. strong dark caramel sweetness. 4.25/5

Taste: opens with a strong sweet base. full of deep caramel, hinting at dark fruits, such as plums. roasted malts are low key in the taste with just a hint at espresso. backend becomes bitter with piney hops and hints of citrus. 4.25/5

Mouthfeel: light to medium body. some residual bitterness. 4/5

Overall: I have a hard time rating this one since I am not the biggest fan of the style, but I gotta say this is easily one of my favorites for a hoppy black ale. definitely not one to miss when trying three brothers or black ipas. great caramel sweetness hinting at the darker side that is just overbalanced by the piney almost sappy hops

 

 

 

 

A - Dark dark dark. Best I can tell, it's a quiet brew. Aggressive pour produces a half inch head. with terrific lacing.

S - some roasted smells. But otherwise, I pick up very little

T - Gentile malts up front, then a burst of roasted malt that disappears rapidly into a smooth finish. Some sweetness, almost as if there some finishing to be done to the fermenting. Almost a porter light.

M - some creaminess, above average carbonation

Not enough to get excited over. Needs more backbone and more finish. Nothing offending, but nothing amazing. middle of the road for whatever style this is

 

Poured from a bomber into a shaker pint, the beer is a dark, brownish-black coloring with a halo of off-white head. Nose of old-world fruits (plum and raisin), hints of booze, roasted notes, and subtle bitterness. Flavors are tangy and rich old-world fruit forward, with roasted and bitter undertones, subtle grapefruit highlights, chocolate notes, and roasted characteristics. Smooth and mid-bodied, with a citrus and bitter blended aftertaste, and a smooth, bitter, and dry finish. Tasty brew.